Choosing the Right Bahamas Moving Companies To Streamline Your Move

Your new home in The Bahamas is officially a done deal! You’re finally ready to dive into your new life in paradise—until the reality of moving houses sinks in.

Moving has never been a simple hop over the fence, and now that you’re relocating to an island, you’ll need to bring in the professionals! 

Take it from us, who have supported countless clients through their move to The Bahamas over the past 30 years—choosing the right Bahamas moving companies can make all the difference. 

In light of our experience working with expats at ERA Dupuch Real Estate, we’ve put together a guide to help you find the best moving partners as you prepare to relocate to The Bahamas or send some of your stuff to your vacation home on the islands.

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Air Shipping vs. Sea Shipping: Which is Right for Your Move?

Since The Bahamas is an island country, you can only send your belongings to your new home via air or sea freight. Each comes with its perks (and a few quirks), so let’s dive in and learn which one might suit your moving needs.

Air Shipping

Cargo planes, some as big as flying warehouses, transport your belongings to your destination by air. After careful packing, your items are loaded into containers or pallets and shipped to the nearest airport in The Bahamas. Air freight is usually cost-effective only for urgent, fragile, or time-sensitive deliveries.

Pros:  Fast delivery, secure, and suitable for smaller shipments, valuables, or urgent moves

Cons:  Costly, particularly with large shipments or bulky items

Sea Shipping

Sea shipping, or ocean freight, involves packing household items into containers loaded onto cargo ships bound for The Bahamas. Because it costs relatively less, people usually use sea shipping to move bulky household items like cars, furniture, electronics, etc. 

Once the container arrives at the port, it goes through customs clearance before being transported to your new home or storage. Although it’s slower than air freight, sea shipping is often more cost-effective— five times cheaper than air shipping.

Pros:  Wallet-friendly, suitable for larger shipments 

Cons:  Long delivery time, complex customs process

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What to Look for in a Bahamas Moving Company

Choosing the right moving company for your Bahamas relocation is crucial. You’ll need a company experienced in international moves and moves to islands—a main island like Nassau and family islands like Eleuthera or Treasure Cay, wherever your vacation home may be.

Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

Experience with International Moves

Choose a company with proven experience in international relocations. An experienced mover will understand customs requirements, international shipping regulations, and efficient packing and unpacking for overseas transit. 

To assess this, ask how long they’ve been handling international moves and inquire about specific experiences with The Bahamas. A well-versed company can anticipate and address challenges, making your move smoother and more reliable.

Licensed and Insured

Choosing a licensed and insured moving company is essential for protecting your belongings during transit and storage. A licensed company follows industry standards, while insurance provides coverage in case of damage or loss, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

To verify a company’s credentials, ask for their license numbers and insurance details and ensure they comply with international moving regulations. You can also look them up on government or industry websites such as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to confirm their licensing status. 

Comprehensive Services

A good moving company should offer more than just transportation—think, packing/unpacking, storage, customs handling, and door-to-door service. Having professionals handle these tasks can save you time, reduce the risk of fines, and prevent damage to your belongings due to improper packing. 

To ensure coverage, ask moving companies about their experience with customs procedures in The Bahamas and the types of services they offer. 

Transparent Pricing

Moving expenses can add up fast, so choosing a company with transparent, upfront pricing and no hidden fees is crucial. Reliable movers provide detailed quotes and break down what’s included in each package, helping you avoid unexpected costs.

When shortlisting Bahamas moving companies, request international moving estimates for a better budget overview. Remember that costs may vary based on the island you intend to live on in The Bahamas, so ask how the island location might impact the final price.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Check online reviews and testimonials to get a feel for a moving company’s reputation. Past customer experiences can reveal a lot about a company’s reliability, professionalism, and quality of service. 

A solid company will have satisfied customers who appreciate its support and service. Look for consistent themes in reviews, such as responsiveness, attention to detail, or problem-solving.

Customer Support

No matter how excited you are and how reliable your moving partners are, international moves are stressful—that’s a given!

A responsive and supportive customer care can be a huge relief. Whether you need to ask about customs requirements or look for shipment updates, polite and knowledgeable customer service can prevent many misunderstandings and keep anxiety at bay.

To gauge the quality of customer support, try calling or messaging the moving company with a few preliminary questions: note response times, clarity of answers, and willingness to assist. 

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Top 6 Bahamas Moving Companies

To help you find the best Bahamas moving companies, we’ve compiled a list of some known for their reliability, expertise, and services to fit all kinds of moving needs.

1. International Van Lines (IVL)

International Van Lines (IVL) is a top-rated moving company known for its high customer satisfaction. It has been operational since 2000, handles over 20,000 moves annually, and specializes in both domestic and international relocations. 

With extensive global relocation experience and a vast network of air, sea, and auto shipping, IVL is a reliable choice for anyone moving internationally. The company offers a full range of services, including packing/unpacking and storage options, to ensure a smooth relocation experience. 

2. AGS Movers Bahamas

AGS Movers has over 51 years of experience and operates worldwide with 147 locations across 100 countries, primarily via sea shipping. AGS partners with local experts in The Bahamas to offer tailored moving solutions. 

Their global network combined with local partnerships makes AGS exceptionally equipped to handle complex moves, whether you're moving to or from the islands. They offer professional packing/unpacking services and 147 storage warehouses worldwide—their facilities meet international standards.

3. Seven Seas Worldwide (MoveCube®)

Seven Seas Worldwide MoveCube® offers a unique moving solution—the International MoveCube® service—which operates via sea freight. It is a dedicated container delivered right to your door for easy packing. Fill it with anything from clothes to furniture—and Seven Seas handles the rest, including customs documentation and overseas delivery.

With transparent pricing, flexible payments, and a global network, Seven Seas keeps your move affordable and stress-free. Each MoveCube® also offers two weeks of free secure storage before and after shipping, giving you added flexibility during your relocation.

4. Moving U Places 

Founded in 2015, Moving U Places has quickly established itself as a trusted Bahamas moving company, thanks to its strong focus on professional, personalized services. 

They provide a range of budget-friendly solutions, including packing and destination services like unpacking and removing debris, all handled by a team known for its honesty and reliability. 

5. Novah Flight Services (Bahamas)

Novah Flight Services offers specialized freight forwarding and courier services in the Bahamas, with the flexibility to arrange deliveries to boats and other unique destinations. Serving both personal and business needs, they are known for efficient handling and safe delivery. 

Novah Flight’s ability to coordinate non-standard transport options makes it a strong choice for customers with specialized shipping requirements across the islands or to the vessels, for example, while you’re out fishing in The Bahamas. 

6. SDC Shipping

SDC International Shipping specializes in relocations to The Bahamas, serving areas like New Providence, Paradise Island, Freeport, and the Family Islands. Their services include shipping household goods, personal items, and vehicles, with professional packing options or DIY supplies to ensure safe transit.

For storage needs, SDC offers climate-controlled facilities to ensure the safety of items like electronics, antiques, or artwork. Moreover, flexible monthly payment and an efficient inventory system provide easy retrieval options for your belongings. Marine insurance options add extra protection, making SDC reliable for secure and streamlined international moves.

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Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company

Before signing with a moving company, it’s important to ask a few key questions to ensure they can handle your unique needs. International moves come with specific challenges, so getting clear answers will help set expectations and make the process smoother. 

Here are some essential queries that can be discussed to avoid last-minute hiccups. 

Learn Restrictions on What You Can Ship

Some items, like lamp bulbs (gasses), perfume (flammable), or batteries (toxic), can’t be shipped internationally for safety reasons. Even speakers (magnetic) or untanned hides might be restricted depending on the destination. To avoid any inconvenience, here’s what you can do:

• Talk with your mover about what’s restricted—they’ll have a list ready.

• Ask if there’s another way to ship or find replacements locally.

• Pack your items carefully and make sure all paperwork is in order.

• Double-check customs rules so you don’t get any surprises.

A little prep goes a long way to keep your move stress-free!

Learn About Packing and Unpacking Services

Packing can feel overwhelming, especially when handling fragile items, antiques, or bulky furniture. Start by asking your mover about their packing services. Do they handle assembly/disassembly, unpacking, and debris removal? Are there extra costs involved? 

If you prefer to pack yourself, invest in quality materials and take extra care with delicate or valuable belongings. Weigh the potential savings against the risk of damage to see what works best for you. Don’t forget that packaging materials, like corrugated boxes, often have weight limits. 

Ask About Handling Customs and Import Regulations

Let’s face it—customs can be a little challenging to navigate. Luckily, your moving company can help you out. Ask your moving company if they’re experienced with Bahamian customs and import regulations. 

Inquire whether they’ll assist you with preparing and submitting the required paperwork. Ask about the documentation you’ll need to provide, such as inventory lists or proof of ownership. What about the customs fees, and if there’s an issue, how will they help resolve it? 

A good mover will walk you through the entire process, helping you avoid unexpected charges, delays, or stress. 

Learn the Difference Between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) 

When moving houses overseas, you’ll generally encounter two options: a Full Container Load (FCL) and a Less-than-Container Load (LCL). It’s worth learning the differences between the two and discussing with your moving company to see which fits your budget, timeline, and the items you’re bringing.

With FCL, you get an entire container just for your belongings—ideal if you have much to ship or prefer not to mix your items with others. It could be pricey if you’re not using all the space. In that case, you can use LCL to share container space with other shipments, making it a more budget-friendly choice since you only pay for the space you use. 

Understanding International Moving Insurance

Insurance is an important subject to discuss with any moving company you choose. It’ll probably be included in the package or offered as an add-on. Usually, companies offer them in tiers such as:

• All-risk insurance for professionally packed moves, covering damage based on your declared item value. It’s usually costs the most.

• Total loss coverage for self-packed moves only covers complete shipment loss and costs comparatively less.

• Basic coverage is the default option, offering basic coverage and costs the least.

Remember to ask your mover about the claims process, exclusions, and whether temporary storage is covered. Understanding these details upfront will help you choose the right coverage and move confidently, knowing your belongings are protected.

Weigh Cost Vs. Convenience

Choosing the right shipping services is key to balancing cost and convenience for your move to the Bahamas. Discuss the following options with your moving expert to see what fits your budget, timeline, and comfort:

• Door-to-Door:  Full convenience—pickup from your old place and delivery to your new home.

• Port-to-Door:  Drop it off at a local port, and they’ll deliver it to your doorstep in The Bahamas.

• Door-to-Port:  Pickup from home and delivery to the destination port. You’re responsible for hauling your belongings to your new home.

• Port-to-Port:  Most affordable, but you’ve got to handle drop-off and pick-up at ports.

Tracking Options for Your Shipments

Tracking your belongings in real-time can bring peace of mind during a big move. Ask if the company offers live tracking options to monitor your shipment’s progress and estimated arrival time. Having access to tracking means you’ll know exactly where your things are and can better plan around their arrival. 

For added assurance, check whether the tracking includes notifications for key milestones, like when your shipment clears customs or reaches the port. These updates make it easier to stay on top of your move every step of the way.

Storage Solutions When Your Home Isn’t Ready

Sometimes, your belongings may arrive before you’re ready to move them to your new home. Maybe the home isn’t ready, or you’re on a trip and can’t receive your shipment until a few days or weeks later. 

That’s when temporary storage comes in handy. Many moving companies offer secure storage options at your current location or in The Bahamas, so you’ll have a safe place for your things until you can settle in. 

Before committing, ask about the facility's security, accessibility, hidden charges, and additional fees if you need to extend the storage duration. 

Simple Ways to Cut Your Moving Costs 

The cost of an international move can vary depending on factors like your destination, shipment size, and the specific services you select. Regardless, international moves are pricey, but with a few smart strategies, you can keep costs under control. 

Here are some simple tips to save on your moving costs:

• Declutter Before You Move:  Sell or donate items you no longer need. Fewer belongings mean lower shipping costs, and you might make extra cash!

• Pack Yourself:  Self-packing can save you a significant amount—just make sure you know any regulations and use proper materials to protect your items. 

• Choose Off-Season:  Winter is the best time to move internationally since peak season (May to August) has higher rates. Moving in the off-season can save you up to 25%.

• Opt for Port Pick-Up or Drop-Off:  If you can handle pick-up or drop-off at a major port, you’ll save on door-to-door delivery fees.

• Ask for Discounts:  Don’t hesitate to negotiate. Many moving companies are willing to work with you on pricing.

Relocating can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right Bahamas moving companies can turn a daunting process into a smooth transition. By understanding your shipping options, evaluating movers based on experience, services, and reputation, and asking the right questions, you can ensure your belongings reach your new home safely and on time. 

Whether moving permanently or setting up a vacation retreat, ERA Dupuch Real Estate is here to guide your every step—from finding the perfect home to settling into island life. Contact us today to explore your real estate options in The Bahamas!