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10 Tips for Making a Move Overseas


The date is set! You are making a move overseas! Now what? How do you prepare? The first step is to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can, and to find a knowledgeable and reputable international moving company to manage the move. Below we offer 10 tips to making a move overseas as smooth and uncomplicated as possible.

Top Tips for Individuals Making an Overseas Move

These tips should help you be ready for your international move.

Research International Moving Companies

An international moving company that knows the regulations and restrictions for the country you are moving to is an invaluable resource as you plan your move. They will inform you of freight options, insurance, temporary storage, and help with customs formalities. An experienced company, like AW Transportation, can also offer first-hand information about many destinations. Though you can move without the benefit of an international moving company, your stress level will likely be much lower if you know that professionals are handling the details of getting your belongings safely overseas.

Learn About The Destination Country

Being armed with information about the place you are moving to is helpful in any move. When making a move overseas, so many things will be completely different from the way things happen in the United States, knowing as much as you can about your destination-its culture, customs, economy and more- is even more vital. Join forums where member questions are answered and do a lot of research online. Read blogs, official area websites, and articles. Watch documentaries and anything that you can get your hands on to learn.

Acquire Or Renew Passports And Visas

Many documents will be needed when you are making a move overseas. The specifics will vary from country to country, but you will certainly need a passport and visa. These documents can take a while to be delivered, so be sure to apply as soon as you can. If your passport is nearing expiration, you should renew before you move. Other documents that may be needed are work permits, insurance cards, school records and birth or marriage certificates.

Open An Overseas Banking Account

You will want to have a banking account in your destination country for many reasons, including avoiding international usage fees. Keeping your U.S. account open is still a good idea, especially if you decide to return to the United States at some point in the future or if you will be making American transactions or purchases.

Decide On Buying Or Renting

If you have never been to your destination country, or even if you have but for short visits, you may want to delay making a home purchase. If you are unsure what area you will want to settle in, renting for the first six months or a year might be a good idea so you can travel on weekends and explore the various local areas. Whether you are planning to stay in the foreign country permanently, or are only moving internationally for a term due to job or schooling, renting first could ensure that you end up in a place that suits your needs and interests.

Learn The Language

Many who live in foreign countries also speak English, so you will likely be able to navigate even if you are unable to speak the language. However, you will feel more confident and comfortable in your new surroundings if you have a basic understanding of the language.

Research Job Options

You may be moving with a spouse who is relocating for his/her job. If you plan to work as well, you may want to learn about your options before you arrive. Having a job in your new home can provide a sense of belonging and community as well as an income. You may enjoy working in an office, or doing some sort of freelance work. Making a move overseas could present an opportunity to change careers as well. Exploring your options in advance could be helpful in these considerations.

Learn About School Options

Schooling overseas may look very different from schooling in the United States. You may decide to send your children to the local school, or you might experiment with homeschooling. Either way, the transition could be difficult for them. Researching ahead of time allows you to talk with your children about the changes and help them prepare for the new experience.

Get Or Upgrade Insurance

Some countries require proof of medical insurance when you move there. You should learn the local requirements, look into whether your coverage will work internationally of if you will need to find a new insurer (if employers are not already taking care of these details).

3 girls at desks with school books | Learning about school options is important when making a move overseas | AW Transportation

Explore Medical Options

Learn about medical resources, centers and hospitals that will be available to you. If you have preexisting conditions that require prescription medications, find out if those drugs/dosages are available abroad. If they are unavailable in your destination country, learn how you might order ahead to take them with you, or if you can use mail order or manage with other options.

AW Transportation Helps Making a Move Overseas Be as Stress free as Possible

These 10 tips for making a move overseas will be helpful, but so much more is involved in international moving. Let AW Transportation help you with all the details, so you can focus on the excitement. Contact us today to set up a consultation or move survey.