The Moving Process of International Move
Deciding What to Move
Since the cost of your move is based on the volume (or weight) of your belongings, choosing what goods to move to Estonia significantly impacts the total cost of your move. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding what to move to Estonia:
- If it costs more to ship an item than it does to purchase the same item in Estonia, consider leaving the item behind.
- If you don’t plan on living in Estonia permanently, take into account the cost of shipping your things back to your home country.
- Many US appliances don’t work in Europe, so it’s usually best to leave large electrical appliances behind if you’re moving from the US to Estonia.
- High-value items that are difficult to replace may be worth bringing. However, it’s important to get additional insurance for high-value items during a move.
If you choose to leave some items behind, Adduco can help you find storage solutions by working with our qualified moving partners abroad.
Packing and Preparing Belongings
Unlike local moves, international moves have strict packing requirements. For example, you must clearly record the contents of each box and create a detailed inventory for customs clearance. It’s also prohibited to bring some items into Estonia, such as:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Inflammable goods
- Plants
- Certain foodstuffs
- Narcotics and dangerous goods
To avoid damage on a long-distance move, it’s essential to properly pack high value items. For example, expensive artwork and high value electronics should be crated for maximum protection. Using heavy duty cardboard boxes can also prevent boxes from being crushed or damaged during a move.
International movers have the expertise to properly pack your things for international moves and create an inventory for customs. Most importantly, hiring a mover to pack your things makes for a stress-free international move.
Transportation Options
Adduco works with international partners to ship household goods to Estonia by air, sea, road and rail. The optimal transportation option depends on how quickly you need your move to be done. The fastest option is generally air transport, but it is also more expensive.
Transportation options also depend on your origin location. For example, if you’re moving from an EU country to Estonia, then shipping by road may be the best option. To move from the US to Estonia, you’ll need to ship your goods by air or sea freight.
Documentation
When shipping household goods to Estonia, having a complete inventory and the proper documents filled out is essential to a smooth customs process. Estonia’s Tax and Customs Board also requires the following documents for people moving to Estonia:
- Copy of passport
- Picture of Estonian ID or residency card (both sides)
- Proof of living in any country outside the EU/Schengen zone for at least 12 months (eg utility bills, rental agreements)
- Proof of employment in any country outside the EU/Schengen zone, including a document showing the termination of employment.
- Proof of settlement in Estonia (eg new rental agreement, property purchase documents)
- Proof of employment in Estonia (eg new employment contract, documents showing ownership of a company in Estonia)
- Documents for traveling to Estonia (eg plane or ferry tickets)
In addition, it’s important to note that customs no longer provides any tax relief for people moving to Estonia under a D-Visa.
The requirements set by the Tax and Customs Board change frequently. Contact Adduco for the most up-to-date information on customs requirements for moving to Estonia.
Cost of moving to Estonia
It’s also important to consider the cost of moving to Estonia when planning your move. The price of Adduco’s international moving services depends heavily on the volume of your shipment. For an accurate quote, it’s necessary to contact Adduco and provide the specific details of your move.
International moves require a significant amount of preparation, coordination and effort. In case you have an issue with your move (eg customs requirements), you want to be sure you’ve hired a professional mover with the knowledge and experience to resolve any issues.
Therefore, first focus on choosing an international moving company that provides quality services, and consider price as a secondary factor.
