7 International Moving Tips: Your Guide to Moving Abroad
Moving to a new country is both thrilling and challenging. At Lincoln Moving & Storage, we’ve helped countless families and professionals make successful international transitions. Let us guide you through the essential steps to ensure your move goes smoothly.
1. Planning and Preparation: Your First Steps
The key to a successful and seamless international move begins with thorough planning and preparation. The planning phase will set the tone for your entire moving experience, so it’s crucial to approach it methodically and give yourself ample time to address all necessary aspects.
Setting a Realistic Timeline
Start planning 3-6 months before your move. This gives you enough time to handle visa processing, organize shipments, and settle important matters like housing and schools. Remember, some visa applications can take several months, so factor this into your planning.
Creating Your Master Checklist
Break down your move into manageable tasks. Focus on three key timeframes:
- 3 months out: Handle documentation and research your destination
- “Even if you’re relatively familiar with where you’re going, you’ll need to do a lot of research to plan for the big move,” suggests Travel and Leisure.
- 2 months out: Sort belongings and secure housing
- International Citizens Group states, “When determining which items to bring, start by identifying the living situation in your host country. Will you live in a permanent residence or regularly move from one place to the next? If living in a permanent residence, how much space will you have?”
- 1 month out: Book travel and begin packing
- “[I] t’s never really too soon to start packing for your international relocation. You obviously don’t want to pack up anything you’ll need before your move, but you can start boxing up things like your books, jewelry, records, and family heirlooms months ahead of time,” says Moving.org.
Understanding Your New Home
Research the basics of your destination country. Focus on housing costs, healthcare systems, and local customs. This information will help you avoid surprises and adjust quickly to your new home.
Essential Documents
Keep these crucial documents easily accessible:
- Passport and visa documentation
- Birth certificates and medical records
- Work permits and professional licenses
- Banking and tax documents
Pro Tip: Make digital copies of all important documents so you can upload and store them securely in the cloud.
2. Researching International Moving Companies
Selecting the right moving company is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make during your international relocation. After all, you’re entrusting all your belongings to cross oceans and borders. While it might be tempting to go with the first company you find or the lowest quote, it’s not recommended. Researching your options can save you considerable stress and potentially thousands of dollars.
Finding Reputable Movers
The international moving industry is complex, with varying standards of service and reliability. Start your search by focusing on companies with strong credentials and a proven track record.
“Use search engines to find international moving companies that offer services in your destination country,” Relocately recommends.
Things to look for:
- Licensed and bonded status
- FIDI certification for international moves
- Experience with your destination country
- Clear communication and responsive service
- Membership in international moving associations
Understanding Moving Quotes
International moving quotes can be confusing, with different companies structuring their pricing differently. Request detailed moving quotes from at least three companies to clearly understand market rates. “Firstly, you’ll need to get some fee and service package information to see which companies service your route and how they measure up,” states Wise. Each quote should include:
- Door-to-door shipping costs
- Insurance coverage options
- Customs clearance fees
- Estimated delivery timeframes
- Packing and unpacking services
- Storage fees, if needed
Pro Tip: Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true – they often hide additional fees.
Checking Company Track Records
Past performance is often the best indicator of future success. “Look for providers with positive reviews, professional websites, and comprehensive information about their services. Additionally, you can use websites that compare international relocation companies,” recommends Relocately. Before making your final choice:
- Read recent customer reviews
- Ask for references from past clients
- Verify their claims with the Better Business Bureau
- Check their complaint history with the Federal Maritime Commission
- Look for reviews specific to your destination country
- Evaluate their responsiveness to inquiries
Remember: Moving internationally is not the time to cut corners. While cost is important, prioritize finding a moving partner who communicates clearly, provides comprehensive services, and has a proven record of successful international moves. Your peace of mind is worth the investment in quality service.
3. Shipping Options and Logistics
Understanding your shipping options is crucial for a successful international move. Each shipping method offers different advantages in terms of cost, speed, and convenience. Making the right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and the volume of items you’re moving.
Comparing Shipping Methods
“There are options like moving them by sea, air or land,” states Moving.com. “…The most common and cost-efficient way to transport household belongings to a new country is by shipping via sea freight… Airfreight is a less common way to move household belongings to a new country. Shipping household belongings via air freight is much more expensive than shipping them via sea freight.”
Sea Freight
- Most economical for large shipments
- Full container or shared container options
- Ideal for furniture and non-urgent items
- Typically takes 30-60 days
Air Freight
- Fastest but most expensive option
- Best for essential items you need quickly
- Limited weight and size restrictions
- Usually arrives within 5-10 days
Land Transport
- Often combined with sea or air freight
- Used for door-to-door service
- Essential for inland destinations
- Adds 3-7 days to total transit time
Understanding Transit Times
Your belongings’ journey typically involves:
- Origin handling: 3-5 days
- Main transport time: varies by chosen shipping method
- Customs clearance: 2-7 days
- Destination delivery: 2-3 days
Pro Tip: Factor in seasonal variations – holiday periods and peak moving seasons can add delays.
Tracking Your Shipment
Stay informed about your belongings with:
- Regular tracking updates
- Container or airway bill numbers
- Customs clearance status
- Estimated arrival notifications
- Last-mile delivery coordination
Remember: A reputable moving company will provide clear communication and tracking methods throughout your shipment’s journey, giving you peace of mind during the transition.
Customs and Import Regulations
Navigating customs while moving internationally can be one of the most challenging aspects of the move. Each country has its own specific rules, duties, and restrictions. Understanding these beforehand can help avoid delays, additional costs, or the heartache of items seized.
Understanding Customs Policies
Before packing, research your destination country’s rules for:
- Duty-free allowances for personal effects
- Length of residence requirements
- Value declarations and limitations
- Used vs. new item regulations
- Vehicle import restrictions
- Time limits for importing household goods
Essential Documentation
Prepare these documents to ensure smooth customs clearance:
- Detailed inventory list in English and local language
- Proof of residence in your destination country
- Valid visa or work permit
- Purchase receipts for high-value items
- Declaration forms (provided by your mover)
- Insurance certificates
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Most countries strictly control or prohibit:
- Food items and plants
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Medications and prescriptions
- Weapons and ammunition
- Animal products
- Religious materials (in some countries)
Pro Tip: Even common household items like cleaning supplies and aerosols may be restricted. When in doubt, ask your moving company or consult the embassy website.
Remember: Customs regulations are non-negotiable. It’s better to leave restricted items behind than risk fines or legal issues in your new country.
5. Sorting and Decluttering Belongings
Preparing for an international move gives you a perfect opportunity to organize and assess what you really need in your life. Since shipping costs are typically calculated by weight and volume, every item you decide to bring will impact your moving budget. Plus, starting fresh in a new country feels even better when you’re not weighed down by unnecessary belongings.
Best Practices for Downsizing
Before you start packing, evaluate each item with these criteria in mind:
- Necessity: Will you truly need this in your new home?
- Cost: Is it cheaper to replace it than to ship it?
- Voltage: Will your electronics work in your new country?
- Sentimental value: Is it irreplaceable?
- Practicality: Will it fit your new lifestyle?
Saving Money Through Smart Sorting
Strategic decluttering can significantly reduce your moving costs. Focus on:
- Heavy items: Books, furniture, and appliances are expensive to ship
- Duplicate items: Choose one favorite instead of moving multiple
- Seasonal items: Consider climate differences in your new location
- Outdated items: Replace old electronics at your destination
- Bulky furniture: Measure against your new home’s dimensions
Organizing Your Pre-Move Sale
Turn your unwanted items into moving funds through these steps:
- Start early: Begin selling 2-3 months before your move
- Price items competitively: Research market values
- Use multiple platforms: Combine online sales with garage sales
- Donate remaining items: Get tax deductions where possible
- Consider consignment: Let professionals handle valuable pieces
Architectural Digest states, “Yard sales are a great way to generate extra income before a move, especially since the cost of movers can be high. There’s also the added benefit of your belongings finding a new home instead of ending up in the trash or collecting dust on a thrift store shelf.”
Pro Tip: Photograph sentimental items you can’t take with you – the memories take up less space than the objects themselves.
6. International Packing Strategies
When your belongings are traveling thousands of miles, proper packing becomes crucial. International shipments face more handling, longer transit times, and various climate conditions. Using the right packing strategy can ensure your items arrive at their final destination in good condition.
Selecting Packing Materials
Invest in high-quality materials designed for international shipping:
- Double-walled boxes for extra strength
- Marine-grade wrap to protect from moisture
- Industrial-strength bubble wrap
- Custom crates for valuable items
- Moisture-absorbing silica gel packets
- Heavy-duty packing tape
Smart Labeling Systems
Create an organized labeling system that includes the following:
- Room destination
- Box contents
- Handling instructions in multiple languages
- Priority level (unpack first/last)
- Clearly visible FRAGILE warnings
- Your name and destination address
Pro Tip: Use waterproof labels and write on multiple sides of each box. Take photos of box contents before sealing for easy reference.
Protecting Fragile Items
Special care is needed for delicate belongings:
- Double-box valuable items and put padding between boxes.
- Use custom foam inserts for electronics.
- Wrap individual pieces of china in bubble wrap.
- Reinforce corners with extra cardboard.
- Fill all empty spaces to prevent shifting.
- Consider custom wooden crates for artwork.
Space-Saving Techniques
Maximize your shipping container space with these methods:
- Roll clothing instead of folding.
- Use vacuum-seal bags for soft items.
- “Purchase some space bags that do not require the use of a vacuum. These bags will save you even more space and all you’ll have to do is kneel on them to release the air and zip them up. You’ll find that you could fit almost double in one space bag than you could if you packed regularly,” She Hit Refresh recommends.
- Pack small items inside larger ones (like shoes).
- Wrap items in shirts
- Disassemble furniture when possible.
- Stack pots and pans nested together.
- Fill suitcases and dressers with smaller items.
- “Leave no empty space. This one may seem obvious but is often overlooked. Leave no empty space by putting rolled t-shirts or other items into your shoes and boots and tetris your way throughout your suitcase [and boxes],” She Hit Refresh recommends.
Pro Tip: Since international shipping often charges by volume, efficient packing can significantly reduce moving costs.
Remember: Professional movers have extensive experience with international packing requirements. While DIY packing might save money, it could cost more in the long run if items arrive damaged.
7. Managing Moving Costs and Budgeting
International moves can be expensive, often ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on your destination and volume of belongings. Creating a detailed budget and identifying ways to save money will help you avoid unexpected financial stress during your relocation. According to Clarity Wealth Development, “Building a budget in a new country comes with a new set of hurdles. In addition to varying costs of living, you also have to consider the exchange rate of your new country.”
Essential Budget Components
Your moving budget should account for the major expenses of professional moving services, shipping costs, and insurance coverage. Remember to include customs duties and taxes, which vary significantly by country. Travel expenses extend beyond just plane tickets – you’ll need to consider temporary housing costs while you get settled, pet relocation if applicable, and fees for document translation and processing.
Moving Cost Estimates By Country
International moving costs differ based on where you are moving to, your origin-destination, and your estimated load size. It is always best to get a few international moving estimates, but here are a few examples of the costs of real international moves from 2022 Move.org put together:
- A move from Washington State to London, UK, with an estimated load size of 100 cubic feet, cost about $4,235.
- A move from Maryland to Paris, France, with an estimated load size of 200 cubic feet, cost around $4,980.
- Moving an estimated load of 1,000 cubic feet from Southampton, NY, to Madrid, Spain, cost about $8,134.
- Moving an estimated load size of 2,000 cubic feet from Missouri to Singapore costs around $13,500.
- Moving an estimated load of 3,650 cubic feet from Henderson, Nevada, to Naic, Philippines, costs around $26,872.
Budget Breakdown
Moving internationally is very expensive; here are the average costs to consider:
- Professional Packing & Moving: When moving internationally, it is best to trust the professionals to have peace of mind during this already stressful time. “Average Cost [for packing and moving internationally]: As little as $1,000 to well over $20,000,” states moveBuddha.
- Moving Insurance: This is essential when moving internationally because there is an increased risk of damage during the extended travel time. “You’ll usually pay about 1% of the value of your shipment for insurance, so you may be looking at a few hundred dollars to over a couple thousand,” Move.org states.
- Vehicle Shipping: If you decide to move your car overseas, you can choose between shipping it inside the container with your household goods or though a roll-on, roll-off ship where your vehicle is driven onto the ship itself. According to moveBuddha, the “Average Cost [of vehicle shipping is] $1,000 to over $4,000 (excluding destination fees).”
- Customs Import Duty & Taxes: Pricing varies from country to country. “You’ll likely see fees around 2% of the overall cost of transportation, but your professional moving company may not itemize that on your estimate, even if it’s included in your overall price,” says Move.org.
- Your Flights: Remember to budget for your own travel to your new home! “The average price for a one-way fare on an international flight is around $1,400,” Angi states.
- Pet Transportation: Taking your pet with you is another cost to budget for, as flying with a pet usually requires special accommodations. “Pet transport costs can range from around US$1,000 to the tens of thousands depending on where you’re moving to and the specific requirements,” states Expat Frontier.
- Temporary or Permanent Housing: If your permanent home is unavailable upon arrival, you must secure an Airbnb or other temporary housing. Permanent housing costs can vary “From a few hundred dollars for apartments in developing countries like Cambodia and Tanzania to million-dollar homes in others like the United Kingdom and Australia,” states moveBuddha.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Many people are surprised by the hidden costs of international moves. Set aside funds for storage fees, whether at your origin or destination. According to moveBuddha, moving storage can cost “As low as $100 per month for small shipments, to thousands if you’re storing the contents of a home.”
Factor in currency exchange rates and fees, which can significantly impact your budget. Remember to account for housing deposits, utility setup charges, and appliance replacements if you’re moving to a country with different voltage systems. We recommend setting aside an emergency fund of 10-15% of your total moving budget for unexpected expenses.
Money-Saving Strategies
Timing is everything when it comes to saving money on an international move. Consider booking during off-peak seasons when rates are lower. Decluttering before your move reduces shipping costs and can generate extra funds by selling unwanted items. According to Move Hub, “Sometimes you’ll need to be brutal – if you haven’t used an item in six months, seriously consider whether you should spend money shipping it.”
While slower than air shipping, sea freight can save you thousands of dollars. Consider sharing a shipping container with other movers heading to the same destination for additional savings.
Pro Tip: Set up an international bank account before moving to avoid excessive ATM and currency conversion fees during your first weeks abroad.
Remember: While it’s important to save money where possible, don’t compromise on essential services like insurance or professional handling of valuable items.
Making Your International Move a Success
Moving internationally requires careful planning, attention to detail, and the right support system.
Remember that challenges are normal during international moves, but with proper preparation, they become manageable hurdles rather than roadblocks.
Most importantly, remember that this move represents an exciting new chapter in your life. While the logistics may be complex, the reward is usually worth it. Now, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a new culture, become a local expat, meet new people, possibly learn a new language, and create memories in your new home abroad.
Pro Tip: Keep this guide handy as you prepare for your move, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed. The more informed you are, the smoother your international transition will be.
