Tips From International Movers In Chicago
Published by Chris Townsend
If you live or do business in Chicago and are planning on moving foreign sometime in the near future, now is the time to begin preparations. International hauling can cause a significant amount of stress. With shipping, customs and having to coordinate between two different locations, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed.
Fear not, for when you hire a Chicago international moving company, you don’t have to worry about government regulations and whether or not your belongings will make the trip.
Three Movers, is the best Chicago international movers, residents trust and rely on for seamless relocations abroad. Our foreign relocation process will manage every aspect of your move so can focus on more important tasks.
Starting your moving process early will help make the entire process more manageable. To help you begin, here are ten steps for a future expat like yourself to take before this new journey.
Maximize Savings for Your International Relocation
An international move from Chicago can be rather pricey. Consider first how much it costs to just simply move across your own country. Now imagine how much more it’s going to be to move to the other side of the world. You’ll need to factor in plane tickets, hiring a world mover in Chicago, your visa application, housing, and any emergencies that could arise.
When moving overseas, use the age-old advice of having six-months worth of savings. Also, before you move, do plenty of research on the cost of living in your new country and develop some sort of monthly budget plan. Having an additional little buffer can’t hurt for paying any unanticipated costs during the first few months.
Consider Health Care Before Moving Internationally
Factoring in and planning ahead for health care is an essential step to moving abroad. Begin by finding out if your current provider will continue to cover you after you’ve moved overseas. Collect all your medical records and get any necessary immunizations before your trip. Also, if you have any prescription medications, you’ll need to check if they’re permitted or easily accessible in your new country. Depending on the answer, you may have to pack an extra supply.
If you elect to become a resident, you may qualify for the country’s public health care system. Otherwise, you’ll typically have the option of choosing a private health care system. In this case, you’ll pay out of pocket for services and be reimbursed if you have private health insurance.
Regardless, research the requirements of the country you’re heading to. Even if the country has a public health system, some require that residents fund their own health care.
Renew or Apply for a Passport
Prior to filling out your visa application, you must have a valid passport. It’s best to do this early because it can be a lengthy process. Also, depending on the country, you may need to have a passport that has been valid for at least six months past your final travel date. However, you do not have to have a set return date. If your passport happens to expire while you’re still in the country, you can simply renew it at your local U.S. Embassy.
Apply For A Visa for Worldwide Moves
Check your new country’s government website for information in regards to the pertinent documentation they require as well as the type of visa that you will need to apply for. For example, when applying for a student visa in the UK, students need to provide a copy of their offer letter from the university they will be attending and proof that they have enough money to support themselves during their program.
Keep in mind that you may also have to set an appointment with the office of Homeland Security to submit for your biometric screening. This includes fingerprints, photographs etc.
Enroll with STEP
Register online with the U.S. Embassy’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It’s a free government service that provides up-to-date information about travel advisories and any of your new country’s safety conditions. It helps you make more informed travel plans and can even help the U.S. embassy contact you in the event of an emergency.
Speak with your Bank and Phone Providers
It’s recommended that you maintain your current bank account in order to keep your credit score. You can then just make direct payments for any reoccurring bills or unresolved loans. Speak with all of your bank and credit card companies, alerting them of your travel dates so they don’t suspect fraud. Also, consider applying for an international credit card in order to avoid any foreign transaction fees.
It can be difficult to set up a new account in your new country before you arrive. However, do plenty of research on banks in your new home and find out all the necessary paperwork and requirements so you can be ahead of the game.
International cell phone plans are notoriously rather pricey. We suggest speaking with your carrier and having them unlock your smartphone before your trip. This allows you to purchase a SIM from a local carrier within your new country and replace the old.
Collect and Make Copies of any Important Documents
Gather all the necessary documents well before your move and make copies of them so you always have backups.
Important Documents for an International Relocate
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license
- Immunization and other medical records
You will likely need these when you least expect it, so it’s best to have them all in one place.
Do Plenty of Research
Make sure that you are completely familiar with your new country. This will help simplify your move and make the transition into your new life much smoother. Research everything from housing options, transportation to the culture. What part of the city do you want to live in and will you be renting or buying property? Are you planning on driving, purchasing a car, or relying on public transportation? If you will be driving, you’ll need to do further research on securing an International Driving Permit.
In regards to the culture, get acclimated and research the history, government, social norms and rules of etiquette before the big move. You want to avoid a massive culture shock and minimize any social false steps.
Hiring Foreign Movers In Chicago
If you’ve never moved across the sea or moved to Canada from the USA, hiring an experienced international hauling company is a must. Moving overseas requires much more coordination and preparation than simply moving across the country. At Three Movers, we’ll take care of all of the special requirements you may not be aware of. All while providing you with reliable, affordable and timely service.
It’s no wonder that Three Movers is the most trusted among the international moving companies in Chicago that people turn to. We have years of experience with overseas moves and guarantee peace of mind when working with us. Our dedicated team of expert movers can assist you every step of the way. Not only packing and shipping services, we also provide assistance with planning, tracking and any storage needs.
If you’re planning to hire Chicago movers for your international move, look no further than Three Movers. Call us toll free today on (888) 202-0036 for a FREE estimate and guaranteed competitive pricing!
What is the best foreign moving firm in Chicago?
Three Movers is the best international hauling in Chicago.
What are the things that are essential when relocating abroad?
Legal papers are the essential thing when moving abroad along with belongings that you need every day like clothes, foods, medications, e.t.c.
Which country should I move out of for Chicago?
There are many options. If you want a higher quality of life, it is best to move to Europe or Canada. But, if you want a cheaper cost of living, then you can move to developing countries.
How much the overseas movers cost in Chicago?
International movers Chicago usually cost between $3000 to $10000, including the packing services for your entire home.
What should you not pack when moving overseas?
You should not pack flammable and illegal things when hauling overseas.
Should you move regular furniture internationally?
No, you should not move regular furniture internationally. You can buy them abroad. You should only move valuable furniture or furniture with sentiments attached to it.
What should you consider before hauling to another country?
You should consider that your whole life will change not just your location, once you move to another country.
How do I choose a foreign moving company?
You can choose an foreign hauling company based on reviews given by your friends and family or reviews from trusted sources on the internet. You should also listen to your own gut feeling.
Which is the cheapest way to ship belongings internationally?
Using sea freight is the cheapest way to ship belongings overseas. But, sometimes, a combination of sea freight and .land freight is needed.
Is moving abroad a good idea?
Many people are moving abroad from the US. That's because many other countries have significantly improved in past decades. So, hauling abroad can be a good idea for some.