Among all the dramas and emotional thrills that follow an international move, the biggest issue you might have is the logistical and bureaucracies involved.
International moves can be the most exciting travels you will make, but it can equally take a huge toll on you both physically and emotionally if you don’t plan for them well enough.
Tips for International Moving
Your international move might take you to a region or country with a widely varying culture, language, and geography. These simple tips can help ease your international move and help you settle down in the new country.
Know a bit about the country you are relocating to
What language will you need to learn/pick up (that is if you will) to a conversational level? What is the weather like over there? You should get an idea of all these basic changes you will be making soon; it will help to make your life easier in the new location.
You can visit the embassy of the country you are moving to for more information.
Packing and Moving
Due to the custom and immigration laws in some countries, you might need to pay extra for freighting your goods to the new location. Also, check with the local embassy of the country to know what goods/objects/pets are considered illegal. Some regions, for example, shun ferocious pets.
When packing, it is wiser and cheaper to pack up the important items and sell off the others. However, you can move heavier items through freight ships. Start contacting international moving companies at an early stage of your move if you are shipping household goods.
Make early arrangements for Housing and Accommodation
If your job is the cause of the move, you might be lucky enough to get official accommodation. Else, start hunting for a good house early enough. When looking for a house to buy/rent, you need to be very prudent since you will be staying there for a long time.
Housing costs vary by region, city, and country and will be the crux of your expenses.
Registration and Visa fees
When you are moving to another country either for work or for study, you will have to apply for a Visa (Visa laws differ in countries and regions). It will mostly form the bulk of your paperwork and travel bureaucracy.
Also, for some countries, you will need to visit their immigration office to register on their database on arrival in the country (you will be duly informed at their embassies).
Prepare for your move in advance
Planning well ahead of your move will help you a lot in the move both physically and mentally; you should take breaks from work, visit friends more, and enjoy each last moments you get. The periods before moving can be the best time to; try out that special delicacy one more time or have that hangouts with friends. These activities ease the stress on you. You should also remember that it takes days to pack your personal goods to ship overseas.
Travel with all your documents
Leaving out any document can be a very costly mistake. Travel with all your valid IDs, Driver’s licenses (for a new one), Certificates, and Passports; it will be easier to get when you need them.
Wrapping Up
Lastly, remember to redirect all your emails, subscriptions, and correspondence to your new address.
International relocation might not be as easy as you think, but they are worth it, Sometimes that move might be all the change you need.
Enjoy your move.
