People want to experience the world and nowadays this opportunity is easy to accomplish more than ever before. If you have read our Moving Abroad Guide and Checklist part I, then you are ready to dig into the specifics of the relocation process. To decide where and why you are moving is essential, yet to know how to prepare and organize your moving abroad is just as important.
Moving Abroad Checklist part II
It is a well-known fact that moving is one of the most stressful events in life, after death and divorce. Imagine then that international moving would be even more intricate and taxing on you and your family. Don’t put off and start planning your relocation because there are millions of things to do. Nothing will help you better than a good, old-fashioned moving checklist.
Plan your moving budget
Plan your international moving according to your budget. Moving abroad could be quite expensive and you have to plan it according to your financial situation. Consider all possible charges which moving abroad involves, and set a budget that will allow you to have a comfortable relocation. When you hire a moving company their quote will usually include all the possible charges, thus make sure you discuss them with the movers. You can also use our moving cost estimator to determine your budget.
If you don’t use it, lose it!
The less stuff you take with you when moving, the cheaper the relocation will be. Check your rooms, basement, attic and garage thoroughly and decide if you do need everything you own. You will surely find items and clothes you will never use again and can give away. Donate them, give to friends and family, put in storage, or organize a moving abroad garage sale. Garage sale is a nice option as it can bring some money in your pocket.
Take a snap, and then pack!
Packing is the most time-consuming part in the moving process. Before you start packing though, take pictures of your items and make sure you keep them. International moving means that your items will most likely be loaded and unloaded more than twice, so take all precautions you can to protect them. You may consider snapping photos only of the most valuable furniture and items you are moving with you abroad and then purchase full value protection. Then take inventory and start packing and labeling. Organize the boxes by room and categories you will easily recognize. Do not put the most valuable items all in a few boxes rather disperse them.
Packing and moving supplies
After you are done being Santa Clause, and had a garage sale it is time to think about the packing materials. It is very important to pack things properly as they will travel overseas. Make sure you get professional moving boxes and wrapping materials in advance. Decide whether you will pack everything yourself or will leave some for the movers. Keep in mind that professional movers know how to pack for international moves, and if you are not sure, it is better to leave it to them.
Contact moving abroad movers
Take in mind that overseas shipment costs are based on the volume of the shipment.
Moving internationally rarely happens without the help of a professional moving company. Shop around for the best quote and compare rates and moving abroad services. Moving to a foreign country is a serious undertaking and it involves dealing with customs, and possibly a third party moving company. Thus, make sure the movers you hire will take care of all the stages professionally. Consider checking the international movers ratings, read testimonials and moving reviews. Recent reviews will surely tell you a lot about the operational policies and habits a moving company.
Moving abroad costs
Let’s talk about money now. After you have thought about your budget and decided what exactly you are moving with you abroad, you draw the line and get the total bill. Moving abroad entails quite a few possible additional charges and fees a professional international mover should inform you about, such as booking deposit and customs forms handling. Moreover, moving insurance must be obtained. You should discuss that with your moving abroad agent as well as all details about moving abroad costs.
Besides preparing the moving, arrange personal affairs:
- Shop around for cheap airfare. Plane tickets are expensive when you travel internationally, so make sure you get a good deal.
- Reserve a hotel, if you haven’t yet found a rental in your new country.
- Notify institutions for your relocation abroad. Call utility companies, banks, schools, libraries and any other organization you are a member of.
- Get eye and physical checkups prior your leaving, and inform your doctor for your moving abroad. Collect all your medical history that you may need in the new country.
- Check your tax obligations to the US and the new country as well. Income you earn abroad may be subject to US taxing, so check with your accountant or the IRS. Collect all documents about real estate and other properties you own, and tax forms.
- If you are moving with kids, investigate schooling abroad and educational system of the new country. Check out our moving with kids guide for some useful tips.
- Shipping a car overseas will cost you additional money. If you are moving your car with you abroad, check if the moving company you have hired offers auto transportation. If they don’t they will find a auto shipper for you and then add the cost to your final bill.
This is our moving abroad guide that will get you started on your international relocation. Moving to Canada, for example, is still international move, but since Canada is close it would be somewhat easier. So, if you are moving to Canada you may want to check out our moving to Canada checklist. If you are moving to UK, consider all moving abroad tips we listed for you and find moving abroad removals on RemovalReviews.co.uk. If you have questions we haven’t answered, please check out our FAQ when moving or ask us in the comments section.
