Whether you are moving internationally, or simply want to send something overseas, one of the most complicated items to ship are defiantly appliances. Not only that they are robust and heavy, but they have so many delicate parts. And if you make a mistake, you could end up with broken items. That is why it is important to know how to ship appliances overseas properly. Even though professional sea freight forwarders can be of a big help here, there are some things you need to do alone. It is your responsibility to prepare an appliance for shipping and be sure that your cargo is safe. That is the only way for you to sleep tight while your shipment is on its way to the destination. And here we’ll give you some tips on how to do that.

Make sure you know how to ship appliances overseas properly

It is very important for you to be aware of all the facts. Therefore, thorough research is the first step you need to do in order to ship appliances overseas. Especially if you are doing this for the first time, and do not have a similar experience. Keep in mind that this is not the same as if you would ship a box full of clothing. Appliances can contain some special liquids such as coolant or refrigerant which can be dangerous. Therefore, you need to know regulations regarding shipping dangerous goods.

On the other hand, the appliances can be very robust and big. And shipping such items is never easy. Not to mention that it can cost you a small fortune to ship such appliances overseas. Therefore you need to make sure to ship appliances overseas among some reasonable budget. As you can see, there are some things you need to think about. So, in order to cover everything, you should schedule a couple of days for the purpose of researching this topic. In case you need some advice, you can always contact professionals in this area.

Prepare appliances for shipping

Once you get familiar with all procedures and regulations regarding shipping appliances overseas, it is time for action. First, you will need to prepare your appliances. And that will require some effort. Depending on the type of the item, you will need to make sure it is clean and dry before you ship it. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to turn it off. One of the cargo security tips regarding shipping appliances is that they need to be safe and clean before shipping.

In order to help you with this, here is what you need to do before you ship appliances overseas:

• Refrigerator and Freezer – turn it off, let ice to melt down, and clean any extra dirt and water. These appliances must be clean, dry, and at least a couple of our turned off before packing.
• Stove, Oven, and Microwave –  turn them off, let them cool down, and remove any grease and dirt you find inside.
• Blender, Shaker, Mixer, and other small kitchen appliances – remove blades and iron parts. Make sure they are clean and in a safe package. Air bubble wrapping will come handy here.
• Washing Machine, Dryer, Dishwasher – these needs to be totally dry. Make sure there is no water in hoses and other parts. Pay attention to rubber parts where moist can hide.

Keep in mind that it would be best if you have original packing for your appliances. If that is not the case, get some wooden crates. These are definitely the best for shipping overseas. Even though this option can be a bit more expensive, it is the safest way for your belongings to arrive safely.

Find a good and reliable company to ship appliances overseas with

Once you decide that you want to ship appliances overseas, it is important to find a good and reliable global cargo forwarding company. This is the safest way for you not to break your head if everything will be in order. Keep in mind that this service will cost you some money. But, if you have something big or valuable, it is better to pay a bit than to play on your own hand. In case you are shipping some small appliance, you can do it without any other third party.

If you choose to hire forwarders, make sure they have experience and they have a good reputation. It is important to know that your items are in good hands. Even if they ask more than you planned, it would be wise to pay for the sake of your mind. Better safe than sorry. Finally, make sure your appliances are under an active insurance policy. This way, in case of any unpredictable situations, you will be able to get coverage for any occurred damages. Sometimes this is already a part of the offer you will get from the shipping company. If this is not the case, you can always purchase a separate insurance policy.

Conclusion

Important to realize is that you need to continue your research in order to prepare properly to ship appliances overseas. There are many more freight shipping questions and answers you need to find and go through before you start packing your items. Keep in mind that there is no space for mistakes, as they could cost you a lot. And you will be risking not just your money, but your appliances as well. That is why you need to be sure you have covered everything before you ship appliances your internationally. Additionally, it is important to find a good and reliable company that will handle your cargo. In a nutshell, your job is to do everything you can in order to safely ship your appliances overseas. Be smart, and wise, and do your homework.