Careful packing is one of the most important aspects of your move. Well-packed household goods stand little chance of being damaged. Packing room by room also makes unpacking and storage at your destination far less of a chore.
Whether you have Brimar handle the packing or you do it yourself depends entirely on your circumstances. Some people simply don't have the time for what can be an intimidating task — in those cases, Brimar provides the finest in safe, professional packing services. For families on a budget, self-packing can mean considerable savings.
Even if you choose to pack yourself, consider having Brimar pack the more delicate items — dishes, crystal, lamps, and other fragile valuables. You'll enjoy the security of having your most costly items professionally packed while reducing costs by doing the bulk of the job yourself. The best of both worlds.
Tips for a smooth, stress-free moveIntro: It's never too soon to start planning. Browse through our moving tips, checklists and reminders to help make your move a better experience — easier than you ever imagined.
Careful packing is one of the most important aspects of your move. Well-packed household goods stand little chance of being damaged. Packing room by room also makes unpacking and storage at your destination far less of a chore.
Whether you have Brimar handle the packing or you do it yourself depends entirely on your circumstances. Some people simply don't have the time for what can be an intimidating task — in those cases, Brimar provides the finest in safe, professional packing services. For families on a budget, self-packing can mean considerable savings.
Even if you choose to pack yourself, consider having Brimar pack the more delicate items — dishes, crystal, lamps, and other fragile valuables. You'll enjoy the security of having your most costly items professionally packed while reducing costs by doing the bulk of the job yourself. The best of both worlds.
Many people use newspapers to pack their belongings — but newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on everything it touches and can be almost impossible to remove from items like fine china. Brimar's professional packers use unprinted newsprint as cushioning material, which you can also source from your local packing supplier.
The amount of material you need depends on what you're packing. Towels or sheets in a carton require no packing material at all. For dishes or fragile items, line the bottom of the carton with approximately four inches of crumpled paper. Each item should be individually wrapped, with crushed paper between items as needed.
Good packing means wrapping every item carefully, using sturdy cartons that close and seal securely, and ensuring a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge outward, or bend.
Moving with pets requires careful planning. Since relocation can cause unneeded stress on your animals, it's important to reduce those stress levels as much as possible. For the inexperienced, navigating vaccinations, health certificates, and quarantine regulations that vary from country to country adds tension to an already complex process.
Before your move:
If moving across state lines:Contact the state veterinarian's office for laws on the entry of animals into your destination state.
If moving to another country:
Before you leave, check:
If you decide to pack yourself, you take on a major share of the responsibility for a successful move. All packing must be completed by the evening before moving day — only the items you'll need that night and the next morning should be left for last.
Your packing must meet these standards. Good packing means:
Items that are flammable, corrosive, or explosive
Acids, Aerosols, Ammonia, Ammunition, Car Batteries, Charcoal, Charcoal Lighter Fluid, Chemistry Sets, Cleaning Solvents, Darkroom Chemicals, Fertilizer, Fire Extinguishers, Fireworks, Gasoline, Household Batteries, Kerosene, Lamp Oil, Liquid Bleach, Loaded Guns, Matches, Motor Oil, Nail Polish & Nail Polish Remover, Paint Thinner, Paints, Pesticides, Poisons, Pool Chemicals, Propane Tanks, Reloading Supplies, Scuba Tanks, Sterno, Weed Killer
Food, plants, or living things that may die or spoil in transit, Frozen Food, Opened Food Products, Produce, Refrigerated Food
Brimar strongly recommends carrying all of the following personally rather than including them in your shipment.
Address Books, Airline Tickets, Car Keys, Car Titles, Cash, CDs, Cell Phones, Certificates of Deposit, Checkbooks, Computer Discs, Financial Documents, Insurance Policies, IRAs / Deeds / Tax Records, Jewelry, Keys (furniture, safe, home), Laptops, Medical & Dental Records, Medicine, Personal Video Tapes, Photographs & Photo Albums, Professional Files, Research Projects, School Records, Sterling Silver, Stocks & Bonds
Eyebrow: Due diligenceHeadline: What to ask your international moving companyIntro: Before committing to any moving company, make sure you get clear, written answers to these five essential questions. The right mover will have nothing to hide.
Are you licensed?Ask the mover to provide both their DOT number and their FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) number — then verify both independently. Under federal law, all international movers must be licensed or registered with the FMC. Don't take their word for it; check it yourself.
Is customs clearance included?Both export customs clearance at your origin and import customs clearance at your destination should be included in your quote. If either is missing, ask why and get the full picture in writing before signing.
Are port charges included?Port handling fees can be a significant and unexpected cost if not addressed upfront. If port charges are not included in your quote, your mover must provide a written estimate of what to expect at the destination port.
What about insurance?A reputable mover should offer you at minimum two options: basic minimum liability coverage and full-risk insurance. Ask to see the actual insurance policy — not just a summary. If they can't provide it, treat that as a red flag.
Can I get a written quote?Always insist on a written quote that clearly lists every inclusion and exclusion. Make sure you fully understand the terms, pricing structure, and any conditions before you sign anything.
Eyebrow: Federal Maritime CommissionHeadline: Protecting your international moveIntro: When your move involves shipping household goods to or from the United States via ocean vessel, the Federal Maritime Commission provides important protections. Here's what you need to know.
Hiring a reputable mover is your first line of defense in protecting your personal goods and vehicles. Many consumers are surprised to learn that the mover they hire often does not see or physically handle their goods — instead, they coordinate subcontractors including trucking companies, warehouses, and ocean shipping lines. Your mover is responsible for overseeing and paying all of these intermediaries throughout your move.
Because of the many steps involved in an international move, it is essential to hire a mover with sufficient knowledge and experience. Under federal law, movers must be licensed or registered with the FMC as either a freight forwarder or non-vessel-operating common carrier. Both licensed and registered movers must maintain a bond — meaning that if a transportation dispute arises, you can file a claim against that bond.
Ensuring a company is FMC licensed is an important first step, but not the only one. Be wary of any mover who displays the following warning signs:
Eyebrow: Coverage guideHeadline: Understanding your insurance optionsIntro: Talk to your Brimar coordinator about specific insurance costs, full terms, and conditions. The following is an overview of the main coverage types available for your move.
Full replacement value (Most comprehensive)This is the most comprehensive coverage available. For a higher premium, this coverage equals the full replacement cost or repair cost of any damaged item. If something is broken or lost, you receive what it would cost to replace or fix it — not its depreciated value.
Declared value protection (Most frequently purchased)This is the most popular coverage option. Protection is based on the depreciated value of each item. The premium cost is reasonable and there are a variety of deductible options to choose from, making this a practical choice for most moves.
Basic mover liability (Included at no cost)At no extra cost to you, movers are limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if a 100 lb table is broken or lost, you would receive $60 — regardless of the table's actual value or replacement cost. This is minimal protection and is rarely sufficient on its own.
Self-packed items (Important limitation)Insurance and liability coverage requires that professionals pack, handle, and unpack your items. If you choose to pack your own boxes, there is no guarantee as to how well the items are packed or what the actual contents are. In the case of damage or loss to self-packed items, you may not be compensated.
Total loss, high-value items & special conditions (Available on request)Movers typically have additional insurance options available for special cases — including total loss coverage and protection for particularly high-value items. If none of the standard options meet your needs, ask your Brimar coordinator about what else is available.
Eyebrow: Why BrimarHeadline: Three reasons to move with BrimarIntro: Brimar brings the same care, flexibility, and reach to every move — whether you're relocating between New York and Paris or moving across state lines.
IndependenceBrimar is not affiliated with any van line or group, which means you negotiate directly with us. Our fees affect only our bottom line — not a chain of intermediaries. You get transparent pricing and direct accountability from start to finish.
FlexibilityWe offer a full range of service levels, from load and unload only, to complete packing and unpacking. In every case, the service — and the rate — is tailored specifically to your needs. No one-size-fits-all packages.
We go the distanceBrimar specializes in moves between France and the New York metropolitan area, with full expertise in transatlantic logistics, customs, and delivery. Wherever your move takes you, we're with you every step of the way.
Our door-to-door service covers:
- professional packing with premium quality packing materials
- transport by sea, air, or road freight
- full or shared container options
- customs clearance with import/export documentation
- delivery to new residence, unpacking and full debris removal.
We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance to allow time for a pre-move survey, documentation preparation, and shipping arrangements. For a move on peak season, the earlier is always better to book your preferred packing dates in our planning.
Transit times vary by destination and transport method. A sea shipment between the US and France typically takes 4-6 weeks. Your dedicated relocation specialist will provide a full estimated timeline during the planning stage so you can organize your transition with confidence.
Yes. If your shipment fills a full container, we offer an exclusive FCL service. For smaller moves, groupage (shared container) is a cost-effective option that maintains the same level of care, protection, and documentation throughout.
Yes. With our New York office and Paris warehouse, the US–France corridor is at the heart of what we do. We have deep expertise in French customs regulations, Transfer of Residence relief, French import procedures, and local delivery networks throughout France — giving you a seamless, professionally managed experience on both ends.
Yes. We manage all customs documentation and clearance for both outbound and inbound shipments, ensuring full compliance with destination-country regulations to avoid delays, unexpected duties, or held shipments.
Typically you'll need a detailed inventory list, a passport copy, proof of residence, and destination-specific customs forms. After booking, we send you a complete checklist and guide you through every document step by step — nothing gets missed.
Yes. Fine art, antiques, vehicles, alcohol, and certain personal valuables may require additional documentation or import permits depending on the destination country. Brimar handles all of this on your behalf as part of the service.
Import and export limits for alcohol vary significantly by country. Contact us for destination-specific guidance before including wine or spirits in your shipment — we'll advise exactly what's permitted and handle the required documentation.
Yes. We cannot transport firearms and ammunition, hazardous or flammable chemicals, perishable food, live plants, cash and negotiable securities, or illegal substances. Items such as alcohol, medications, and lithium batteries may have quantity restrictions or require special documentation depending on the destination. We provide a full restricted items list specific to your move during the pre-move consultation.
Our fine art service uses custom-built wooden crates, museum-grade packing materials, and climate-controlled, vibration-free transport. We work with collectors, galleries, museums, and private clients who require the highest standard of discretion and protection — including professional installation and white-glove delivery at the destination.
Depending on the destination, you may need customs declarations, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and export permits. Our team prepares and reviews all necessary paperwork to ensure nothing is missed and no shipment is held at customs.
Yes. Every piece is individually assessed, packed using appropriate materials — including custom-built crates for oversized or fragile items — and tracked throughout the entire journey. No piece is too large, too fragile, or too valuable for our team to handle.
Yes. We manage the full process door-to-door — including pickup, export documentation, customs clearance, insurance, and delivery at your destination. Your vehicle arrives ready for use and fully compliant with local import regulations.
We transport cars, motorcycles, and antique vehicles internationally. Our team assesses each vehicle individually and recommends the most appropriate shipping method based on your destination, budget, and timeline.
Yes. You can begin the shipping process without a final delivery address. However, a confirmed address will be required before customs clearance and final delivery at the destination. We'll keep your shipment in secure storage in the meantime if needed.
Yes. We regularly manage relocations for diplomats, government officials, and high-profile private clients. We offer fully discreet operations, unmarked transport upon request, staff confidentiality agreements, and a single dedicated point of contact throughout the entire process. Discretion and security are built into everything we do at Brimar.
Yes. We have experience handling complex relocations that involve sensitive or high-security items, coordinating closely with the client's team to ensure full compliance with all protocols, access requirements, and delivery conditions.
We tailor every office relocation around your business schedule — coordinating with key personnel, managing logistics in phases, handling IT and server relocation, and offering after-hours or weekend moving options to keep downtime to an absolute minimum.
Yes. We work with corporate clients to manage international employee relocations end to end — from visa - work permit to coordinating the moving logistics, customs clearance, storage, and final delivery to ensure a seamless transition for staff moving between countries.
We handle everything. Our professional team packs all items to international export standards — from everyday household goods to fragile antiques and fine art. You don't need to pack anything unless you'd prefer to personally pack certain items. We use double-wall boxes, custom crating, and protective wrapping tailored to each item type.
Yes. We provide shipment tracking and regular status updates throughout your move. Your dedicated relocation specialist is always available to give you a current update on your shipment's location and estimated delivery timeline.
Yes. We offer both short-term and long-term storage solutions. Your belongings are held securely at our facilities and shipped to your final destination as soon as you're ready — no pressure, no rush.
Yes. Our service doesn't end at the front door. We offer full unpacking, furniture placement, and removal of all packing materials and debris. We can also coordinate with interior designers or building staff if required for your move-in.
Yes, date changes are possible. Contact your dedicated relocation coordinator as early as possible and we'll confirm availability and adjust your move plan accordingly with no unnecessary complications.
Your quote is based on shipment volume, origin and destination, chosen transport method (sea, air, or road), and any additional services such as packing, storage, or fine art handling. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate with no hidden fees — everything is agreed in writing following your pre-move survey.
Yes. We offer All-Risk moving insurance options that cover your belongings from pickup through to final delivery. Our team walks you through available coverage levels during the planning stage so you can choose the right level of protection for the value of your items.
In the unlikely event of damage, contact your relocation specialist immediately. We will guide you through the claims process, which is covered under the All-Risk insurance policy selected at booking. We take every claim seriously and work to resolve it promptly and fairly.
We accept bank transfers and payment via ZELLE or Quickbooksb. A deposit is required to confirm your move date, with the balance due prior to or at the time of loading. Your relocation specialist will walk you through the full payment schedule during booking — no hidden fees, no surprises.
A video survey is a virtual pre-move assessment where a Brimar relocation specialist connects with you remotely to review your inventory and requirements. It's fast and convenient, and allows us to prepare an accurate quote without an in-home visit. You can book one directly from our website.
Simply fill out our contact form or book a video survey directly on our website. A dedicated relocation specialist will reach out within 24 hours to discuss your move, assess your needs, and provide a fully personalized quote.
