Embarking on an international move can feel equal parts exciting and daunting. Although adventure and new experiences await, the process ahead of moving day requires careful research and planning to ensure the best results. How can you ensure you handle your international move effectively? What should you avoid doing as you get ready for your move abroad? If you’re not sure about the best ways to tackle your upcoming move, you’ve come to the right place.
By knowing what to avoid, you can handle your relocation expertly. Discover the top 10 mistakes you should steer clear of as you head overseas in this complete guide.
Moving abroad is a big change, and without adequate research, you might not know what you’re getting into. Properly researching your destination, what to expect, fellow expat perspectives, and moving tips can make your international relocation better. How? These insights can empower you to prepare yourself more effectively and, in turn, have a better moving experience. Ahead of your international relocation, take time to research your destination and what you should do to effectively prepare for your move.
You might think you don’t have much to declutter from your home, opting to skip this step to save time. Although this might seem like a good idea, it ultimately will result in spending more time and effort on the packing (and unpacking) process. Even the tidiest of homes tend to accumulate clutter, especially in storage areas like closets and basements. Taking time to sort through your home and determine which items you no longer want or need will save you time and energy—but it can even save you money. International moving can be costly, so eliminating the excess clutter can also cut costs for your move.
As you prepare for your move, you might think you have an accurate timeline estimated. However, underestimating the time required for moving preparations is a common mistake made during an international move. For international moves in particular, allowing extra time will ultimately make the process less stressful and allow you to prepare for the transition without rushing. Ideally, you should start preparing six months ahead of your move to allow plenty of time for all moving-related tasks.
When moving internationally, one of the most important aspects of your move is paperwork. Understanding the type of visa you’ll need and the paperwork you’ll need to complete—as well as the projected timeline for your visa—is crucial to completing your move without any unexpected delays. Be sure to look into the expected timeline for visa approval and prepare yourself accordingly.
For any relocation, preparation is the key to success. Although it may seem like you can just wing it, having a thorough plan is always the way to go, especially when moving abroad. Planning your timeline and budget will allow you to tackle your relocation methodically. By investing time in planning, you will ultimately save time as you tackle each step in your plan. Plus, this step can really decrease your stress levels.
Unfortunately, not all moving companies are created equal. Although working with professional movers can significantly improve your relocation experience and allow you to take certain tasks off of your plate, choosing the wrong movers can have the opposite effect.
As you search for a moving company to assist with your international relocation, be thorough in your vetting process. Find a company with extensive experience facilitating international moves, and ensure they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. You should always opt for a company with positive reviews, and any complaints filed with BBB should be promptly taken care of by the company.
Packing — no one loves this dreaded task. It can be incredibly time-consuming and tiring. If you choose to DIY your packing process, be sure to allot plenty of time to handle the task in manageable chunks. Although you may feel tempted to avoid this part of your move for as long as possible, procrastination will only make the job more challenging.
With international moves in particular, protecting your items sufficiently is of the utmost importance. Your shipment will be traveling a long way to your new home, and this extended distance only increases the chance of damage to your belongings. Rather than leaving it to chance, utilize the appropriate amount of packing materials to decrease the risk of damage. You can use bubble wrap or packing paper, or you can opt to repurpose soft items like clothes or towels for protection. Either way, limit movement as much as possible as you pack your boxes.
Although you may feel like your only options are to bring items with you or get rid of them, it’s important to factor storage options into your decisions. Certain items—such as antiques, collectibles, or heirlooms—might not be necessary to bring abroad, but you may not want to part with them. If you anticipate returning to your home country, renting a storage unit can be a great way to safely keep your items without transporting them overseas.
Last but not least, don’t make the mistake of letting communication fall by the wayside. Communicate clearly with your movers, important parties to notify about your move, and any other parties involved in your relocation. Confirm all bookings ahead of your travels, and remain diligent as you follow up with parties involved in your move. Effective communication will result in better outcomes for your move.
By avoiding these common international moving mistakes, you can successfully tackle your move with minimal stress and maximum effectiveness. Looking for a trusted moving company to help you along the way? Rely on Allied International, trusted international movers for over 136 years. Our team of reliable moving professionals can help you with all your international moving, packing, and storage needs, allowing you to complete a successful move abroad. Request a free quote online or call us today, and discover how Allied International can transform your relocation!
We carefully and methodically pack and crate your items, ensuring their safe and secure arrival. We take pride in the expert packing, crating, and handling of your possessions.
Our aim is to have your belongings safely and quickly transported to your new location, with a focus on customer service and your utmost satisfaction.
We provide you with a personal moving coordinator. You can check in any time you wish, connecting to the same person who will be very familiar with your particular custom moving plan.
