When you move to another country, many steps must be taken, and many details must be considered in order for a successful move to occur. People have to decide when they will move, what they will take with them, including cars, furniture, and more, and how they will get their household goods moved safely overseas. These details of moving internationally can be overwhelming, which is why having professional international movers answer questions and arrange the move is beneficial.
Questions and Answers About Moving Internationally
Below are some of the most common questions we hear from customers who have moved internationally.
How long before my moving date should I start making plans with movers?
For international moves, you will want to book your moving company 1-2 months in advance of the move. The time needed to make all the plans and arrangements can take longer in busy summer months, so you will want to start the process sooner for those time periods.
Can I move without the help of an international moving company?
You can move internationally without a moving company, but keep in mind that many details must be taken care of in an international move. Every country has different customs and paperwork requirements, and items that are prohibited from entry into the country. Without professional moving help, you will be responsible for arranging air and/or ocean freight, properly packing all your belongings, and procuring insurance for your items. If storage is required on either end of the trip, you would also need to make arrangements for that.
Do I need to open a different banking account?
You will want to open a bank account in the city you are relocating to. If you plan to return to the US at a later date, you may want to consider keeping your American account open as well to maintain your credit rating so that you can obtain home or car loans when you return.
Should I use ocean or air freight?
Many people use a combination of ocean and air freight. Ocean freight is less expensive but takes longer. Air freight is quicker and more expensive, so people normally use this option for items that will be needed right away, such as clothing, baby items, office and school items.
What should I plan on for moving costs door to door?
The cost of moving overseas varies. Some of the factors include your destination country, the amount of belongings you are moving, and your moving time frame.
Which household goods should I leave behind when I move overseas?
This is different for every situation. The answer can be based on your moving budget, whether you have storage options in the US, and whether the items are prohibited in the country you are moving to. You will also need to check on electrical requirements (110V-220V-240V) and electric plugs used in the country you are moving to.
What moving services are typically performed by a moving company?
AW Transportation handles all aspects of the international move including:
- Pre-move survey – physical or virtual
- No commitment free quote
- Document preparation
- Information on Customs regulations for the chosen country
- Inventory and list of all items to be shipped
- Properly pack items and prepare for international transportation
- Provide shipping insurance
- Door to Door service, including all aspects of export and import customs procedures
- Pickup, loading and unloading, and delivery
- Storage when necessary
- Customs clearance in the new destination country
Are there any special considerations for international relocations due to work?
Companies usually provide a relocation budget, which may determine how many belongings you can take with you. If you rely only upon that budget, you may have to ship all of your items via the less expensive ocean freight and store or sell items that are over the amount allowed by your budget.
What type of paperwork is required for my international move?
This varies according to the country you are moving to. You can be confident that you will need a passport, but other documents may be different. AW Transportation will provide you with all documents and procedures in regards to the documentation needed to properly clear customs .
How long does the relocation process take?
The time to prepare and organize varies from person to person. However, the actual shipping of your household items can take 6 weeks and possibly more.
Is it best to ship a full container load (FCL)?
Full container load is more secure than Partial, or less than container load (LCL) because you will have a container with only your items included. FCL is more expensive, so you may base your decision upon how much you have to ship.
Should I take extra doses of my medication with me when I move?
Some medications will be unobtainable in other countries, and some may be available in lower doses than you require. So, check into the availability before you move, and as long as the drug is legal in that country you may want to bring extra with you when you move.
Can I ship and unload my container?
Personal injury or loss of property could occur and with no documentation, liability issues could arise. AW Transportation only manages shipping containers when they use their trusted service providers.
Contact AW Transportation for Answers to Your Questions About Moving Internationally
Moving internationally is exciting, and AW Transportation allows you to focus on that excitement while we take care of the details of your move. Contact us today to get a free quote.
