Settling seamlessly into Shanghai requires proper planning. We recommend you hire a professional international moving company. Not only can this help you save time, it also allows you to put more energy into getting mentally settled in a foreign country.

First, set up an appointment with a relocation counselor for an in-house estimate and make a list of all the objects that require special care such as glass objects, mirrors, pieces of art, or anything else which requires special packaging. You must consider several key points before choosing your moving company: the address in your home country, the destination address in Shanghai, the volume or weight of your belongings, the type of transportation (air, truck, ship), the nature of the services, terms and conditions, and insurance. Generally, moving companies deliver your belongings directly at the final destination, but sometimes they deliver them to warehouses and you have to pick them up yourself. Before signing the contract, make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings as to establish a “declaration of value.” This is essential since it will allow you to obtain a compensation amount if there is a loss or damage of your belongings. You will specify the value of your items.

Don’t hesitate to contact the Chinese embassy or consulate for more information about relocation in the country, customs, and prohibited items.