Top Moving Companies, Movers and Moving Services 

As more and more corporations expand internationally and global barriers melt away, many people find themselves relocating to another country. Meeting new people and getting accustomed to a new culture are just a few of the challenges one faces when moving to a foreign land. Of course, another one of the biggest obstacles is moving all of your belongings to your new home.

International moving is a highly complex process as it involves various expenses and strict customs rules and regulations. To make the move safe and as stress-free as possible, you will want to choose the international mover that best meets your needs. Try to find a full-service mover that will help you with all the essential steps of international moving – getting the proper consular documentation, obtaining customs clearance, packing your goods, and providing a means of freight transportation. Of course, you will also want to find a mover who offers affordable rates.

Any reputable mover should have a legal license, such as a Freight Forwarder permit or a Federal Maritime Commission number. You should research several international moving companies and inquire about their expertise in handling shipments of all sizes, experience in moving to various parts of the world, and ability to ensure high-safety standards. These are all important factors you need to consider when choosing an international mover.

If you are going to be relocating for only a short period of time, it is a good idea to take only the necessities with you and leave the rest of your goods in storage. Most international movers will provide a storage facility for any period of time at a cost.

Allow the mover to conduct a pre-move survey to decide how large a shipment your items will be. If you have a very large shipment, you may require a huge shipping container. If this is the case, the mover will generally bring the container to your location to load your items.

The voltage requirements of electrical appliances may differ in foreign countries, and these appliances might not work without using a special adapter. If you are going to be in another country for a substantial period of time, it is a good idea to sell some of these items. This will decrease the number of items you bring and possibly lower the cost of shipment. You’ll also avoid spending additional money on adapters for these appliances.

Contact the local consular office and request information about the country you are moving to. This information is readily available online as well. You should also find out want documents are needed for your relocation process. Start gathering these documents well ahead of your scheduled move date and keep them with you throughout the entire relocation process.

It is a good idea to contact individuals who have made a similar relocation, as you will get first-hand advice on international moving. Additionally, there are plenty of online blogs written by people who have moved to other countries. You will want to know such things as climate, culture, and the general lifestyle of your new homeland. If you are relocating due to outsourcing or another company-related reason, speak with other employees and ask about their experiences abroad.

Before you move, you should purchase an all-inclusive insurance policy, which will cover sickness, accidents, lost or damaged personal items, and the trip itself. Of course, you will want to talk to your current health insurance agent as well. Check out this site for more information regarding all-inclusive insurance.

When you get to your destination country, it is very possible to experience culture shock. Make sure you are familiar with local customs before you move. Also, talk to your family well in advance of the trip so everyone can prepare mentally for the move. Upon arrival, slowly wean yourself off of old customs and allow yourself to experience the new culture. Do not shut yourself into your home to preserve sentiments of your former home.

Transporting your vehicle can be a very difficult task, as there are many restrictions and importing tariffs involved. Determine if your budget has room to carry out such an expensive more, or find out if your company will compensate you. If you do move your vehicle, you will need to ensure that it meets the required standard for international transportation, and you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit. For more information, please read our Auto Shipping Guide.

It is advisable to hire professionals to pack your belongings when you move to another country. As your goods will be traveling a long distance, it is best to let an experienced mover pack for you to ensure that goods are not damaged during the flight or sea voyage.

When preparing for your international trip, use strong wrapping materials that can withstand extreme changes in the weather. Cushioned padding, bubble wrap, or multiple-layered cartons should be used when wrapping delicate items. Big items should be packaged in separate large boxes.

Find out if your employer has any cross-cultural programs in place to help you adapt to a new culture. You should also inquire as to whether they can provide transportation, accommodation, or other facilities. Often times, it is possible to receive discounts or other perks when relocating overseas for your job.

There are certain limitations on the amount of currency that one can carry when travelling to another country. Before starting your trip, determine the currency regulations of your new location. Make sure that you will have access to your current bank when abroad, and transfer to an international banking institution if needed.

Let your friends, bank, postal department, insurance agent, doctors, and other important individuals know about your move. Ensure that your mail, pending bills, magazine subscriptions, and any other necessary mailings will be delivered to your new address.

There is no duty levied upon the transfer of such personal items as clothing and jewelry. It is recommended that you carry your valuables on your person, rather than packing them up with everything else.

Poisonous chemicals, hazardous materials, and explosives should not be transported. Additionally, items like plants, seeds, animal hides, and rare animals will usually be refused entry into many countries. Find out the laws of your destination country if you plan on bringing any of these items.

Depending on your destination country, you will be asked to pay a certain amount of tax, based on the amount of items you carry. Contact the customs department of the country you are moving to and find out the restrictions regarding currency, jewelry, and other valuables.

It is recommended that you do not ship valuable documents, such as academic certificates, visa information, medical records, or school records. It is advisable to carry these irreplaceable documents on your person at all times. Keep them safe in a briefcase or sealed portfolio.

Ensure that you follow customs regulations closely to avoid potential problems with your shipment. Neglecting to do so may result in a delay in the release of your belongings, large fines, or the possible seizure of your entire shipment.

Determine if you will be allowed to bring your pet into your destination country. If allowed, you might have to pay a certain amount of duty. Remember to take your pet’s medical records with you.

Try to take only small portions of medicines with you, if possible. Also remember to take your prescriptions and all medical records.

You will probably need a wide range of documents to enable you to apply for licenses, permits, and identity cards. Make multiple copies of your important documents and certificates.

You may have to pay some tax if you plan to bring your antiques to your new country; the age of the antiques will determine if they can be carried duty-free. Have an appraiser assess your antiques, and bring his or her report along with you.