International Moving
Preparing For An Overseas Move -Your one page guideline.
If moving even within the same city is nerve-wracking, moving internationally takes things to an entirely new level. Preparations must start months in advance, and everyone involved must be on the same page for things to go smoothly.
Just about any move overseas is going to give you a rough time. It’s difficult to adjust, and there’s a lot that you have to do to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Now, one of the most important aspects of your move is your documents — without those, you might not make it out of the airport.
So, before you get caught up in making sure all your arrangements for your new home are in place, take a moment to check if your documents are up to date.
The necessary documents vary by origin and destination. For precise information, communicate with the relevant embassies and consulates. However, you will most likely need the following documentation:
This is the first and most important factor when you prepare for an overseas move. International moves are costly, and you need to be financially prepared for every part of the process, including unexpected fees and expenses. Moving internationally can cost between $1,500 to $12,000 to move a one to four-bedroom house overseas.
Some of the best money-saving practices include:
A visa authorizes you to enter, leave or stay at a destination for some time. Visa requirements vary depending on where you live and where you are going. Consult with an international lawyer to determine what visa requirements you’ll need to meet before moving overseas.
The most common types of visas include:
Informing yourself about which one applies to your situation and giving yourself enough time to go through the process will increase your chances of success. This is a very important factor while you prepare for an overseas move.
If you are moving with your pet, you must provide special documentation. Your pet will need a passport and animal health certificate for some destinations. You may also contact specialized pet transport companies, which will inform you of the necessary documents.
The benefits of enrolling your trip abroad with STEP include:
Health should be the top priority when moving internationally, especially if you travel with family. There are so many things to consider that it’s hard to make a definitive list, but you should start by visiting your primary physician and explaining the situation. They’ll be able to guide you in the right direction.
In general, some of the most important considerations you should make include the following:
If you’ve never lived overseas before and are just moving from the USA to another country, then there’s one thing standing in your way – getting those vital documents legalized for use in the country where you’re about to make your new home. This is a key factor to watch out for when you prepare for an overseas move.
Every country has its own system for doing this, and finding where to go to get those documents legalized can be challenging. These documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational degrees, and more that might need to be translated and certified to be valid in your new country.
If you decide to move overseas, you will encounter situations you’d never planned to deal with. With changes to tax laws and rules governing offshore earnings, it can be challenging to know where you stand. The best way to ensure you are prepared to move overseas is to hire a professional who understands the international aspects and can assist with your taxes.
At least six months before your move, sit down with your accountant to start strategizing the best way to manage your taxes while living abroad.
While you prepare for an overseas move you should be mindful of cultural customs in your destination. Cultural elements you should keep in mind include:
Securing a place to stay should be one of the top priorities, along with healthcare. But arranging the house is difficult across national borders.
Whether you need temporary housing, a rental contract or are planning to buy a home in your destination, there are relocation professionals who understand the local laws and real estate markets. If you can, contact one such professional and expedite your housing arrangements.
Check for proper licensing
All moving companies that operate in the U.S. should be licensed with the United States Department of Transportation. These companies must have a USDOT number, a unique numeric identifier. If they have a valid USDOT number, you know they are legally allowed to operate in the U.S. Be aware that USDOT numbers need to be renewed every year, so checking their validity is as important as knowing they have a USDOT number assigned to them.
Check online reviews
Google reviews on Google and other business review companies, especially the ones dedicated to moving companies. Pay special attention to reviews that are detailed and explain their process clearly.
Ask the right questions
When asking for a quote, ask them specific questions to learn how they operate. Some of the most important questions include the following:
Packing up and picking up your life to move halfway around the world is no easy task. There are so many steps you need to take and so much information you need to gather to ensure your move goes smoothly. Hiring the right people is critical to ensure everything goes as planned.
If you are moving abroad, you should notify the right organizations and people about your move. Important details that could affect your new life abroad, such as your residence permit and social security number, will likely depend on a smooth transition and notification of these organizations. Some organizations and people you must notify about your move include:
Moving overseas checklist – the countdown
Assuming your paperwork is in order and you’ve already contracted a moving company (preferably six months in advance), this is what you should focus on next.
One month before:
Two weeks before:
A few days before:
Moving day eve and moving day:
Preparing for an overseas move? Make your move with trusted international movers
Affordable moving cost, best-in-class moving services and people who care.
The average cost for an international move is $2000 to $6000. You can reduce your moving cost by downsizing and or self-packing.
The peak moving season is between May and August. You will find it more affordable to move during the winter months.
The peak moving season is between May and August. You will find it more affordable to move during the winter months.
The pros of self-packing are you will reduce your moving cost. However, it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. You will still need to buy packing material that can set you back and affect your insurance options.
Yes, it would help if you considered purchasing moving insurance.
A cross-border move to Canada or Mexico can cost $1500 to $7,500. Your move size is the most significant cost factor.
You should start by checking the FMC website. You can also ask for references and study reviews. A mover must know the destination country you’re moving to.
If you have an expensive painting, furniture, or a piano, you can have the company crate them.
You should only get up to three moving quotes. Getting more than three quotes can cause confusion and a wrong decision.
You can file a claim for the declared value if you have insurance, but there may be a deductible. You will get 60 cents per pound per article if you don’t have insurance. Some international movers have different insurance policies, so it’s best to speak directly to the company of your choice.
The typical transit time for ocean freight can be 12 to 20 days. Airfreight will be closer to 7 to 12 days. If you move door to door, the transit time will be longer. It’s best to speak with the moving company regarding transit times.
You can buy boxes online or at any local Home Depot, Walmart, or Uhaul.
Most international moving companies offer storage options at the origin or destination location. Storage costs average from 60 cents to $1 per cubic foot. It’s best to speak with your choice of an international moving company about the details of their storage.
