On packing day, our professional packing crew will arrive at the scheduled time and introduce themselves before beginning work. Your assigned packing supervisor will walk through your home with you to confirm the items to be shipped, answer any last-minute questions, and explain the packing process.

As part of our full-service international moving service, our crew will professionally pack your belongings using export-quality packing materials suitable for international transportation. Each carton and item will be recorded on a detailed packing inventory prepared by our packing supervisor. This inventory forms part of your shipping documentation and helps identify every item throughout the relocation process.

Depending on the size and layout of your home, our crew may work across several rooms simultaneously rather than completing one room at a time. This allows the team to work more efficiently while ensuring every item receives the appropriate level of protection.

Once everything has been packed, your shipment will be carefully loaded into the moving vehicle or shipping container in preparation for export.

Vanpac Pro Tip: Before our crew arrives, keep your passports, travel documents, jewellery, medications, chargers, and any items you intend to carry on your flight in a separate room or clearly labelled area so they are not packed by mistake.

The time required depends on the size of your home, the volume of your shipment, access to the property, the destination country, and the complexity of the items being packed.

As a general guide:

By home size

• Studio apartment or 1-bedroom apartment: Approximately half a day.
• 2 to 3-bedroom apartment: Approximately 1 to 2 days.
• 4-bedroom home or larger: Approximately 2 days or more.

By shipment size

• 20-foot shipping container: Approximately 1 to 2 days.
• 40-foot shipping container: Approximately 2 to 3 days.
• 40-foot High Cube shipping container: Approximately 3 to 4 days.

These are general estimates only. Every home is different, and packing requirements can vary depending on the destination country, customs requirements, access conditions, and whether specialist packing or custom crating is required.

Your relocation coordinator will provide a more accurate packing schedule based on your specific move.

Yes. We recommend that you or an authorised representative be present throughout the packing process.

Being available allows you to answer any questions from the packing supervisor, identify any items that should not be packed, and confirm any last-minute changes before loading begins.

Before the moving vehicle departs, our packing supervisor will review the packing inventory with you and obtain your acknowledgement that the shipment has been packed and loaded.

If you are unable to attend, please arrange for someone familiar with your shipment to act on your behalf.

Protecting your home is an important part of every move.

Where required, our crew will use protective materials such as floor coverings, door protectors, stair protection, lift padding, and furniture blankets to minimise the risk of accidental damage while moving large or heavy items through your property.

Particular care is taken when moving bulky furniture through narrow hallways, staircases, lifts, and entranceways.

If your building management has specific moving requirements or protection measures, please let us know before packing day so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Every shipment is individually assessed by our packing supervisor to determine the most appropriate packing method for each item.

Fragile items such as glassware, artwork, mirrors, marble furniture, antiques, sculptures, televisions, and other delicate belongings are packed using specialist export-quality materials designed for international transportation.

Where additional protection is required, we may construct custom wooden crates for fragile, oversized, unusually shaped, or high-value items. However, not every fragile item requires crating. Our packing supervisor will recommend custom crating only where it provides meaningful additional protection during international transit.

This approach helps provide the right level of protection while avoiding unnecessary packing costs.

Although every reasonable precaution is taken, accidental damage can occasionally occur during a move.

If you notice any damage during packing or loading, please bring it to the attention of our packing supervisor immediately. The damage should be inspected, photographed, and documented before the crew leaves your residence.

Prompt documentation helps ensure the matter can be investigated quickly and, where applicable, supports any subsequent insurance claim.

Once packing has been completed, your shipment will be carefully loaded onto the moving vehicle or shipping container.

To maximise the available space while protecting your belongings, our experienced loading team carefully plans how every item is positioned. Larger and heavier items are generally loaded first to create a stable base, while lighter, more fragile and top-load items are placed above them to minimise movement and reduce the risk of damage during transportation.

This loading process is an important part of international moving, as a well-loaded shipment is better protected throughout its journey by road, sea or air.

Once loading is complete, your shipment will begin its journey to the port or airport for export processing. Your relocation coordinator will continue to keep you updated on the progress of your shipment and advise you on the next stages of your relocation.

Transit times vary depending on the origin, destination, shipping method, shipping schedules, customs processing, and local delivery arrangements.

As a general guide, including the overall transit from departure to delivery:

• Air freight: Approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
• Sea freight: Approximately 2 to 6 weeks.

Typical sea freight transit times by region include:

• Asia to Oceania: Approximately 3 to 5 weeks.
• Asia to Europe: Approximately 3 to 5 weeks.
• Asia to North America: Approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
• Asia to the Middle East: Approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
• Asia to South America: Approximately 5 to 7 weeks.

These are intended as general guidelines only. Every shipment is different, and actual transit times may vary depending on the origin, destination, shipping schedules, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.

Occasionally, unforeseen events such as port congestion, shipping service disruptions, customs strikes, adverse weather, geopolitical events, or global incidents such as the COVID-19 pandemic may result in longer transit times.

Your relocation coordinator will provide an estimated transit schedule based on your specific move and keep you updated throughout your relocation.

Yes. Your relocation coordinator will provide regular updates on the progress of your shipment from departure through to arrival.

Depending on the shipment and destination, updates may include export completion, vessel departure, estimated arrival, customs clearance status, and delivery arrangements.

If you require an update at any time, simply contact your relocation coordinator and we will be happy to assist.

While international moving schedules are generally reliable, several factors can influence the overall transit time.

These may include:

• Vessel sailing schedules.
• Transhipment between ports.
• Port congestion.
• Customs processing and inspections.
• Public holidays.
• Severe weather conditions.
• Airline or shipping line operational changes.

Many of these factors are outside the control of the moving company. Your relocation coordinator will keep you informed should any significant changes affect your shipment.

If there is an unexpected delay, your relocation coordinator will keep you informed and explain the reason for the revised schedule.

Delays can occasionally occur due to shipping line schedule changes, adverse weather, port congestion, customs processing, or other operational factors beyond the control of the moving company.

Our team will continue to monitor your shipment closely and work with our destination partners to minimise any disruption and keep you updated until delivery is completed.

Throughout your move, your Vanpac relocation coordinator remains your primary point of contact.

If you have any questions regarding your shipment, documentation, customs process, or estimated arrival, simply contact your coordinator. We will liaise with our destination partners on your behalf and provide you with the latest updates, allowing you to communicate with a single point of contact throughout your relocation.

Vanpac coordinates the customs clearance process together with our trusted destination partner.

Many of the documents required for customs clearance must be completed before your shipment is packed and exported. Preparing these documents early helps minimise delays when your shipment arrives at destination and reduces the risk of additional port storage, container detention, or demurrage charges.

For international destinations, customs clearance is managed by our experienced destination partner, who is familiar with the local import regulations and procedures. Your relocation coordinator will advise you on the documentation required and guide you through the process before your shipment departs.

The documents required vary from country to country.

Commonly requested documents may include:

• Passport copy.
• Visa or residence permit.
• Packing inventory.
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.
• Customs declaration forms.
• Proof of residence.
• Other destination-specific documents.

Your relocation coordinator will advise you well in advance on the documentation required for your destination to help minimise delays.

This depends on the destination country’s customs regulations.

Many countries allow customs clearance to be completed by your authorised destination partner using the required documentation. However, some countries require the owner of the goods to be physically present before customs clearance can be completed.

For example, countries such as Canada, China, India, and Saudi Arabia may require the shipment owner to be present or to satisfy specific identity or immigration requirements, depending on the shipment and residency status.

Your relocation coordinator will advise you of your destination country’s specific requirements well before your shipment arrives.

This depends entirely on the destination country’s import regulations and your residency status.

Many countries allow used household goods to be imported duty-free by eligible returning residents or new immigrants, provided certain conditions are met. Others may impose import duties, taxes, GST, VAT, or other government charges.

As these charges are imposed by government authorities, they are not included in your moving quotation unless specifically stated.

Your relocation coordinator will explain the general import requirements for your destination before your shipment departs.

Customs inspections are carried out by government authorities and are a normal part of international shipping.

Even professionally packed shipments may occasionally be selected for inspection. If this happens, customs officers may open selected cartons or crates to verify the contents before resealing them.

Inspection procedures vary from country to country. In some destinations, customs inspections are carried out without additional charges. In others, government inspection fees, examination charges, warehouse handling fees, or port charges may apply.

For example, customs inspections in Singapore are generally completed without additional inspection charges, whereas other countries may impose government or terminal charges if a shipment is selected for examination.

As customs inspections are random and conducted entirely at the discretion of the local customs authorities, any inspection-related charges are excluded from our quotation unless specifically stated.

Should your shipment be selected for inspection, your destination partner will coordinate the process and keep you informed throughout.

Once your shipment has arrived and customs clearance has been completed, our destination partner will contact you directly to arrange a mutually convenient delivery date and time.

As customs clearance timelines vary from country to country, delivery appointments are generally confirmed only after the shipment has been officially released by customs.

If you have preferred delivery dates, building restrictions, or specific delivery requirements, please let your destination partner know as early as possible.

Vanpac Pro Tip: Before your delivery day, ensure your new home is ready to receive your shipment. Utilities such as electricity should be connected where possible, and lift bookings or building access arrangements should be confirmed in advance to help avoid unnecessary delays.

For destinations outside Singapore, delivery is carried out by our carefully selected destination partners.

Vanpac works with an established global network of professional international movers, many of whom are fellow FIDI FAIM-certified companies. These partners follow internationally recognised moving standards and are experienced in handling household goods shipments from customs clearance through to final delivery.

Your destination partner will contact you directly to coordinate delivery arrangements and answer any destination-specific questions.

Our delivery crew will arrive at the scheduled time and first inspect the access to your property before unloading your shipment.

Before unloading begins, our delivery supervisor will normally walk through your home with you to confirm where larger furniture items should be placed. This helps avoid unnecessary repositioning of heavy furniture after it has been unloaded.

Items will then be carried into the appropriate rooms according to your instructions, and each item will be checked against the packing inventory as it is delivered to help verify that your shipment has been received in full.

If you notice any concerns during delivery, please inform the crew immediately so they can be documented before the delivery is completed.

Yes. Where unpacking services are included, our delivery crew will unpack your cartons, perform a one-time placement of your furniture according to your instructions, and remove the used packing materials for disposal or recycling where permitted.

Our standard unpacking service does not include organising items inside cupboards, wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, or drawers. Placement or organising services are considered separate services and are not included in our standard international moving package.

Our crew will also carry out simple reassembly of furniture that was dismantled by us during origin packing, where appropriate. Additional handyman services, installation of wall-mounted items, electrical appliances, lighting, televisions, artwork, curtain installation, or complex furniture assembly are not included unless separately arranged.

In most destinations, packing materials are removed on the same day. However, local recycling or waste disposal regulations may vary, and your destination partner will advise you where applicable.

If your home is not yet ready, temporary destination storage can usually be arranged.

This is common if your property is still under renovation, your tenancy has not commenced, or you require additional time before taking possession of your new home.

Both short-term and long-term storage options may be available depending on the destination. Additional storage and handling charges may apply.

Please speak with your relocation coordinator as early as possible so suitable arrangements can be made.

If your shipment arrives before you, don’t worry—this is a common occurrence during international relocations.

Depending on the destination country’s customs regulations, your shipment may be temporarily held at the destination warehouse or placed into secure storage until you have arrived and are ready to complete the necessary customs formalities or receive delivery.

If you already know that your travel plans and shipment arrival dates may differ, please let your relocation coordinator know in advance. We can coordinate with our destination partner to recommend the most suitable arrangements and, where required, organise temporary storage until you are ready to receive your belongings.

Additional storage or handling charges may apply depending on the destination country and the duration of storage.

If your new home has access restrictions, it is important that you inform your relocation coordinator before delivery. Providing accurate information allows us to plan the appropriate manpower, equipment, permits, and vehicle arrangements in advance.

Examples of access restrictions include:

• Narrow roads or restricted vehicle access.
• Height restrictions.
• Limited parking or loading areas.
• Small lifts or lifts with weight restrictions.
• Long carrying distances from the unloading point.
• Multiple flights of stairs.
• Stair carry requirements.
• Narrow hallways, doorways, or tight corners.
• Gated communities requiring advance access approval.
• Crane lifting or hoisting requirements.

Please do not underestimate or omit any access restrictions. Even seemingly minor details can significantly affect how the delivery is planned.

If our crew arrives and encounters unforeseen access conditions that were not disclosed beforehand, the delivery may be delayed while additional manpower, specialist equipment, shuttle vehicles, or permits are arranged. In some cases, a second crew may need to return on another day to complete the delivery, which may result in additional charges.

Providing accurate access information during the quotation or before delivery helps ensure a smoother, safer, and more efficient delivery experience with no unexpected surprises.

If you discover any missing or damaged items during delivery or unpacking, please notify the delivery crew immediately and ensure the details are recorded on the delivery paperwork before signing, where possible.

We also recommend taking clear photographs of the affected item and retaining the original packing materials until the matter has been reviewed, as these may assist during the assessment process.

Please note that minor scuffs, dents, or marks on the outside of cartons can occasionally occur during international transportation and do not necessarily indicate that the contents inside have been damaged. Our export-quality packing materials are designed to protect your belongings throughout the journey.

After delivery, please notify Vanpac or your destination partner as soon as possible so we can guide you through the next steps and, where applicable, assist with your insurance claim.

If you have purchased transit insurance through Vanpac, our team will guide you through the claims process.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be asked to provide:

• A completed claim form.
• Photographs of the damaged item.
• Photographs of the packing materials, where available.
• A copy of the packing inventory.
• Supporting purchase receipts or valuations, where applicable.

Claims should be submitted as soon as reasonably possible after delivery and within the reporting period specified under your insurance policy.

If you have any questions, your relocation coordinator will be happy to assist you throughout the claims process.

Once your delivery has been completed, take some time to inspect your shipment and ensure everything listed on the packing inventory has been received.

As you unpack, check your furniture and cartons carefully for any signs of damage that may not have been immediately visible during delivery. While most shipments arrive without issue, it is always easier to address any concerns promptly.

We also recommend keeping your packing inventory, delivery documents, and insurance policy (if purchased) until you have completely unpacked and confirmed everything has been received in satisfactory condition.

Vanpac Pro Tip: Prioritise unpacking your everyday essentials first, followed by fragile or high-value items. This allows you to settle into your new home while identifying any issues early.

We recommend retaining all moving-related documents until you have completely unpacked your shipment and any insurance claim period has expired.

These documents may include:

• Packing inventory.
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.
• Delivery paperwork.
• Customs documentation.
• Insurance certificate.
• Condition reports.

These records may be required if you need to verify shipment contents or submit an insurance claim.

Sometimes damage is only discovered after cartons have been fully unpacked.

If you have purchased transit insurance through Vanpac, our insurance policies generally allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks for concealed damage to be reported. This recognises that it may take time to fully unpack and inspect all of your belongings after an international move.

If you discover any damage, notify Vanpac or your destination partner as soon as possible. Take clear photographs of the damaged item, retain the packing materials where practical, and avoid disposing of them until advised, as they may assist during the claims assessment.

Please also keep a copy of the relevant inventory entry and any supporting documentation to help us investigate the matter promptly. Your relocation coordinator will guide you through the claims process and advise you of the applicable reporting requirements under your insurance policy.

If damage is noticed during delivery, it should be brought to the attention of the delivery crew immediately and, where possible, recorded on the delivery paperwork before signing.

Photographs of both the damaged item and its packing materials should be taken as soon as possible to support any insurance claim.

Prompt reporting allows the matter to be investigated quickly and helps avoid unnecessary delays in the claims process.

If you have purchased transit insurance through Vanpac, our team will guide you through the claims process.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be asked to provide:

• A completed claim form.
• Photographs of the damaged item.
• Photographs of the packing materials, where available.
• The relevant packing inventory.
• Delivery paperwork.
• Purchase receipts, quotations, or valuations where applicable.

Our relocation coordinator will explain the next steps and liaise with the insurer throughout the assessment process.

The reporting period depends on the terms of your insurance policy and the valuation coverage selected.

As insurance providers may have different reporting requirements, we recommend notifying Vanpac immediately after discovering any loss or damage, even if you are still gathering supporting documents.

Your relocation coordinator will advise you of the applicable reporting deadlines under your policy.

Transit insurance is designed to provide financial protection for your belongings while they are being professionally packed, transported, stored (where covered), and delivered.

The scope of coverage depends on the policy purchased and may include accidental physical loss or damage occurring during the insured transit.

Like all insurance policies, exclusions and limitations apply. Common exclusions may include wear and tear, gradual deterioration, inherent defects, mould, vermin, inadequate owner packing, prohibited items, and losses specifically excluded under the policy terms.

Your relocation coordinator will explain the available insurance options and policy wording before your move so you can select the level of protection most appropriate for your shipment.

Yes. Depending on your destination and requirements, we may be able to arrange additional destination services through our trusted destination partners.

These services may include:

• Destination orientation.
• Home search assistance.
• School search assistance.
• Temporary accommodation support.
• Immigration assistance.
• Local settling-in services.

Availability varies by country. Please speak with your relocation coordinator if you require destination support beyond the transportation of your household goods.

For full unpacking services, our delivery crew will normally remove the used cartons, wrapping materials, and other packing debris on the same day after unpacking has been completed.

If you choose to unpack at your own pace and require our crew to return at a later date to collect the used packing materials, a return collection service can usually be arranged. As this requires a separate trip, additional charges will generally apply.

If you only have a small number of cartons or packing materials, you may also wish to check with your building management, condominium management office, or local town council to see whether there is a designated recycling or disposal area where the materials can be disposed of free of charge.

Local recycling and waste disposal practices vary from country to country, and your destination partner will be happy to advise you where appropriate.

Even after your delivery has been completed, our support does not end.

If you have any questions regarding your shipment, documentation, insurance, storage, or any post-move concerns, simply contact your Vanpac relocation coordinator.

Where necessary, we will work together with our destination partner to resolve any outstanding matters and ensure your relocation is brought to a successful conclusion. # International Moving & Relocation FAQ — Other Relocation Services