20 Incredible International Moving Tips

Relocation locally is already a complicated task and international moves are expected to be more complicated, but the thing is, an international move can also be an exciting new adventure.

With international relocation, you gain a fresh perspective about people and places. New places to explore and more people to meet can make moving abroad feel like an extended vacation.

It is critical that you have a strategy in place to ensure that your foreign relocation goes as well as possible so that you can enjoy the experience.

In this blog, we listed down some important tips and reminders for your international move.

1. Pack a personal easy-access bag for essentials.

Since most of your belongings will either be sent as cargo or in big bags that will be checked in the airport, packing a bag of essentials that will be easily accessible to you is very important. You don’t want to rummage through your stuff for something you need right away. In this bag, you should have medicine, toiletries, snacks, your important documents, and other stuff that you will immediately need.

1. Light packing will do wonders for you.

It’s not smart to pack a lot of your belongings especially if most of them are perishables or are things that you don’t even need. You will only increase your total price cost for the transportation of your items if they’re heavy. With light packing, you will only have a few things to worry about, as well as lesser things to unpack when you get to your new place.

1. Collect important documents and create copies.

Make sure that you and your family have updated passports. If they’re nearing their expiration date, get them renewed right away. Other documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, school documents, and driver’s licenses should be kept in a secure and waterproof bag or folder. Create copies for them too, just in case.

1. Arrange for your vehicle’s transportation.

You should arrange for your vehicle’s transportation in advance. This is to ensure that you will be in the location when your vehicle arrives. In some countries, a US driver’s license is enough to be considered as a license in that country as well. Similarly, before getting on the road, your car may need to meet safety or emissions requirements, as well as provide documents. Discuss your relocation with your insurance company, and work with their foreign department to discover the best option for your travel.

1. Prepare for your finances.

Opening a bank account in another country sounds daunting, but it is one of the essentials for someone who is immigrating. This way you can handle your finances locally. If possible, keep your US bank with you. Even if you're going to be overseas for an extended amount of time, possessing a U.S. bank account is very beneficial for visits home and international transactions. This can also be beneficial to maintaining a good credit score in the US.

1. Visit the country you’re relocating to.

Before you relocate for good, you should visit the country you plan on moving to. This is to experience first-hand if the place, the people, and the culture are a good fit for you. You will get to experience everything before you invest a lot in immigration. Think of it as a taste test before actually buying the meal.

1. Do a general checkup.

Because you are moving to another country, make sure that your medical records are up-to-date. If you will be needing immunizations or vaccines, get them right away. If you are relocating because of a business or a reassignment from work, speak with your HR manager about health, dental, and optical coverage while you are away. Take as many medicines as you think you'll need, and don't forget to include a compact travel kit with the necessities.

1. Opt for sea freight compared to air freight.

Sea freight is considerably cheaper than air freight. This is a fact. Airfreight is faster but it is one of the more expensive options because it can get your cargo to the location in only a few days. It is also more expensive to maintain a plane. If you have decided to avail of sea freight, send your items out in advance. A month or a few weeks before your flight is recommended to ensure that you will be arriving before or, more or less, around the time your cargo will reach your destination.

1. Purchase your plane tickets at the right time.

Purchasing plane tickets is something you have to think about. The cheapest plane tickets are bought during a specific period and day. Purchase tickets for short-haul flights seven weeks and long-haul flights eighteen weeks ahead. Most airlines also advocate booking your aircraft tickets on Sundays as the best day of the week. Wednesday has been designated as the day to avoid. Understandably, off-peak seasons provide the finest prospects for obtaining inexpensive flights, so if you have the option of deciding when you go, you should always attempt to fly when there aren't many tourists heading towards your destination.

1. Sell the items you won’t need in a yard sale.

This will not only save you having to spend a big amount due to your cargo’s weight, but it can also give you additional funds. When packing your things, always think about which ones you can live without, ones you need, and ones that have sentimental value to you.

1. Talk with an immigration lawyer.

This should be very obvious. An immigration lawyer is someone who knows the ins and outs of immigration. They will assist you with obtaining your visa and other documents that you need.

1. Simplify your move.

Your relocation can be done most simply if you employ the services of a moving company such as Three Movers. There is a lot to be done when you’re relocating locally, and twice as much when you’re doing so internationally. Trim out the stress of doing it all yourself by hiring a well-established moving company.

1. Expect problems and plan for them.

Because you’re moving to another country, everything you wish to relocate with has to be arranged. The time you will spend with an international move is more than just a few days so expect that delays are always possible. The best way to counter this problem is to think of a plan B (even to plan Z, if you want.) for every possible scenario.

1. Bring a piece of home with you.

Moving to another country especially if you’re alone is scary. Keep the longing and separation anxiety in check by having a piece of home with you. Maybe it’s a recipe book, a family picture, or anything that will always make your chosen space feel like home.

1. Learn the language.

You don’t have to learn how to recite a whole speech in the local language. Learn the basics like “hello”, “goodbye”, and “thank you” so that you can converse with the locals and connect with them. You’ll find out soon enough that the longer you are in the place, the more fluent you are with the language.

1. Get to know the customs and traditions.

Each country has its own set of customs and traditions. Do extensive research to ensure that when interacting with locals, you are not disrespecting them unconsciously. Getting in tune with the local customs and traditions can easily make wherever you move to feel like home.

1. Prepare your pet.

If you’re bringing your pet with you, make sure that they are fully vaccinated and have been given an anti-rabies shot. Keep their medical records up-to-date and obtain the necessary documentation like their health card and immunization records.

1. Throw a goodbye party!

The day of your move is almost here. Gather up your friends and family to say goodbye to them and to share one last set of memories.

1. Keep in touch and be friendly with new people.

You’re in a new place and the best thing that will benefit you is to make friends who will help you in times of need. Your new neighbors or roommates will be the people you’re going to coexist with for the next coming years so having a harmonious relationship with them is a must.

1. Locate the places in your area.

You should do this before you fly out to your new home. Locate the nearest hospitals, grocery stores, and other important establishments you will need. Plan out your daily commute to these places and think if there are other alternatives if traveling to them is not doable for you.

Conclusion

International relocation is understandably a difficult yet exciting task. If you need help with this endeavor of yours, you can call Three Movers at (888) 202-0036 to begin your relocation. We can start your journey with a free, no-obligation quote!