International relocation from India is not a larger version of a domestic move. Customs classification, visa-linked timelines and destination-country quarantine rules change what can ship by sea, what must fly and what should stay in storage.
Documents HR should collect early
- Passport copies and visa/work permit confirmation for the assignee and dependents.
- Employer letter authorising household goods export (required for many customs clearances).
- Inventory with values — customs brokers use this for duty assessment at destination.
- Power of attorney if the employee cannot be present at origin packing.
Sea vs air: setting expectations
Sea freight suits full household consignments with flexible delivery windows — typically six to ten weeks door-to-door depending on lane. Air freight works for urgent essentials: documents, seasonal clothing, school materials. MoveNXT managers align mode with budget and lease start dates so families are not sleeping on mattresses for a month.
What to pack first (and what to leave)
Prohibited and restricted items vary by destination — alcohol, certain plants, uncleaned gardening tools and undeclared electronics are common hold-ups. Pack high-value jewellery and critical documents in carry-on, not the container. Photograph serial numbers for customs and insurance.
Destination handover
Assignee satisfaction often hinges on the first week abroad, not the sailing date. Brief your mobility partner on school runs, pet quarantine and temporary housing access before crates arrive. One accountable manager should coordinate origin pack, freight booking and destination delivery — not three vendors pointing at each other.
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