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.

Professional packing

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.

Self-packing

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

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:

• Make certain your pet is wearing proper identification and any required license tags in case they get lost
• Ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet's medical history and ensure all vaccinations are current
• In the weeks before the move, pets may become nervous from all the unusual activity — keep a close eye on them, and consider boarding them during the most hectic days
• Travel with a health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate, both signed by your vet

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:

• Contact your airline well in advance to check regulations and pet transport services
• Choose direct flights where possible to minimize the time your pet is confined
• Select a portable air-transport kennel large enough for your pet to stand and move around, and let them get accustomed to it before travel
• Mark the kennel clearly with "Live Animal," your pet's name, your new address and phone number
• After boarding your flight, ask a flight attendant to confirm your pet has been loaded
• If your pet has a microchip implant, ensure the contact information is updated before you travel

Moving Checklist

8 weeks before your move

• Contact Brimar and make arrangements for moving day
• Choose your mover and sign the acceptance note
• Sort through your basement, loft, and garage
• Resolve what to do with any prohibited or hazardous items
• Make proper provision for pets during the move
• Decide whether or not you are taking your car

6 weeks before your move

• If moving at an employer's request — verify which expenses and responsibilities are theirs vs. yours
• Start preparing your mailing list of everyone who needs your change of address
• Notify banks, savings accounts, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, rental companies, friends, and professionals
• Locate passports, birth and marriage certificates, motor vehicle registration and licensing documents
• Apply for any necessary visas
• Check that your electrical goods will work in your new home (voltage and plug standards differ between France and the USA)
• Begin an inventory and evaluate your possessions — what can be sold, donated, or discarded? What haven't you used in the past year?

4 weeks before your move

• Separate your children's favorite toys for easy access
• Ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date
• Submit a Change of Address form to the post office
• Contact utility companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, trash collection) for disconnection and reconnection at both addresses — keep utilities connected at your current home through moving day
• Decide whether to purchase any new household goods and check applicable tax refunds
• If self-packing — purchase moving boxes and begin packing items you won't need in the next month

2 weeks before your move

• Decide which clothes will travel with you
• Begin dismantling climbing frames and garden furniture
• Make arrangements for connection of services at your new home
• Return library books and any rented items
• Contact your Brimar coordinator to review and confirm all arrangements
• Withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, collect dry cleaning, and return any rented equipment

2–3 days before your move

• Defrost the refrigerator and freezer
• Plan simple meals for moving day — stock up on disposable plates, cups, and utensils
• Organize and set aside everything you're taking with you so it doesn't get loaded onto the van by mistake
• Clean garden tools, bicycles, and gardening equipment
• Empty the fuel tanks of powered tools such as lawn mowers
• Confirm you have at least two weeks of medication, along with copies of any necessary prescriptions
• Collect traveler's checks or local currency for your destination
• Arrange for someone to look after the children on moving day
• Contact your Brimar coordinator to confirm the arrival time of the moving van and share any last-minute details

Last-minute details

• Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas for any overlooked articles
• Ensure all mechanical and electrical equipment has been properly serviced before the van arrives

Before you leave, check:

• Water heater, main power, and gas taps are shut off
• Furnace and air conditioner are shut off
• All utilities are arranged for disconnection
• All windows and doors are shut and locked
• Old house keys are surrendered
• Nothing has been left behind
• Clothes at the dry cleaner and shoes at the repair shop have been collected

Moving day

• Ensure someone is at home to answer the van foreman's questions
• Walk through the property with the crew chief during the inventory
• Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing — keep all documents in a safe place until all charges are settled
• Then relax — Brimar takes care of everything from here

Self-Packing Tips

‍ 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:

• Wrapping every item carefully and individually
• Using sturdy cartons that close and seal securely
• Ensuring a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge outward, or bend

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Hazardous materials

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

Perishables

Food, plants, or living things that may die or spoil in transit, Frozen Food, Opened Food Products, Produce, Refrigerated Food

Personal & sentimental items — carry these with you

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

What to Ask Your International Mover

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.

Section 6 — Protecting Your International Move (FMC Guide)

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.

Why hiring a reputable mover matters

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.

Cautionary signs — red flags to watch for

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:

• Claims that FMC licensing is not required
• Does not list a local or physical address on their website
• Provides a quote significantly lower than all other providers
• Charges a fee for credit card use or refuses credit card payments altogether
• Has an excessive or unclear cancellation penalty or fee
• Claims to offer insurance but fails to provide a copy of the actual policy
• Has a record of numerous complaints with the BBB or other federal agencies

Section 7 — Understanding Moving Insurance

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.

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Why Choose Brimar

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.