Seven Seas Worldwide: What to Know Before You Move with Them

What Seven Seas Worldwide does

Seven Seas Worldwide is an international moving company that handles household goods shipments to destinations outside the United States. They pack, load, transport, and deliver personal belongings—furniture, boxes, vehicles, and other household items—across oceans and continents. The company operates as part of the Worldwide Moving Network and maintains offices and agents in multiple countries, which means they coordinate pickups in South Carolina and delivery abroad rather than handling every leg themselves.

If you are relocating from South Carolina to another country for work, retirement, or personal reasons, Seven Seas Worldwide can manage the logistics of getting your possessions there. They do not move you within the United States; that is handled by other carriers. Their focus is the international leg—the part that requires customs knowledge, shipping schedules, and overseas delivery partners.

Key Takeaways

• Seven Seas Worldwide specializes in moving household goods internationally, not domestic relocations within the United States.
• The company coordinates with local agents and overseas partners, so your shipment may be handled by multiple carriers across different countries.
• International moves require documentation like inventories, customs forms, and proof of residency at your destination, which Seven Seas will explain during the quote process.
• Costs depend on the weight of your shipment, the destination country, the shipping method (air, sea, or land), and how quickly you need delivery.
• You should request a quote and timeline from Seven Seas before signing a lease or committing to a move date, since international shipping can take weeks or months.

How to get a quote from Seven Seas Worldwide

Contact Seven Seas Worldwide directly by phone or through their website to describe your move. You will need to tell them where you are moving from (your South Carolina address), where you are moving to (the destination country and city), and roughly when you plan to move. They will ask about the size of your shipment—whether you are moving a studio apartment or a four-bedroom house—and whether you have any special items like vehicles, artwork, or electronics that need particular handling.

Seven Seas will provide an estimate based on that information, though the final cost depends on the actual weight of your belongings once they are packed and weighed. They will also explain the timeline: international moves by sea typically take four to twelve weeks depending on the destination, while air freight is faster but more expensive. The quote should include what is covered (packing, loading, transport, delivery) and what is not (customs duties, import taxes, or storage fees in the destination country).

What documentation you will need

Every country has different import rules, so Seven Seas will tell you what paperwork your destination requires. Generally, you will need a detailed inventory of everything being shipped, your passport or visa information, and proof that you are moving to that country (a job offer letter, lease, or residency permit). Some countries require an affidavit stating that the goods are for personal use and not for sale.

Seven Seas handles much of the customs paperwork on your behalf, but you are responsible for obtaining any visas, work permits, or residency documents your destination country requires. If you are moving to a country with strict import rules—some nations limit what household goods can enter—Seven Seas can advise you on what is typically allowed, but you should research your specific destination's regulations independently or consult the embassy or consulate.

Shipping methods and timelines

Seven Seas offers different ways to ship your belongings depending on your budget and timeline. Ocean freight is the most common and least expensive option for large shipments; it takes longer but costs significantly less per pound than air. Air freight is faster—often one to three weeks—but costs more and is usually chosen for smaller, urgent shipments or items needed quickly at your destination. Land and sea combinations are available to some destinations, using trucks and ships in sequence.

The timeline also depends on the destination country's customs process. Even if your shipment arrives at the port or airport, it may sit in customs for days or weeks while officials inspect and clear it. Seven Seas can tell you typical clearance times for your destination, but delays happen. Plan for your shipment to arrive after you do, and arrange temporary housing or storage if needed.

Costs and what affects the price

International moving costs are calculated primarily by weight and destination. A small shipment to Canada or Mexico costs far less than a full household to Australia or Southeast Asia. Seven Seas charges based on the actual weight of your packed goods, measured when they are loaded. Additional costs may include packing materials, special handling for fragile or valuable items, insurance, storage (if your shipment arrives before you are ready to receive it), and delivery to your final address.

You should also budget for costs Seven Seas does not cover: customs duties and import taxes charged by your destination country, any required inspections or fumigation, and fees for services like unpacking or furniture assembly at your destination. Some countries charge substantial import duties on used household goods; research your destination's rates before you move so there are no surprises when your shipment arrives.

Insurance and liability

Seven Seas offers insurance to cover your belongings during transit, but standard coverage is limited. If you have valuable items—artwork, jewelry, electronics, antiques—ask about additional insurance or declare them separately on your inventory. The company's liability for damage or loss is typically limited to a set amount per pound unless you purchase extra coverage.

Read the terms carefully: some damage (like minor dents or scratches) may not be covered, and you usually have a time limit to file a claim after delivery. Take photos of valuable items before packing and keep receipts or appraisals; these help if you need to file a claim. Ask Seven Seas what documentation they require for claims and how long the process takes.

What to do before you book

Get quotes from multiple international moving companies, not just Seven Seas, so you can compare prices and services. Check online reviews and ask Seven Seas for references from recent customers who moved to your destination country. Verify that the company is licensed and insured; Seven Seas should provide proof of both.

Confirm the timeline with your destination country's requirements. If you need your household goods by a specific date—to start a job, to move into a home—tell Seven Seas that deadline and ask whether it is realistic. International moves rarely happen on a fixed date the way domestic moves do, so build in buffer time. Finally, do not sign a contract until you understand every fee, what is included, what is not, and what happens if your shipment is delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Seven Seas move me within the United States?

No. Seven Seas Worldwide specializes in international moves only. For relocations within the United States, you will need a domestic moving company. If you are moving from South Carolina to another U.S. state and then internationally, you may need to hire two separate companies or ask Seven Seas whether they can recommend a domestic partner for the first leg.

What happens if my shipment is damaged during transit?

Document the damage with photos and notify Seven Seas in writing as soon as possible after delivery—most companies require claims within a set timeframe, often 30 to 60 days. Seven Seas will investigate and may offer repair, replacement, or compensation depending on what is covered under your insurance and the company's liability limits. Keep all packing materials and receipts as evidence.

Do I have to be present when Seven Seas picks up my belongings?

Yes, typically you or an authorized representative must be present during pickup so you can verify the inventory and sign off on the condition of your items. This protects both you and Seven Seas by creating a record of what was packed and in what condition. Coordinate the pickup date well in advance so you can be available.

How much does it cost to move internationally with Seven Seas?

Costs vary widely based on shipment weight, destination country, shipping method, and current fuel prices. A small shipment to Canada might cost a few thousand dollars, while a full household to Asia could cost $10,000 or more. Request a detailed quote from Seven Seas; they will break down all fees so you know exactly what you are paying for.

What if my destination country will not allow certain items to be imported?

Some countries restrict or ban items like certain electronics, plants, animal products, or weapons. Research your destination's import rules before you pack, and ask Seven Seas which items are typically problematic for that country. If you ship prohibited items, they may be confiscated at customs or returned to you at additional cost. It is your responsibility to know what your destination allows.