There are few more exciting things in life than moving to a new country.
There is the promise of a fresh perspective to look forward to, the interaction with the locals and immersing yourself in a culture that’s probably a complete opposite of what you’re accustomed to, the adventure of exploring a new country, its cuisine, attractions…Ah…
It’s like being on an extended vacation.
If you are moving with some of your must-have belongings, it is important that you choose a reputable professional mover to help make your move abroad less painstaking and more seamless.
Ideally, you want an experienced company that specializes in international moving, or rather offers this in their menu of services.
That’s because this kind of mover is not only better placed to haul your belongings across the international waters, but also because they can prove handy during the planning process, as well as on moving day, and even after arrival.
If you have an international move on the cards, here are five important tips you should keep in mind to ensure the move proceeds swimmingly.
5 Things to Keep in Mind When Moving
1. Get the paperwork in order
One of the key secrets to make moving easier is proper planning in advance. That rings true when you’re moving across the other side of the city, and it very much applies in the case of international moves.
In this case, one of the things you need to make sure are in order well ahead of your move is all the necessary paperwork. Paperwork has the potential to get bogged down in red tape, so it’s imperative that you get everything sorted out weeks before the move to avoid any last minute frustrations.
Check if your passport is up to date. If you’re moving for work reasons and moving with family in tow, confirm if you need a special visa for the members of the family.
As well, do your due diligence on the paperwork required in the destination country. A lot of countries do not accept official documents unless they are certified.
If you’re traveling with school-going children, ask the school for the necessary educational transfer certificates. Get medical records from your family doctor and dentist too.
Don’t forget to register with the US government, stating that you’re relocating abroad and for how long you intend to stay.
This is helpful in many ways, but on a more individual level, it will keep Uncle Sam from asking for your taxes later on. Have your accountant help you arrange this.
2. Prepare your budget
It needs no telling that relocating overseas can be a costly undertaking, so you need to be well prepared by creating a budget in advance.
Take all the expenses you’re likely to incur into account, including hotel stays, meals en route, car rental once you land, the cost of housing, furniture etc.
Get in touch with your bank and let them know of your planned move. Some banks do not charge international transactions, others do – so it’s important to get this clear to be sure you won’t be charged for every little purchase you make.
3. Check on customs requirements
Custom requirements vary from one country to the other, and this can have a say in what you can and cannot bring with you when making a move abroad.
Items like house plants will most likely be left behind, so these are some of the things you should find a new home for before you leave.
Again, the good thing with dealing with a moving company that provides international relocation services is they can be of great assistance on some of these matters. They can save you the hassle of having to research for this info on sites that were last updated in 2014.
4. It never hurts to have a point person back home
If you’ve traveled abroad for a couple of months’ stay before, you know it’s bound to happen – a forgotten item, a missed bill, or something that requires your attention back home.
It is for this reason that having a point person back at home makes sense; someone who can sort out stuff on your behalf should things arise.
Set up a discretionary bank account (separate from your main account) and add them as a signatory so they can make any payments needed.
5. Update your driver’s license
Some countries are not very strict and will allow you to drive with an International Driver’s Permit. In others, you will be required to apply for a local driving license.
If you are required to have your US license along with your International Driving Permit, make sure it is up to date.
If your international move is going to last more than a year, there is a chance you will be required to take a local driving test before you are certified.