International Moving Checklist

6 MONTHS BEFORE

Research and Visit Your New Home

Visit your future home to see it in person and better understand the country's culture. You should also start researching by reading local guides, blogs, and newspapers online!
YES

Look for an International Mover

Start researching international moving companies. You can start by searching online and checking license information on the Federal Maritime Commission Website. Spend this time looking for the best international moving companies.
YES

3 MONTHS BEFORE:

Book Travel & Hotels

Now's the time to make flight arrangements and reserve hotels and a car if needed. Start making reservations early so you can search for deals and don't get hit with unnecessary charges.
YES

Get International Moving Quotes

When moving from the US abroad, you'll want to get three international moving quotes for comparison. Before requesting moving quotes, ensure each company has the proper licensing and certifications. You'll also want to ensure they're familiar with your final destination.
YES

Collect Important Documents

Now is an excellent time to gather all your essential documents. You can begin with birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, school records, medical forms, and social security cards. You will need these when you're moving overseas.
YES

Review or get a Passport

You should start renewing an existing passport or getting a new one early. For more information on the process, you can check here. Also, remember to use an international moving checklist to keep track of accomplished tasks.
YES

Contact the Embassy

You may need a visa or permit to enter the country, so you should contact an embassy in Washington DC. The process for getting one will vary depending on your citizenship. Still, most countries have facilities where they issue these documents and sometimes allow visitors without hassle if no curfews are scheduled during their stay."
YES

Apply for a VISA or Permit

If you want to enter the country, make sure that your visa or work permit is valid. In many cases, it can be a lengthy process, and apply for one as soon as possible, so it doesn't get stuck in immigration limbo! Contact an official at home's nearest embassy/consulate after arriving because they may have more information on requirements than what's posted here.
YES

Health Insurance

When moving abroad, you'll need to start looking for available healthcare health plans. If you're moving for work, the employer may assist you. Additionally, you should do your own research and look into different international healthcare plans.
YES

2 MONTHS BEFORE:

Vaccines

Some countries may require vaccines before entering. You can check a list of countries here. It's essential that you check into this in advance, so you leave yourself enough time to gather medical records. Make sure you print a copy of our international moving checklist.
YES

Book an International Moving Company

If you're moving overseas with household goods, you must book your international mover in advance. Giving yourself and your mover, enough time for planning, will help with an easier transition. Make sure all of your questions are answered before committing. You can also familiarize yourself with the cost of moving overseas.
YES

Reserve a Storage Unit

When moving to a new country, you may need long or short-term storage. If you're hiring an international moving company, they can help. Otherwise, you should reserve your storage unit in advance.
YES

Time to start purging

There's no better time to downsize than when moving overseas. Create a list of items you can live without. You can donate them or sell them online for some extra cash. Many non-profit organizations offer free pickups.
YES

Contact your Bank

It's essential to let your banks know that you're moving to a new country. You can also check to see if your bank has an exciting location in your destination country. Online banking has served as a great way to handle international banking.
YES

Check the Tax Laws

It's always a good idea to research the tax laws in your new country before moving. You may find that you are subject both at home and abroad, so make sure an expert can help you understand confusing regulations- they're tricky
YES

Wireless Plans

Before moving overseas, it's essential to contact your wireless provider to let them know your moving overseas. They may be able to transfer your plan, or you may need to set u a new wireless plan in your new country.
YES

Start Packing

If you're self-packing boxes for your international move, you should start now. You can speak with a professional moving company about packing details. You can purchase packing supplies from any local Home Depot or Walmart.
YES

1 MONTH BEFORE:

Make sure your mover is booked

You'll want to contact the international moving company you chose to answer any outstanding questions you may have. You and your mover must be on the same page and understand the shipping process and transit times.
YES

Get some Travel Guides

A good travel guide is an invaluable resource for prospective tourists looking to research their destination before they go. These guides will give you all the information you need, including details on what transportation options are available in a particular country and how much it costs per day or week if you travel by car.
YES

Refill and Gather Prescriptions

Moving is a stressful enough experience. You don't have to deal with the added stress of insufficient prescription supplies! Make sure you refill your meds before moving so that there are no worries about running out when things start going smoothly again in this new place.
YES

MOVING DAY

What to expect

Your international moving company will show up with three to four movers and a truck. The size of your home will determine the length of time your move will take. If you have a larger home, it may take a full day, whereas for a smaller home will be a few hours.
YES

Keep the kids busy

You may want to consider bringing your kids to a friend's house or keep them occupied while the move takes place. Moving can be a lot, especially if children are running around.
YES

Consider buying the mover's lunch

It's not mandatory, but it's always a kind gesture to offer the movers lunch. You can buy them pizza or subs.
YES

Tip your movers

Tipping movers have become common but not imperative. The tip should be based on how pleased you are and how hard they worked. A standard tip would be $50 per mover.
YES

AFTER YOU MOVE

Update friends & family with your new address

After settling in your new home, you should contact your friends and family with your updated address and contact details.
YES

Learn about your new community

Moving abroad is an exciting time! Get into the local culture and make friends with people from all over town while getting comfortable in one location.
YES

Meet Local & Expats

The more you speak out in public, the better your chances of making friends. So go ahead and start a conversation with neighbors or coworkers – even people crossing paths throughout town can become valuable resources for future relocation needs!
YES

Consider language classes

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it's worth the effort. There are plenty of ways you could go about learning languages, and we recommend signing up for some classes at your local school or library before heading out into this world fully immersed in another culture!
YES

Contact your home embassy

Contacting your home embassy is the best way to ensure that you are fully prepared for any emergency. Whether it's an accident or illness, they have all of this information available and can guide what steps need to be taken to ensure everything goes smoothly! Make sure you keep track of your progress using our international moving checklist!
YES