1. DOCUMENTS
The first step in any international move is researching the proper documents that you will need In order to be allowed to move to the new country.
Set aside these important documents if they pertain to you:
- Adoption papers.
- Birth certificate.
- Child custody papers.
- Divorce papers.
- Driving license(s).
- Marriage certificate.
- Passport.
- Social Security cards.
- “No-Claims Bonus” (NCB) record. To show your driving record at the destination if you plan to buy and insure a car.
- Medical and Dental Records (including insurance cards and prescriptions).
- School records/University papers.
- Other insurance policies and legal documents.
- Financial records. Mortgage or rental payments, bank accounts, taxes.
- Other travel documents. For example your work permit or customs forms.
2. LONG TERM PLANNING
- Decide on a timeline
- Start Saving. Make sure you have addequate funds for your international move.
- Review tax obligations. Just because you move across international borders doesn’t mean you’re removed from your tax obligations. If you are a United States citizen or permanent resident, you are expected to pay taxes no matter what country you move to or work in.
- Think about storage. If you’re handling storing your belongings on your own, make sure to research the costs.
- Healthcare. Healthcare can become a major expense in a new country if you’re not properly prepared.
- Schedule your health appointments. Book any medical or dental checkups you or your family needs before you leave.
- Research and book temporary housing. You may need some extra time before your house is ready or your belongings arrive.
- Think about your housing. Consider how long you will be at the new location and decide whether it is best to rent your current home, sell it or cancel your lease.
- Apply for your visa and passport.
- Plan your visit. If you have the time and budget, schedule a pre-move visit. This makes it easy for you to look for schools and a place to live.
3. RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL MOVING COMPANIES
I guess you are probably already doing that if you are looking at our web site. Well Done! Here are some tips to help you.
- Compare two or three International Moving Companies.
- Check their licenses. Make sure they that have a license to transport your things across seas with the Federal Maritime Commission in the USA or similar overseas.
- Check reviews. Talk to them to see they know what they are doing, are they friendly and professional?
- Check the destination agent. Do they have their own people at the destination or a reputable agent working for them or just the cheapest company they could find!
- Hopefully you book UPakWeShip and start packing
4. NOTIFY EVERYONE
- The U.S. Postal Service.
- Your bank.
- Your Embassy.
- Utilities companies (Electric, Gas, Solar)
- Social Security Administration.
- Tax Agencies (IRS/Tax agencies abroad).
- Insurance providers.
- Your employer.
- Friends and family.
- Your landlord/realtor.
- Pack some things
5. ONE MONTH BEFORE YOUR INTERNATIONAL MOVE
- Cancel subscriptions.
- Set up mail forwarding.
- Notify banks, financial adviser insurance and stock companies
- Request your NCB.
- Request medical and school records.
- Notify cell phone company
- Sort and donate things you no longer need or no longer fit 😊.
- Book a hotel for the last few days between moving day and getting your flight
- Pack some more things
6. TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU LEAVE
- Give friends and family your new address.
- Get cash.
- Contact your credit card companies.
- Confirm your flight.
- Confirm with your international mover.
- Take care of any uncompleted tasks.
- Pack the last-minute stuff like clothes
- Decide what you are wearing
- Say goodbye to family and friends
- Start making a pile of the things you are taking with you
- Pack some more things
7. IT’S MOVING DAY
Hopefully if you are all prepared and packed up, today should be a breeze. Enjoy the moment, relax, have fun, take pictures! Have a nice dinner and drinks with your best friends or family.