International 
Kenya 
Japan 
Macau 
Sweden 
Malaysia No matter the destination, we can all agree that moving is stressful. The thought of all your possessions being packed into boxes – and wondering just how many boxes that will take – is only the beginning. You then have to find suitable movers, organise a moving date, plan adequate insurance for any unexpected breakages, and hope that no hidden costs spring up as you watch the contents of your home depart in the back of a truck.
If you’re moving internationally, the process gets a lot more complicated, but fortunately for you, simplifying international moves is what Crown Relocations does best. With over 60 years of experience helping people move all around the world – including over 1,000 international moves from Kenya – we’ve put together this useful guide containing everything you need to consider when looking for an international moving company.
Key takeaways:
- When moving internationally, you’ll want to select an accredited company that offers a full door-to-door service, like Crown Relocations.
- Always get a moving quote in writing and have it explicitly state what is included in the price.
- CrownCare transit protection is a simple way to insure your shipment during your international move.
- With our experience handling specific paperwork, customs regulations and cross-border transport arrangements, Crown Relocations is better suited to international moves than domestic ones.
What makes an international move different from a local move?
An international move is more complex than a local move, with extra factors like visas, a longer timeline and cultural changes to consider. When moving locally, you’ll usually only need some boxes and a truck, but shipping your household goods internationally requires shipping containers, a detailed inventory and customs clearance at both the exit port in Kenya and the entry point of your destination country.
An international moving company will have specialised experience and knowledge around this complex process, and this is sure to be reflected in their prices compared to companies who only handle local moves. For this reason, Crown Relocations is best suited for those looking to move internationally.
What should you look for when choosing an international moving company?
Here are four key things to consider when choosing an international moving company in Kenya:
1. What industry accreditations and licenses does the moving company hold?
Always check that the mover has international credentials that validate them for global moving and shipping standards, and that they’re a registered business with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This ensures that you’re using a reliable and trusted mover.
2. Does the moving company offer a full, door-to-door service?
For your ease and peace of mind, make sure your chosen moving company will take care of the entire process – including professionally packing your possessions, shipping, customs clearance, storage and final delivery and support at the end destination. They should also be able to handle unique requirements for specialised items like pets, vehicles or antiques.
Once your items have arrived at your new home, will the company be the ones handling them, or do they outsource this task? You don’t want your possessions in the hands of someone who is not trusted or licensed.
3. What is included in an international moving quote?
When getting a quote for an international moving service, always ensure it’s in writing and explicitly outlines what is included. The quote should be given after the mover has inspected your inventory list or home to ensure accuracy. Once you receive it, check whether packing materials, customs documentation and handling fees are included or if they’ll cost you extra.
4. What transit protection options are available for an international move?
The moving company should tell you what kind of insurance coverage they can offer for lost or damaged items during transit, as well as who is financially responsible for any damage to your items. Any moving company that can’t give you an answer when asked about liability policies is best avoided.
Why should I use Crown Relocations for my international move?
1. Crown Relocations holds multiple global accreditations and is registered with the KRA.
Because Crown Relocations specialises in the international moving of household goods, we operate in strict compliance with KRA Customs requirements and are well-versed with assisting our customers with customs clearance for cross-border moves. We are also a core member of the International Association of Movers.
2. Crown Relocations offers a full, door-to-door service.
With a presence in over 50 countries and more than 200 facilities worldwide, Crown Relocations will be with you for every step of your international move. We’ll pack all your items up, ship them, take care of the customs clearance, and if they arrive in your destination country before your new home is ready, we can store them in one of our storage facilities. Once you arrive, we’ll be there to unpack your possessions and support you as you adjust to your new home. Or, if your destination is a country we’re not present in, our trusted, experienced network of partners that adhere to our service quality standards and expectations will support you.
3. Crown Relocations’ quote includes five core services.
The price you pay for your international move will include professional packing and unpacking, transportation for your items, customs clearance assistance, delivery of your items to your destination and a dedicated move manager who will be your point of contact throughout the process.
4. CrownCare provides transit protection for your shipment.
CrownCare transit protection is managed by expert Crown staff and allows you to be in control. Crown Relocations will pack your possessions with specialised packing materials, but there are always risks during transit, and should any of your items get damaged, your CrownCare Transit Protection plan will provide you with the coverage you need. The plan is underwritten by AXA Corporate Solutions Marine, the world’s leading provider of this type of coverage, and offers “all-risks” coverage from door to door.
Find out more in our Transit Protection Guide.
Who is Crown Relocations best suited for?
If you or your family are looking to move from Kenya to an international location with a significant amount of household belongings, and you require professional end-to-end support, then Crown Relocations is perfectly suited to meet your needs.
We’ve helped thousands of individuals and families move to new countries, earning us a reputation for reliability and excellence. As well as the advantages outlined above, you can benefit from our extensive experience, tested processes and commitment to customer satisfaction. We know what it takes to tackle the challenges of an international move, and we’re here to ensure that yours is as simple and stress-free as possible.
Planning a move from Kenya? Contact Crown Relocations for a personalised, no-obligation quotation.
International Move FAQs
An international move from Kenya can take up to three months. We recommend that you start the relocation process two to four months in advance so that everything can be coordinated.
The price of an international move from Kenya can vary depending on inventory, access conditions at the origin and destination, the distance involved and current freight rates. The specifics of the move can also affect cost too, such as items requiring specialist crating, difficult access or furniture that can’t be carried safely via the stairwell. For this reason, we always recommend arranging a virtual consultation so that Crown Relocations can prepare a detailed proposal based on your exact requirements.
Some of the additional costs that can arise when moving internationally include visa and immigration fees, legal assistance, document services, insurance coverage and temporary storage or accommodation.
Customs clearance should be handled by your international moving company.
A shared shipping container allows you to ship a smaller amount of goods for a lower cost by sharing a shipping container with other Crown customers. You’ll have 3-5cbm of space. This shipping method is perfect for anyone who has flexibility with their schedule and is looking for a more economical way of transporting their household goods and possessions. However, if you’re on a tight deadline, waiting for the container to be full before it leaves may not be right for you.
If your household goods arrive in your destination country early, then Crown Relocations provides highly secure, best in class short or long-term storage solutions. With over 200 facilities across more than 50 countries, our warehouses are built to guard against fire, pests, water and theft.
You cannot generally ship household goods that are hazardous materials, perishable foods, live plants, certain weapons or restricted chemicals. This is to ensure safety during the transit and to comply with your destination country’s border laws. For more information on this topic, please contact Crown.
Crown Relocations specialises in international moves. As simpler, domestic moves in Kenya don’t require specific paperwork, customs regulations and cross-border transport arrangements, we recommend that you use a local moving company in most situations.