If you’re planning to live in the Netherlands, one of the first things you’ll need to sort out is your BSN number. The burger service number (BSN) is your unique personal identification number and is required for accessing government services, social security, taxes, and financial activities.

It serves a similar function in the Netherlands as the social security number does in the United States, acting as a national identification number for residents and non-residents interacting with Dutch authorities and systems. It’s used in nearly every official system in the country, from taxes to healthcare, education, housing, and even opening a bank account or registering a telephone number.

It’s not, however, the number they give you at Five Guys when you’re waiting for your cheeseburger. Yes, Five Guys does exist here in Rotterdam (and yes, it tastes just as good on this side of the North Sea). But unlike your burger order, your BSN isn’t optional if you want to get anything done in the Netherlands.

Key Takeaways

• The BSN (Burger Service Number) is your essential personal identification number for living, working, and accessing services in the Netherlands.
• If you plan to stay longer than four months, register with your local municipality (gemeente) within five days of arrival to automatically receive your BSN.
• Your BSN is required for everything from opening a bank account and applying for a residence permit to filing taxes and accessing healthcare.
• Even if you move abroad, your BSN remains valid for Dutch financial and legal matters, such as inheritance tax or receiving the Dutch state pension.

What Is a Citizen Service Number (BSN) and Why Does It Matter?

Think of the BSN as your all-access pass to Dutch life. Once issued, it links you to government departments and service providers. You’ll use it to apply for a residence permit, file tax assessments, receive a salary, register for health insurance, and even interact with the tax administration when dealing with things like inheritance tax or your Dutch state pension.

If you’re a student, the BSN becomes your education number. If you’re working, it’s tied to your payroll. If you’re simply trying to get online banking or register with a GP, you’ll be asked for it within five minutes of trying to do anything remotely official.

Getting Your BSN as a Resident

If you’re moving to the Netherlands and plan to stay for more than four months, you’ll need to register with your local municipality (known as the gemeente) within five days of arriving. This is how you’re added to the Dutch Personal National Register (BRP), a centralised database that holds essential citizen data, and once you’re in, you’ll automatically receive your BSN.

Your accommodation must be legitimate; you can’t use a hotel or short-term Airbnb as your registered address. You’ll also need the owner or landlord of the property to sign paperwork confirming you’re living there.

You’ll be asked for valid proof of identity, a rental contract, and official confirmation of your address. Some municipalities may ask for additional documents depending on your circumstances, so it’s worth checking their website before your appointment. Once everything is approved, your details are logged, and your citizen service number BSN will be sent to your Dutch address.

Non-Residents Records Database

If you’re not planning to stay longer than four months in the Netherlands but still need a BSN, for example, if you’re freelancing or own property, you can register through the Non-Residents Records Database (RNI).

Children who are in the Netherlands for less than four months must also be registered in the RNI to receive a BSN, which is necessary for services like school enrolment.

There are 19 designated municipalities in the Netherlands that have an RNI desk. You’ll need to book an appointment and apply in person, bringing your passport, address details, and any other requested documents. In most cases, you’ll walk out with your number on the same day.

The RNI route is especially useful if you live abroad but need a BSN for tax or inheritance purposes, or if you need to open a Dutch bank account or interact with local authorities from overseas.

Required Documents for Your BSN Application

Before you can unlock Dutch life with your Citizen Service Number (BSN), you’ll need to gather the necessary paperwork. The exact documents you’ll need can vary depending on your country of origin, immigration status, and whether you’re registering as a resident or non-resident. Here’s what you should have ready when you head to your municipality (gemeente) or RNI desk:

• A valid passport or national ID card – This is your primary proof of identity. If you already have a Dutch identity card or driving licence, bring those along too.
• Residence permit or visa (if applicable) – Non-EU/EEA citizens will need to show their residence permit or IND proof.
• Proof of address – A signed rental contract, recent utility bill, or official letter confirming your Dutch address.
• Birth certificate – Required if you’re registering a child (sometimes with an official translation or apostille).
• Marriage certificate or proof of legal partnership – If you’re registering with a legal partner.
• Proof of income or employment – Some municipalities may ask for a work contract, payslip, or other documents, especially for workers or students.
• Other documents – International students might need an education number or PGN. Entrepreneurs may be asked for a Dutch company tax number.

It’s always smart to double-check the specific requirements with your local gemeente or the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst) before your appointment. Requirements can differ, especially for non-residents, international students, or those who have lived abroad for more than eight months.

Once your registration is approved, you’ll receive your unique BSN, your key to public services, opening a bank account, and claiming benefits in the Netherlands. Your BSN is sensitive information, so keep it safe to avoid identity fraud. If you ever need to update your details or replace documents, contact your gemeente or the Belastingdienst.

Keeping Your Info Up to Date

If you move home, don’t forget to update your details with your new municipality. You must update your BRP records whenever you move, even if it’s within the same gemeente. Dutch bureaucracy is actually quite efficient, but only if you play by the rules. Any official letters, tax forms, or health insurance documents will be sent to the address you originally gave. If it’s out of date, you might miss something important.

For Those with Non-EU Passports

If you’re moving from outside the EU or EEA, the process involves one extra step. Before you can register with the municipality and get your BSN, you’ll need to sort out your legal status through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This applies to anyone who requires a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands.

Once your immigration paperwork is in order, you’ll be able to register and receive your BSN like everyone else. We’ll go into this process in more detail in a future guide, as rules can vary depending on your nationality and visa type.

Can You Keep Your BSN If You Leave the Netherlands?

Yes. If you live abroad but have financial or legal ties to the Netherlands, maybe you own property, receive a Dutch pension, or pay inheritance tax, your BSN remains valid. Many expats and retirees keep their BSN active to continue dealing with Dutch authorities or banks, especially when it comes to tax administration or long-term investments.

Just make sure the Dutch government has an up-to-date foreign address for you, and that your BSN is linked to the correct details.

Next Steps

Once your BSN is in hand, you can finally start building your life here properly. You can open a bank account, register for healthcare, sign rental agreements, and even set up your online DigiD login with a QR code. It’s the key to doing things the Dutch way: efficient, orderly, and slightly obsessed with paperwork.

Whether you’re here long-term or just testing the waters, understanding how to get a BSN in the Netherlands is one of the most important first steps. Trust us, your future self will thank you.

Moving to the Netherlands? Contact Us Today

If you’re planning a move to or from Europe, UPakWeShip is your go-to partner. With our own offices in both the US and Europe, unbeatable rates, and proper customer support from real humans (not bots), we’ve helped thousands of people make international relocation simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Deciding on whether to purchase shipping insurance often boils down to assessing risk against peace of mind. If you find yourself asking ‘Do I need shipping insurance?’, you’re not alone. This article demystifies shipping insurance, detailing when it’s a must-have and when you might safely forego it, all to guide you to the right choice for your shipping needs.

Key Takeaways

• Shipping insurance is a vital safety net that reimburses financial losses from damage, loss, or theft of shipments in transit, crucial for securing high-value goods against unforeseen incidents.
• The cost of shipping insurance is based on the declared value of the items, with carriers offering different rates and services, and insurance may not be economical for items under $100 due to baseline coverage provided by carriers.
• Shipping insurance doesn’t cover every scenario, with typical exclusions including intentional damage by the insured, improper packaging, and some natural disasters, underlining the importance of understanding policy specifics.

Evaluating the Necessity of Shipping Insurance

Imagine you’re a business owner. Your warehouse is brimming with products ready to be shipped worldwide. Now, suppose a storm takes an unexpected turn and your cargo ship carrying $50,000 worth of goods capsizes. Who bears the loss? You, the shipper, or the lucky fish that now have a new underwater playground? Enter shipping insurance, and your financial safety net when the unexpected happens. It covers the value of shipped items against unforeseen incidents like weather-related events, theft, or accidents. Just think of it as a superhero cape for your shipments.

In 2022, package theft resulted in a whopping $29 billion loss. That’s a hefty price to pay for not securing your shipments. Shipping insurance serves as a buffer, reimbursing for financial losses when shipments are damaged, lost, or stolen in transit. This means you won’t have to refund customer payments or resend products for packages that fail to reach their destination. So, is shipping insurance worth it? Considering the potential financial implications, it’s a resounding “Yes!”.

The Cost Factor: Is Shipping Insurance Justifiable?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the cost. You might wonder, “Is purchasing shipping insurance going to burn a hole in my pocket?” Well, the key lies in understanding the cost dynamics and how they affect your bottom line.

Unpacking Insurance Rates

Insurance rates for shipping aren’t pulled out of a hat. They’re calculated as a percentage of the declared value of the items being shipped. This means the higher the value of your items, the higher the shipping insurance cost. It’s like buying a more expensive car; the insurance is going to cost more.

Minimum Charges and Your Bottom Line

Let’s face it: small businesses and individual shippers often operate on tight budgets. So, the minimum charges for shipping insurance can significantly add to the cost of shipping, especially when sending low-value items. It’s like being charged a delivery fee that’s more expensive than the pizza you ordered. It doesn’t make sense, does it?

But here’s the catch. For items valued under $100, additional insurance coverage may not be economical due to carriers offering baseline coverage. It’s like having a basic health insurance plan that covers general check-ups but not specialized treatments. So, before you decide to purchase insurance, consider the value of the products, shipment volume, and risk, as well as the insurance cost.

When Accidents Happen: What Does Shipping Insurance Cover?

Now, let’s venture into the realm of “what-ifs”. What if your package gets lost in transit? Or what if it arrives damaged? That’s where the coverage of your shipping insurance comes into play. This insurance provides coverage for items that are lost, damaged, stolen, and mishandled during transit.

It protects the value of the products as well as the cost of shipping. It’s like having a safety net that catches you when you fall.

UPakWeShip insurance plan provides comprehensive protection against total loss and damage to individual items resulting from external forces such as forklift accidents, shipping container crane mishaps, truck collisions, or severe weather conditions.

In the chaotic world of logistics, where the journey from A to B is fraught with potential perils, this insurance acts as a guardian for your goods, offering reassurance that should the unexpected occur—like an impromptu tango between your package and a forklift—there’s a plan in place to mitigate the financial blow.

However, it does not extend to items that are improperly packaged, reminding shippers that they, too, play a crucial role in the safety of their goods. Our coverage applies to instances where individual boxes are lost or when external damage to a box causes harm to the contents within, ensuring that each item’s journey is backed by a promise of protection. This insurance is exclusively available for door-to-door or curbside delivery services and does not apply to shipments sent to a port or terminal, delineating a clear boundary of responsibility and coverage.

Making the Right Choice: Should You Purchase Additional Insurance?

So, should you splurge on additional shipping insurance? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on a variety of factors. Let’s delve into them.

High-Value Items and Insurance Priority

If you’re dealing with high-value items, shipping insurance is a must-have. The financial impact of theft, damage, or mishandling can be considerable. Imagine you’re shipping a priceless antique vase. If it gets damaged in transit, the financial loss could be substantial, not to mention the loss of a priceless artifact.

E-commerce merchants often find the small upfront investment in shipping insurance for high-value items worthwhile to safeguard against uncertainties in package delivery. Also, items with sentimental value, like a family heirloom, often require consideration for insurance as they may be irreplaceable despite their monetary value. So, when it comes to high-value items, it’s essential to purchase shipping insurance, making it not just an option, but a priority.

Weighing the Risks: Fragile and Sensitive Goods

Shipping fragile and sensitive goods is like walking on a tightrope. One wrong move and it could all come crashing down. Fragile items, such as hand-crafted paintings, antiques, pottery, and glassware benefit from additional insurance coverage due to their high susceptibility to damage during shipping. It’s like wearing elbow and knee pads when rollerblading; you want that extra layer of protection just in case.

But, just like with high-value items, the decision to purchase additional shipping insurance should be based on a careful risk assessment. Consider the following factors to help you weigh the risks and make an informed decision:

• The nature of the goods
• Their value
• The distance they have to travel
• The reliability of your chosen carrier

Understanding the Claims Process: Filing for Lost or Damaged Goods

At this point, you might be thinking, “Alright, I’ve got my insurance. But what if something goes wrong? How do I file a claim?”

Let’s unravel the mystery of the claims process.

Documentation Essentials

Documentation is king when it comes to filing an insurance claim. You’ll need to retain all relevant receipts, invoices, or shipping documentation as proof of the value of the shipped items. It’s like keeping your receipts for tax season; you never know when you’ll need them.

But it’s not just about paperwork. You’ll also need to provide visual evidence. If your goods are damaged, take photos and videos from multiple angles, and include evidence demonstrating that the packaging was adequate and the damage occurred during transit. Think of it as collecting evidence for a court case; the more you have, the stronger your case will be.

Timely Actions: The Importance of Filing Claims Promptly

In the world of shipping insurance, the early bird gets the worm- or, in this case, the payout. Filing a claim requires gathering necessary evidence, including shipping information, receipts, and documentation of the declared value. All this needs to be done promptly.

Each carrier has specific time frames for filing claims. For example, USPS requires claims to be filed no later than 60 days after the mailing date for damaged or missing contents. Adhering to these strict timelines is crucial, as missing the deadline can lead to ineligibility for compensation. So, don’t procrastinate; time is of the essence!

Beyond the Fine Print: Exclusions in Shipping Insurance Policies

At this point, you know what shipping insurance covers. But what about what it doesn’t cover? Let’s dive into the fine print and uncover the exclusions in shipping insurance policies.

Insurance policies aren’t meant to cover every possible scenario. Each one comes with its own set of exclusions, and shipping insurance is no different. Typical exclusions include intentional misconduct by the insured, contractual liability, and pollution-related damages. It’s a bit like a warranty on a phone; it doesn’t provide shipping insurance coverage if you intentionally throw your phone against a wall.

There are also specific situations typically not covered by shipping insurance, such as:

• inherent vice
• ordinary wear and tear
• willful misconduct
• unexplained loss or theft involving the insured party’s vehicles

And remember, shipping insurance does not cover improperly packed items. So, always pack your items properly to ensure they’re covered.

Protecting Your Parcels: Best Practices for Secure Shipping

Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of shipping insurance, let’s dive into the shipping process and look at some best practices for secure shipping. Because, as they say, prevention is better than cure.

Proper Packaging Techniques

Step one in secure shipping is proper packaging. It’s like dressing appropriately for a bike ride; you wouldn’t wear a suit, would you? Similarly, you should use strong packaging that’s robust enough to safeguard the contents, especially for fragile items. Use packing peanuts, air pillows, or filler paper to ensure your items are well-protected when using Priority Mail Express.

Also, don’t overlook the importance of clear, up-to-date shipping labels. Remove all old labels to avoid confusion, and apply sufficient packing tape to secure all seams and edges. And remember, if you’re reusing a box, ensure it’s in good condition and sturdy enough to protect its contents.

Carrier Selection and Service Levels

Choosing UPakWeShip is like choosing a babysitter. You want someone you can trust, who will take care of your precious cargo with the utmost attention and professionalism. Just as a good babysitter provides peace of mind to parents, we offer reassurance to shippers that your goods are in safe hands, being monitored and protected from the moment they leave the warehouse until they arrive at their final destination.

Also, UPakWeShip has international reach, especially if your business involves shipping to multiple countries. This extensive network ensures that your packages can be delivered to a wide array of destinations, providing seamless global logistics solutions for businesses looking to expand their reach across borders. With a reliable shipping partner that has a strong international presence, you can confidently navigate through the complexities of customs, tariffs, and international shipping regulations, ensuring your products arrive safely and on time, no matter the destination.

Summary

As we’ve navigated the waters of shipping insurance, we’ve learned how it serves as a safety net for our shipments, protecting against unforeseen incidents like weather-related events, theft, or accidents. We’ve also explored how the cost of insurance is calculated and the impact of minimum charges on the overall cost. We’ve delved into what insurance covers and what it doesn’t, highlighting the importance of understanding policy exclusions.

In the end, whether or not to purchase additional shipping insurance is a decision that should be made based on a variety of factors, including the value and fragility of the items being shipped, the volume of shipments, and the reliability of the chosen carrier. In any case, proper packaging techniques and secure shipping practices can go a long way in protecting your parcels. So, the next time you ship a package, remember, that a little extra cost for peace of mind could be a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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#One company door to door. UPakWeShip all the way!

If you are Hungry for the best move and best service linked to the best price either way across the Atlantic, talk to UPakWeShip. Like many thousands of others, you will not be disappointed.

Tel 1 843 225 7217

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We like to move it move it and this is UPakWeShip’s version of groupage. Moving from anywhere in Europe to the United States or shipping anywhere from the USA to anywhere in Europe, UPakWeShip has you covered.

One more groupage scheduled from Europe to the USA before Christmas. If you need a quote or shipping rates between USA-Europe-USA  then let us know.

One company door to door!

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Having our own offices in the UK and the USA allows us to ship peoples belongings seamlessly across the pond in both directions. You can see the U Crates being unloaded into our warehouse in South Carolina in perfect shape and just as the customer loaded them. No loose boxes put in the container, nothing not labelled, no boxes getting mixed in with another persons shipment.

Everything safe and secure as you would expect from UPakWeShip.

One company door to door. Great rates and a ship load of know how!

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While affecting ports worldwide, it is especially being felt in Southampton, Felixstowe, New York, and Los Angeles. The shutdowns due to coronavirus mean that some vessels may not be able to enter or choose not to enter certain ports as the loading and discharging of goods grows. Shortages of 20 foot and 40-foot shipping containers have also been a side effect of the Coronavirus and ships that are running as scheduled are at maximum capacity.

Please be patient, flexible, and allow for possible delays in container availability at the time of loading. The more notice we have, the better!

Due to these issues, there is a possibility of extra charges incurred and freight cost fluctuations are a possibility. Your shipment may need to remain in storage at origin until containers become available. Continuous planning and pro-active measures are taking place to mitigate any delays for smooth movements by us, however, delays in transit times are possible. We expect this to continue through early 2021.

UPakWeShip will do everything in its power to maintain your existing quote and transit times and will keep you updated via our automatic tracking system and by our coordinators. Please be patient during these difficult times and know that everyone at EuroUSA and UPakWeShip are doing everything possible to keep your shipment on schedule.

At the time of writing, this is not affecting our U Crate and pallet services but is affecting some of our self-load 20 and 40-foot shipping container routes.

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Take Precautions When Flying

The truth is, there may be no avoiding flying. Planes aren’t particularly fun at the best of times, and at the moment many people are avoiding flying to their destination. But if you have no alternative, don’t spend your time worrying too much about the risks. There are precautions you can take, and flights are taking their own steps to protect passengers too.

As is the case with going to the supermarket, wear a mask and gloves where you can, avoid touching your face, and bring hand sanitiser and anti-bac wipes to wipe down your area of the plane. The best way to avoid spreading any kind of infection or virus is to minimise contact, so you may decide to splash out on an upgrade to give yourself a little more room.

Translate Your Medical Documents

If your home country has a different first-language to the one you’re moving to, make sure your medical documents have been translated. From vaccines to allergies, translating your medical records will save a lot of time when you go to sign up to a new Doctor’s Surgery.

Research the Healthcare and Treatment

If somebody in your family has an ongoing condition, it’s vital to make sure your destination country has matching healthcare and treatment. The go-to medical treatment can vary from country to country, so if you or someone else moving is receiving ongoing care, you’ll want to check that they can continue to receive it when you land – and that you’re aware of any extra costs involved.

Use a Moving Company Who Can Maintain Social Distancing

As previously mentioned, the best way to protect yourself from the spread of germs, is by having minimal contact with others – particularly those you don’t know. The idea of movers coming into your home to pack up your belongings may not seem too appealing right now – so why not pack up yourself and hire a moving company to pick up and deliver your belongings from door-to-door?

UPakWeShip is a curbside moving service, and only requires one person’s signature on pickup and delivery, simply order one of our U-Crates or pallets and you can pack your own belongings. The UPak-way is ideal for maintaining social distancing without compromising expertise and a reliable moving service!

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But not UPakWeShip – and nope, this isn’t a complete disregard for the rules. It’s just that the reality is, our service has always been designed in a way that minimizes contact with other people! Social distancing? Our services were built for this!

UPakWeShip is exactly what it says in the name – you pack your items yourselves, and we collect your U-Crate and deliver it on the other side of the world. With curbside pickup and delivery, nobody is coming into your home, no strangers are touching your belongings and, most importantly, you don’t need to come into contact with anybody. For those vulnerable and self-isolating, you don’t need to put off moving your belongings abroad when your moving company poses no risk to your health!

Not only are there new ‘2020’ risks to having movers come into your home, but the reality is, packers don’t know and understand the value of your items. They are unlikely to take the care needed to guarantee your items will be safe door to door. The UPakWeShip way is different, and we’ve always been a big fan of different. With our ‘you pack’ way, it means our customers know exactly where all of their items are and can take extra care of sentimental items with personal value – it is also a great way to save money on your move!

We don’t need to compromise our service to maximize social distancing – because no contact is required!

From start to finish, the service is largely guided by you. When you book and have a crate delivered, we simply require a signature to receive the crate, and then it’s yours. Take as long or quick as you like – once you’ve got a date in mind for the pickup, simply let us know and have your packed and ready-to-go U-Crate outside your front door. This only requires one person to be there for the pickup, and a couple of signatures later, your shipment will be well on its way to one of our warehouses before it begins its journey overseas!

Check out our website for instant rates between the US/Europe – our lump sum prices are upfront and all-inclusive, perfect for those looking to budget and have a straight price for their move!

Moving from Europe, Canada or the UK? Each of our offices have their own site with each information relevant to each location.

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With offices both sides of the Atlantic, Tina received an email from our European team confirming the date her U-Crate would be delivered to the Rotterdam port and how we’d need to contact her for its safe arrival to her front door.

One of the many benefits of having UPak on either side of the shipment is knowing exactly who you’re in contact with from start to finish. Our internal communication spans across all of our offices, and we love receiving photos from happy customers at the end of the journey!

Tina’s shipment took place throughout the international lockdown – that’s right! Our services are still up and running! Hygiene is a priority for all companies and organizations right now, yet UPak’s service was made for social distancing! Not only does nobody enter your home and touch all of your belongings as they pack them, but our U-Crate 50 and 100 simply require one person to be waiting at the curbside, ready for the collection and to sign the relevant paperwork. The U-Crate is picked up by one person on our end, and away it goes!

It really is that easy!

We know the financial future is uncertain for many people, which is why our instant quote calculator is perfect for those looking to meet their budget. The quote you book with is the quote you pay and is all-inclusive of the fees many moving companies add to your bill at the end!

Book with UPakWeShip for a reliable moving company that sees your belongings through from door to door.

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You are NEVER too old to move abroad.

And we’re here to basically tell you why that is the case.

Because whatever stage of life you’re in, single or with a family, we strongly believe, that you should never let your age put your off fulfilling that dream of moving to another country.

However, there are also some things to consider. Because although we actively encourage people to take the leap (we’d be out of business if we didn’t), we also know there are some limitations depending on your age and the stage of life you’re in.

There are different visas for different ages

The biggest international restriction of moving abroad for any reason is the required visa. Those countries which offer a working holiday visa, for example, have an expiry age of 31.

However, there are ways to get around this if you’re over the hill that is 31 – an age which in reality, is not very old – so don’t worry just yet.

One of the easiest ways to get a visa for those who are beyond the WHV age is to have a specialist skill which is highly desired in your destination country. In America and Australia for example, it is possible to migrate, but you need to prove what you are bringing to the country to make it a better place. And that usually requires a specialist skill, or, evidence that you are in the top percentile of what you do (an academic, a professor, or someone at the top of their field).

An alternative to this is if you have immediate family who are already in the country. Your children, siblings, grandchildren, and parents are all viable options for a visa.

And finally, there is the golden ticket of all long-term, free travel. Being an EU member. If you hold an EU passport, you are able to live and work in any country of your choice within the EU, without a visa, and with very little limitations to those which you’d have back home. Those with dual-citizenship are also entitled to this right, however, if that dual-citizenship happens to be British, we definitely recommend starting the process ASAP, because, with Brexit, the option may not be on the table for too much longer.

If you’re American, find out more about how Brexit could impact you.

So, why should you consider moving abroad?

There are hundreds of reasons to move abroad, but we’re going to restrict them to ones which are not obligational, AKA, jobs or family members.

One of the most obvious reasons to move abroad when you’re older is to retire. Many older people choose to retire in warmer destinations, which is completely understandable. If you’re lucky enough to have family somewhere around the world, you could end up somewhere outside of Europe. We hear all the time about people who have learnt new languages, met new friends and had a whole new lease of life after moving abroad to retire. Frankly, if you do it right, you’ll feel younger than ever!

If you’re a couple interested in moving abroad, then it could be the most rewarding thing you do to your relationship. Moving is admittedly, a stressful process, and whilst we endeavour to make it as smooth as possible, moving abroad can put a strain on relationships. However, if you and your partner successfully move to another country, find new jobs in a strange place, make friends with locals and create a whole new life for yourselves, it’s going to make or break you – and we like to think it will be the former!

For younger people, with no ties and nothing concrete keeping you at home, why move to the big city of your home country… when you could do it in Australia? Or America? Or New Zealand? When you can experience a whole new environment, meet new people, and have the time time of your life. Every country has a different work/life balance, and living abroad for a period of time is a fantastic employability trait if/when you decide to return home!

The truth is, there’s no ‘perfect’ time to move abroad. With hundreds of different reasons and plenty of different opportunities, you may find the timing isn’t as you planned. But it’s a risk which may turn into the best decision of your life. And honestly? If you truly, absolutely hate it, there’s always your home country awaiting your return.

If you’re thinking of moving abroad, we have offices in America, Europe, the UK and Canada, to help you ship your belongings affordably and securely. UPakWeShip is a self-packing international moving company, offering over 30 years of advice and experience, and a no-hidden-fees price.

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