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moving-abroad
21 Nov

Checklist for Packing and Preparing for an International Relocation

International Relocation, , 0 Comments

Moving abroad is a vast undertaking that requires careful planning. The following schedule and checklist from Cheap Movers Brooklyn (website) should help you with this endeavor:

Three months before the move

  • Make the needed travel arrangements like booking a flight or train.
  • Visit the US State Department’s website to check your new country’s requirements in terms of passports, visas, vaccinations, etc.
  • Make sure everybody has valid passports and visas.
  • Get an International Driving Permit, for most countries don’t accept US driver’s licenses. You can get the IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
  • Get any needed vaccinations for both humans and pets. Ask the doctors and veterinarians to use international record booklets and forms.
  • If you have school-age kids, ask their school(s) to provide transfer certificates and other needed paperwork.
  • Assemble other important paperwork like birth certificates, tax information, and medical records. Make hard copies and computer files.
  • If you own your house, put it on the market. If you rent your home, talk to your landlord.
  • Get quotes from at least three different international moving companies.
  • Check your new country’s rules regarding pet relocation and quarantine if you have pets.

international-relocation

Two months before the move

  • Contact your bank and let them know you are moving to another country.
  • Establish internet banking if you haven’t already done so.
  • Ask your bank to help you establish direct deposits for any regular payments like loans or retirement funds you expect to continue to make while away.
  • Schedule one last medical check-up for both people and pets. Ask for any remaining medical records.
  • Look up information about any prescription medication you take. It may have a different name, or there may be an equivalent medication available.
  • It may take you time to find a new doctor and pharmacist, so start stocking up on medications you know you will need, including prescription medications, allergy medication, Pepto Bismo, and ibuprofen.
  • Contact the post office to begin having mail sent to your new address.
  • Sort through all your possessions and divide them into four categories: keep, sell, donate or throw away. Further, subdivide the “keep” pile into things that you will ship and things that you will take along in a suitcase.
  • Start selling items.
  • Arrange for any minor repairs on your current home.
  • Check the type of adaptor your new home uses to determine what to do with any appliances; in many cases, it is less expensive to buy new appliances in your new home.

One month before the move

  • Contact various utilities and services like gas, electric, telephone, newspaper, and cable television to discontinue your service or change the name on the bill if you’ve decided to rent your old home.
  • Pack up your home.
  • Make sure people have your forwarding address.
  • Pay all remaining bills. You may want to give some money to a relative or friend to pay for anything you missed.

paying-bills

Moving Day

  • Check all your rooms and cupboards to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.
  • If you’re shipping anything, ask the company for an approximate delivery date.
  • Make sure you’ve packed all essential items in your suitcases, for you will be living out of these until you get your shipment.
  • Say your last good-byes.
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relocation
10 Jun

Questions to Ask Before Relocating Cross-Country or Abroad

Cross Country Relocation, , , 0 Comments

Moving across the country or even abroad is a big decision that should be met with thought and consideration. If you’re not sure which details are the most important, then you may want to ask yourself the questions below. These can help you determine whether you’re ready to move and what you need to do in order to get started.

1. Can I Afford This?

If you’re not relocating for a job that’s going to pay for moving expenses, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. Moving across the country or abroad can cost up to $10,000 or even more. A few of the expenses you’ll have to consider include a moving truck/movers, professional packers, plane ticket, and car movers. If you don’t have the funds to cover all of this, you may have to postpone the move until it’s more manageable for your budget.

2. How Will I Move?

Are you the type of person that can easily drive a moving truck across the country? Or would you rather hire a moving company and fly to your destination? If you’re moving overseas, you won’t have a choice, but if you’re moving within the country, this is something to think about. Consider the pros and cons of each choice before you decide. The advantages of hiring a professional include not having to drive, skilled packing and loading, saving time, and avoiding injury.

3. Where is My Paperwork?

If you plan on moving abroad, then you must have a passport and any visas that may be required. You should also have your driver’s license, birth certificates for children, work permits, and any other legal documents that are necessary. All forms of identification should be up-to-date before the move.

4. Which Moving Company Should I Hire?

When it comes to hiring a moving company, it’s important to choose one that’s reliable and has a great reputation. Fortunately, you can do research online to learn everything you need to know. Since they will be responsible for transporting all of your belongings that you’ve worked so hard for, don’t make cost the only consideration. Great customer service, a decent on-time record, and safe handling your belongings are all important to think about as well.

5. Where Will I Live?

Moving far away means inserting yourself into a new culture. Take time to research different neighborhoods to find one that fits in with your preferences. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, begin looking for real estate to either buy or rent.

6. Should I Hire Packers?

When it comes to moving a really long distance, it’s recommended to hire packers to help. While they don’t have to pack non-breakable items, like your clothing and kids toys, they should pack away dishes and picture frames. These professionals will also take apart furniture and appropriately wrap it, which can save you a considerable amount of time in the process.

A Big Move Done With Thought

Are you really ready to make a move across the country or abroad? By asking yourself the questions above, you’ll be a little more secure in your decision. If you need more time or help, always make those a priority to ensure things go smoothly.

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moving-abroad
04 Jun

Nine Things to Think About Before Moving Abroad

Moving Abroad, , , , 0 Comments

The thought of moving to another country excites the ardent adventurer. It’s an experience that comes with promises of new opportunities, deep cultural connections, and wonderful new friendships. While all of this is true, moving abroad comes with challenges as well. If you’re thinking about moving abroad, you’ll want to consider some of the challenges you’ll face as well as the opportunities. Here are nine things Cheap Sacramento Movers (cheapsacramentomovers.com) wants you to think about before you move abroad. Considering these things will help you sidestep some of the challenges you’ll face throughout the process.

1. Source of Income/ Work

Travel and Destinations asks would-be expats to consider what they’ll do for money and work once they move abroad. If they don’t plan on working, they’ll need to have enough money in savings and passive income to get them by.

2. Dealing With Language Barriers

If you’re moving to a country, where you don’t know the language, you’ll face some significant challenges, according to an article on the YTravel Blog. A command of English will probably get you the basic necessities, but if you’d like to advance in a career or some other equally ambitious pursuit, you’ll need to know the local language.

3. Where Will You Live?

You need to have some idea of where you’ll live or at least where you can stay until you finalize your moving arrangements. Having contact with local people helps. Or look for a Realtor who can help you out.

4. Aim for the Best Option, Not the Perfect One

No matter how perfect another country seems, Travel and Leisure reminds travelers that there is no perfect country. You’ll experience culture shock. You’ll have your share of challenges. It’s part of the adventure. Look for the best country for you, not the perfect one.

5. Figure Out Your Insurance

Experts for Expats reminds people to look into their insurance requirements for traveling. Be sure to find out what insurance requirements your host country has as well.

6. Be Prepared for Culture Shock

Not everyone in the world lives as you do. They have holidays on days you usually work. Or they work on days that are usually holidays for you. In some countries, it’s considered rude to chat it up with someone you don’t know. It’s helpful to know the culture before you go. It’ll make your transition smoother.

7. Visa Requirements

Before you go, you need to find out what each country’s visa requirements are. You also need to determine what kind of visa you need for your trip. A work visa grants you different rights than a visitor’s visa.

8.Dealing with Homesickness

As exciting as travel is, it’s likely that you’ll feel homesick at least some of the time. It’s helpful to figure out ways to cope with these feelings, especially if you will be away from your home country during the big holidays. That’s typically when friends and family meet up.

9. Decide What to do With Your Stuff

Are you going to put your things in storage? Sell them? Give them to relatives. You’ll want to work this out based on how long you think you’ll be gone. Dealing with storage will probably be the last thing you want to think about when you come home for a break.

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