International Moving - 5 Important Things to Help You Plan

If you're relocating overseas temporarily or permanently here's a few things to remember to make your international move go smoothly.

1. Visas & legal paperwork. You've heard it many times... "plan ahead" and it is especially important with international moving. Are you applying for a permanent residency or just long-term visa? Do you meet the requirements of the foreign country? What documents do you need to submit? A good source of this kind of information would be the foreign embassy or a consulate. Most of them have web-sites with tons of useful information and applications.

2. International moving of household goods and vehicles. Here you can go two ways: organize everything by yourself or hire an overseas mover. In the first option you'll need to order the container from the ocean shipping company, organize the loading & obtain shipping insurance. Upon the cargo arrival you'll have to clear Customs with the local authorities and arrange the delivery and unloading at your new home. Most people opt for the professional moving company even though it always brings a higher cost.

3. Bringing you car. First you need to figure out if you will be allowed to bring it with you. Again, the foreign embassy may answer this questions. It's not uncommon fro some countries to limit the age of the vehicles coming into the country or impose very high import duties. Do verify it to avoid any costly surprises. Make sure you have the original title in hand with no liens.

4. Decide on electronics and house appliances. As you know a lot of countries have voltages different from the USA. Small electronics are probably not a problem if you buy an adaptor. Larger house appliances will need to be re-worked to function properly.

5. Making the travel arrangements. You will know from the ocean shipping company or your overseas mover the ETA (estimated time of arrival). Don't expect though your cargo to arrive on the exact same day. Delays do happen. Plan on having a room at the hotel reserved or an apartment rented for a short term.
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