The Best Timeline to Start Planning

Your International Packing

International Moving | Packing Tips

The Best Timeline to Start Planning

Your International Packing

International packing requires planning. If you’re moving abroad, packing is the process’s most daunting and overwhelming part. Those plastic bins and cardboard boxes can only hold so much. You also need to think about packing fragile items like glassware and china, along with all your electronics and other household goods. To help you get started, we’ve prepared this easy-to-follow timeline to give you plenty of time to get through everything. 

6 months – 4 months before

Focus your research on the country.

What is the climate like? Will it rain all year round? Will it snow during winter? How much money will I need as an ex-pat? While every country has unique expenses (like rent), there are also general costs associated with being an ex-pat that applies everywhere. These include transportation tickets, groceries, and health insurance coverage. The best way to figure out exactly how much money will go into each category is by compiling a budget based on average prices in the area where you’re considering living.

You also want to start organizing your stuff. If your move is coming up fairly soon (within 6 months), everything in your home must be organized, especially if you’re hiring packers. Start with items you don’t use daily and other non-essential items you plan to bring. The most daunting rooms are usually the basement, attic, and garage, which hold the most knick-knacks – start there. 

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3-1 month before leaving

Get some boxes ready for shipment.

By now, you shouldn’t have any clutter lying around. If you still have some, consider either donating or tossing those items.

Packing some items before your movers arrive can help you save money down the line. You can get ahead of the game by packing some boxes for your move. Pack away books, toys, kitchen appliances, clothes, and other items you don’t use daily. Think of the things around your house that are not essential. 

1 year – 6 months before you go

Start researching.

If you’re planning to move abroad, one of the first things you should do is start researching your move. Try to find a reputable international moving company to assist with the process. You can find out whether they have an office near where you want to move and begin speaking with them about what it will take for them to pick up your belongings from one country and deliver them safely to another.
You’ll also want to start saving money for this international relocation as soon as possible. Depending on how far away you’re going and how much stuff you have to pack, this could take anywhere from six months up to a year or more before the actual packing portion of the move begins.
Read more: Preparing for a Move

4-3 months before departure

Get ready to declutter and start downsizing.

Packing is an overwhelming process; the sooner you start, the easier it will be, ensuring you don’t forget anything. 

Start by vacuum-sealing those out-of-season clothes, bedding, and other bulky items you won’t be using soon. 

Next, prepare to declutter by selling, donating, or throwing out stuff. You can even host a go-away party. Invite your family and friends to look at some items available for grabs, and let them take the load off your shoulders. 

It might seem early, but remember you are not in much control of how long it takes you to get through these items. Some items will sell quickly, while others might take a few weeks or months to find a new owner. The sooner you start decluttering, the better your chances of getting some money back.

1 month – 2 weeks before you go

Spend time getting last-minute details.

With most of the items packed, this is the chance to double-check and ensure your packing list is in order. By now, you can move into more important rooms in the house like the home office, the kitchen, and your bedroom. 

Start packing essentials you won’t need before the move, like documents, photos, decorative accents, books, and toys. The same goes for clothing. Only leave the clothes that you’ll bring in your suitcase with you. Everything else (including the shoes) should go into a box. 

2 weeks – 1 week before departure

Labeling and double-checking.

At this point, almost all your boxes should be packed. Start by categorizing the boxes and placing them together to keep everything organized. Label the room where the box belongs and whether or not it contains fragile items. 

Use this window of time to double-check every room in the house. Open every drawer, closet, and box in the room to ensure you’re only packing what’s necessary. Check the contents of each box and label them appropriately. The last thing you want is to ship a box meant to be donated or tossed away. But don’t forget a box with essential clothes, for example. Remember that international packing requires focus. 

Read more: Moving Tips & FAQs
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Final thoughts

Packing for an international move is a big project, so breaking down the process into milestones and deadlines is important. Start packing as early as one year out if you’re moving to another country with a different climate.
It’s a big project, but it will be easier to manage if you take it in steps. Depending on your plans, this timeline might not work for you. So, consider speaking with international movers to learn the best ways to start planning your packing timeline. They can help you navigate the ins and outs of planning your overseas move to ensure you have everything you need.

Final week

Be calm. You’ve done all the prep work and are ready for this move.

You’ve done the hard work already. Double-check with your international moving company to arrange pickups and review documentation in the final week.
Use this week to pack away your suitcases. You should only have the things you plan to bring on the plane. Usually, this includes clothes, jewelry, some shoes, and other valuables. Make sure you pack using our favorite packing tips to save space and maximize your suitcases.

Remember, leave daily essentials last and pack them on top to have them reachable and easily accessible once you’re in your new home. International packing is different than packing for a long-distance move.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The least expensive time of year to move is the winter months. It’s about 20% less costly to relocate to a new country during the winter than in the summer. 

Summertime is peak moving season. Kids are out of school, and the supply and demand in the housing market shift. 

Although you may not be able to control when you move, if you can move during October and April, it will be less expensive. 

Transit time can vary based on the size of your move, shipping or moving company, and the service you request. A typical transit time for door-to-door sea freight is 17-25 days, whereas a door to port service will be closer to 12-15 days. 

Before planning your schedule around the shipping time, you should speak with your moving company directly and get the schedule. A shipping or moving company can gather details directly from the ocean carrier and confirm arrival dates. 

Your final price will not change unless you request a specific arrival date which may require a different mode of transportation. 

The key to having a positive outcome when moving to a foreign country is to plan and research. Allow yourself at least three months before your moving date to plan. Preparing for your move in advance can be the difference between a smooth experience or a rocky road.

If you’re hiring a mover, you should start the process at least three months prior. You want to give yourself enough time to research the best international movers. You also need to gather details on what you’re shipping and learn about the different service and price options. It’s good to get an exact cost for your move. 

Additionally, you will also need time to secure a visa. It can take some time, but you can make sure everything sinks well together with the proper planning. 

The key to international moving costs is to gather all the details and plan and budget accordingly. 

There are many benefits to moving overseas, including the opportunity to experience a new culture, learn a new language, and gain new skills and experiences. Moving overseas can also be a great way to advance your career or start a new business.

Additionally, living in a new country can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, there are also some challenges to moving overseas, such as adjusting to a new culture. Overall, the decision to move abroad is a personal one that depends on your circumstances.

If you are considering moving overseas, it is vital to do your research and carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about moving overseas:

1. The cost of living in your destination country.

2. The availability of jobs.

3. The quality of life.

4. The climate.

5. The safety of the country.

6. The proximity to family and friends.

7. The political situation in the country.

If you’re moving to another country, there’s a lot to think about in terms of your finances. One of the big questions is how much money you should save up before making a move. The rule of thumb is to save at least three months’ bills and additional moving toward relocation costs. 

There are a few things to consider when figuring out how much to save. First, you’ll need to have enough money saved up to cover the cost of your move. It includes airfare, shipping costs, and any other associated expenses.

You’ll also need to have enough money to cover your living expenses in your new country. It includes housing, food, utilities, and other necessary costs. Make sure to research the cost of living in your new country to budget accordingly.

Finally, you’ll need to have some extra money saved up in case of emergencies. It is essential if you’re moving to a country with a higher cost of living. It’s always better to be safe than sorry for your finances.

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