Moving to another country or continent is a big deal, especially if you are moving for a prolonged period of time – you probably accumulated a lot of things, and you want to properly handle them! A lot of factors play into it, it’s stressful, and it can take a bit of planning, but it’s always better to be well-prepared than to be sorry later! So here are 6 essential things you should know about the international removal process!
1. Plan everything in advance
Making an international move is not easy, it’s stressful and complicated, so your first priority should be making things easier for you. Before you do anything else, make sure you plan things ahead – this means making lists and packing your items accordingly, while simultaneously looking for the right company to work with. It’s not an easy task, but being well organized is a must if you want to make your move run smoothly!
2. Pick the right company
If it’s your first time making such a big move, you have a lot of things to catch up on! In this scenario, research is key, you want to know all your options in order to pick out the right one for you! Every country is different, so you need to find a company that works specifically for your desired location. If you are moving from Europe to the USA, make sure you pick out the company that fulfills your needs! Also, make sure to check on the reviews and see if other customers are satisfied with how their items were handled!
3. Know the costs
Obviously, shipping your stuff and moving to a different part of the world is expensive, so managing your finances is the best thing you can do. List all the important fees you need to pay, including the mandatory insurance for your items. A lot of things can happen during the shipment, regardless if it’s shipped by boat or a plane, sometimes damages and missing packages can happen! You want to ensure that your household goods are secured, so you are covered and do not suffer any losses! Make a list of all the potential costs and have a budget in mind, so you won’t get surprised by the amount you have to pay in the end!
4. Know the required documentation
Obviously, during the international move, you’ll be required to have certain documentation! Getting the right ones and filling them correctly should be your focus, you don’t want to accidentally miss something and have trouble along the way, especially when it comes to customs. Usually, you’ll need your own form of identification, a passport will also do, you’ll need a bill of lading, as it’s one of the most important things to have when doing an international move! There might be additional things you need to fill out, it all depends on the country you are moving your items from and to, so make sure you check that out!
5. Things you can send internationally
When moving to a different country, in most cases you’ll bring all of your belongings – but there are some items you can and can’t bring along with you. The basics like household items that are not flammable, furniture, wardrobe, cars, and smaller vehicles are easily shipped – it’s best that you sort them out by room or by use! It all depends on your chosen way of transport and the size of the containers. Pack after you’ve made a list of everything and get the basics first, later see what’s left and if you can shop it as well or not!
6. Things you can’t send internationally
If you don’t want to get into any trouble while moving internationally, you need to follow the laws and the shipping restrictions of your country and the location you are moving to. There are certain items you are not allowed to ship out for various reasons! Every country has its own guidelines you should look at, but in most cases, you are not allowed to ship live animals and plants, drugs, weapons, food, and drinks, or any chemicals. This is just a safety precaution that should be followed, so don’t try to sneak in forbidden items, as they will be thrown out eventually!
It’s not a small thing to send all of your belongings overseas, but if you do it correctly, you shouldn’t worry at all! As long as you plan things accordingly and pick out a good company for the shipment, you’ll be good to go no matter how far you are moving! Don’t forget the legal side of things, though, so that everything can run smoothly!
