How We Shipped Our Household Goods Overseas
A simple review of the international shipping company we used to move our things to the Netherlands, and why we chose them again to ship everything home.
When we first started looking for an international shipping company, my husband signed up for a service that matches you with moving companies based on your needs. The second call he received was from the company we eventually chose, Laser International Moving.
We ended up choosing them for a few reasons: the price, the timeframe, the method of shipping and the logistics around the move.
Instead of requiring us to use a traditional shipping container, they offered a smaller wooden crate option that fit what we actually needed. They would send a team to pack our goods into the crate, secure it with a security band and store it until it was ready to be trucked to the shipping port. From there, they handled the process from pickup to delivery with door-to-door service.
That was a big part of why we felt comfortable moving forward. The communication was clear from the beginning, and we did not feel pressured or sold to. Doug explained the entire process, answered our questions and helped us understand what to expect. He did not pressure us to book on the phone. He also didn’t send endless follow-up emails or add us to a marketing list which is super important to me.
What the Process Looked Like
The process was fairly simple:
We received an initial quote.
We packed our goods.
The pickup team came to collect everything.
Our shipment was weighed.
We received the final price based on the actual weight.
Both pickup and delivery were smooth. Each one took about an hour, and the teams they hired were professional, efficient and easy to work with.
The Timeline
The estimated shipping timeline was about three months door to door. Our actual experience was closer to three and a half months.
The longest wait was at the port. Once our crate was loaded onto the ship, things moved much faster. The ship itself took roughly three weeks, and then the final week included customs and delivery to our home.
As soon as the ship left the port in the U.S., we were notified that it was on the way. The local delivery team was also given our information so they could arrange the delivery date once it arrived.
Our expectations matched reality because Doug set them properly from the beginning.
What It Cost
When we moved to the Netherlands, we paid $4,500, including insurance, to ship our household goods.
For the move back to the U.S., we are paying $6,100, including insurance.
The increase in price is due to a few factors: higher fuel costs, ongoing inflation and the fact that we are shipping about 300 pounds more than we did the first time.
The cost is determined by the crate and the weight. On the way to the Netherlands, our crate weighed 1,160 pounds. On the way back, it is about 300 pounds heavier.
It was not cheap, but it also was not the most expensive quote we received. One company quoted us upward of $16,000 because they only used traditional shipping containers that had to be craned on and off a truck.
What Went Well
Honestly, the entire process went well.
A big reason for that was communication. Doug walked us through the process, set clear expectations and answered every question we had. Communication was excellent. If we had needed something day or night, I genuinely believe he would have answered.
The pickup and delivery teams were also great. They were professional, quick and knew what they were doing.
Why We Chose Them Again
We chose Laser International Moving again because the first experience was so seamless.
The cost was more affordable than other options, the communication was excellent and the door-to-door pickup and delivery made the process much easier. They also offer insurance, which was important to us.
When you are trusting a company with your household goods across an ocean, clear communication matters. We already knew they could handle the process, so using them again felt like the obvious choice.
Who This Company Is Best For
Laser International Moving seems best for people who are moving internationally and want a door-to-door service without having to manage every logistical detail themselves.
They handle different types of moves, but our shipment was relatively small. Our crate was 8x8x4, which I believe is the smallest container option they offer. The weight limit for the base price was 1,200 pounds. If your shipment goes over that weight, the price increases.
They also offer larger containers for bigger moves.
Because “international” is in the name, I believe they focus on international moves, and from what I understand, they can ship goods around the world.
Final Thoughts
Moving abroad is stressful no matter what. A shipping company cannot remove all of that stress, but the right one can make the process feel much more manageable.
For us, Laser International Moving was clear, professional and reliable. We used them to move our household goods to the Netherlands, and we are using them again to ship our things home to Tucson. That probably says the most.
A lot of people are making international moves and this company is at the top of my list to recommend.
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How interesting! Thank you so much for sharing the process of moving your things abroad and back again, Heather. It's something that I'm going to be doing soon, so it was interesting to see what all is involved. And thank you for the recommendation!