Transporting a tiny house overseas can be strenuous and exhausting, but it is possible. Several key factors play a role in shipping your tiny house overseas, as even the slightest miscalculation or error in the permit documents could delay your progress by several months.
The most cost-effective types of tiny houses to ship overseas are usually those built inside a shipping container. This is because these trailer homes already meet the dimensions and shipping specifications of most international shipping companies.
This segment highlights the critical factors small homeowners should consider when transporting their homes overseas.
Shipping safe doors and cabinets
Ensuring that all doors and cupboards are properly secured during overseas transport is crucial. Transporting a tiny house across continents by sea will mean dealing with waves that rock the boat throughout the journey. Keeping all cabinets and doors secure is the most effective way to minimize the chances of your home being broken into in transit.
The same goes for household appliances. Be sure to seal or lock all mobile devices that are not bolted, stapled, or nailed to the walls of the house to prevent unnecessary movement and breakage during travel. Considering that most small houses are made of wood, there is a greater chance of larger and unsecured appliances breaking the house.
Doing so gives you confidence, knowing that your home and its appliances will arrive at your destination in their pre-shipment condition.
Estimate the costs and the deadline
The overall cost of shipping a tiny house internationally varies significantly depending on the size of the house, the distance traveled, the shipping company you use, and the time of year. As you might expect, the longer the shipping distance and the bigger the house, the higher the shipping cost.
Therefore, speaking directly with the shipping company is essential to get an accurate shipping estimate and see if it fits your moving budget. Bringing the price range and shipping time closer allows you to plan better and be ready to receive your tiny house when it arrives at its destination.
Try comparing variables like house size, distance between shipping points, and whether you’re shipping during a busy time of year for shipping companies. Keeping these factors in mind will help you determine the best times to negotiate the best rates and lead time.
Other critical considerations
Getting your tiny house into a boat is just the first step. As with any property, you must ensure that your destination approves the use of your home according to its building codes and any other relevant laws and regulations governing property ownership.
For example, most European countries have stricter building codes and regulations than the United States. Some European countries may not consider your tiny house to their acceptable building codes when they arrive. There is also the issue of connections, such as outlet configurations and standard electrical voltage currents, which may differ in other nations than in the United States.
Planning a small home haul to Canada/Mexico or some other destination calls into question whether your water and sewer connections are compatible with the destination country. These critical considerations make it essential to prepare well before proceeding with an international move.
Hire professional removals
Moving a tiny house abroad is a big undertaking, especially for those just starting out. Before you decide to pack up and leave, it’s vital to do your research and know that you can legally use your tiny house abroad. Preparing in advance to transport your tiny house overseas is critical, as even a small hiccup could delay the move by several months or even stop it altogether.
It is essential to work with professionals with the training, experience and equipment to secure your home for international moves, while ensuring the entire process runs smoothly. We are available to assist you with your small overseas home transport needs. Talk to our agents to learn more about our services and how we can start your home moving process.
