Whether you’re considering relocating abroad temporarily or you’re planning to become a permanent ex-pat, moving overseas is a major endeavor. And in most cases, it can be tricky, especially if you’ve never moved outside the country before. That’s where an experienced international moving company can be a huge help.
Working with professional movers and packers who are well-versed in international relocations (like our team at Ace!) can make any overseas move considerably less stressful. Since reputable pros have connections with international moving companies, they have a deep understanding of the requirements, regulations, and potential pitfalls involved in overseas relocations.
What do you need to know about international moving before you begin planning your move? Our long-distance moving team has the details below.
Hiring an International Moving Company
There are plenty of moving companies that claim to specialize in international relocations, but when it comes to hiring one of them, extensive research will serve you well. Customer reviews don’t lie, so look there first. What were previous clients’ experiences like? Does the company have a track record of providing excellent service? Do people routinely file claims or disputes? How does the company handle those issues?
Ideally, you’ll want to hire a local international moving company that has a partnership with a nationally recognized international van line (at Ace, we’re partnered with Atlas Van Lines). This partnership is a definite advantage since international van lines help out with the logistics of the entire operation, including shipping assistance.
Just make sure you get quotes from several international moving companies and compare their services to ensure you’re getting a good price. And keep in mind that opting for the lowest-priced mover probably isn’t in your best interest. When it comes to international moving, you want the highest quality service and should be prepared to invest in a highly reputable moving company.
Items to Pack or Send to Your New Home
What should you pack and bring with you and what should you ship? Honestly, that comes down to personal preference. However, it’s important to consider how long you’ll be staying in your destination and whether shipping umpteen boxes overseas is worth the hassle and cost. While your international movers will gladly take care of the shipping process for you, the more you ship, the pricier your move will be.
Depending on the length of time you plan to stay, you may want to consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit to stow the things you don’t want to move. Climate control will keep your belongings in pristine condition no matter how long you’re gone, so you don’t have to worry about moisture- or heat-related damage.
If you’re planning to take this route, make sure you do your research to ensure you choose a secure, high-quality facility. Not sure what to look for in a storage company? Check out our best tips for selecting a quality storage unit that meets your needs.
Determine Your Budget for Moving
If you’re planning to move to another country long-term, you’ll obviously want to take more of your things with you (if you don’t want to repurchase once you get there, of course). If your international move is related to your job, your company should give you a relocation budget, so you’ll have more freedom regarding what you can pack and send.
However, if you’re moving simply for a change of pace, you’ll need to consider how much you’re comfortable spending on shipping and transportation costs. Those expenses will undoubtedly comprise a large portion of your relocation budget, so the first thing you should do is get estimates from movers to get a ballpark figure you can work with while you plan out your move.
Shipping Your Belongings to Another Country
When you’re planning what to pack and take with you and what you’d like to ship, keep in mind that most airlines will allow you to bring two suitcases that weigh up to 50 pounds. Everything else you’d like to bring to your destination may take up to six weeks to arrive, so be prepared for that.
Divide your belongings into two categories: what you’ll need immediately after arriving and in the following few weeks, and what you can afford to do without for a while. If you’re staying overseas for an extended period and you’re not keen on renting a storage unit, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to sort through your things so you can downsize before you go.
Important Things to Consider Before You Leave
Since international moving involves so much planning, many people inadvertently forget some very important things they need to take care of before they go. To make your overseas move as smooth as possible, make sure you:
● Check to see if your cell phone carrier offers international service. If they do, switch over to an international plan. If they don’t, it’s time to look for a new carrier.
● Make the switch to online banking so you can access your account from anywhere in the world.
● If you’re planning to take a pet with you, get the appropriate testing and health certificates you need to prove your pet is healthy. You won’t be able to bring your animal friend if you don’t have those documents.
Looking for an International Moving Company in the Twin Cities?
If you’re getting ready to plan an overseas move, let our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing make your life easier! Since 1958, we’ve proudly served Twin Cities residents with a wide variety of moving services, including full packing service, storage solutions, custom crating, international moving assistance, and much more. When you need an experienced, honest moving team, make us your first call!
To get started, request a quick moving quote online or give us a call at 763-755-2045. Or, feel free to send us a message with any questions, and we’ll get in touch!