Moving to another country is exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Are you ready to make your international dream a reality? Then Air1 Moving and Storage has you covered, from Argentina to New Zealand. Let’s go over your moving abroad checklist to make sure you are prepared for your big move.
VISIT BEFORE YOU MAKE THE MOVE
Hollywood and television aren’t always accurate when portraying foreign countries. If you can, plan a vacation to the country to check that you like it and you’ll feel at home there before committing to a move.
RESEARCH THE NEW COUNTRY
Check out international forums for people from overseas in this country. You can get invaluable advice this way.
Is the climate very different from what you’re used to? Will you need to adjust your clothing in terms of modesty, or other cultural norms? You may need to plan your wardrobe for the seasons you’ll be there for.
What won’t you be able to get in your new country? Perhaps it’s a food you can’t live without or the types of clothing you are accustomed to. If you have large feet, you may struggle to buy shoes in Japan, for example.
CONSIDER A RELOCATION CONSULTANT
Think about hiring a professional to guide you through the process of finding accommodation, schools and so on. This is especially useful if you’re going to a place where you don’t speak the language.
The consultants know exactly how to move to a different country smoothly.
READ CULTURAL GUIDES
It’s important to try to keep your foot out of your mouth. What’s acceptable in the USA may be strange or inappropriate elsewhere.
Do you need to take your shoes off indoors? Do the people where you’re going find it embarrassing to answer you with “I don’t know”? Should you bring a gift? And if so, what kind of gift is best?
SORT YOUR STUFF
This is a great time to simplify your life and donate, sell, or toss a lot of stuff.
You probably won’t want to move everything you own. Perhaps you need affordable, climate controlled storage with 24 hour surveillance? In that case, Air1 Moving & Storage has your back. Learn more about storage on our website.
RESEARCH THE TAX AGREEMENTS
Don’t get stung. Does where you’re going have a reciprocal tax agreement with the US? Or will you have to pay taxes in both countries? You may also like to know how much tax you’ll have to pay there. For instance, in Ireland you’ll pay way less income tax than in France.
It’s worth researching this, and seeking professional tax advice if you need to.
ORGANIZE YOUR DOCUMENTS FOR MOVING TO ANOTHER COUNTRY
Keep your paperwork safe, and easily accessible for when you arrive. The following should be at the top of your moving abroad packing list.
ID
How to move to a different country 101. Your passport. If you don’t have one then you should apply for it in plenty of time. And if you already have one, it hasn’t expired, right?
Right?
Next, your driver’s license. Find out if you need to switch it or get extra papers in the country you’re going to. Depending on where you’re going, you may be able to drive with your US license when you get an International Driver’s License.
Visas And Work Permits
Don’t go to the country thinking you’ll be able to sort this out once you’re there. If you’re moving with your company they will probably organize this for you. But if not, check whether you need to secure a job from the US first before you make the big move.
Medicines
An obvious addition to your moving abroad packing list, but you need to do a little research.
Check which medicines you can move internationally, so that you don’t accidentally break the law. Some medicines that you can buy from a drugstore in the US require you to carry a prescription elsewhere. And medicines like codeine and sleeping pills are totally banned in some countries.
Once you’ve established what you can take over, make sure you have enough to keep you going until you can register with a new doctor.
Health Insurance For Where You’re Going
Get this done before you leave so you’re covered in case of emergency at the other end.
Banking Records
Organize the recent bank statements and tax records that you may need. It’s also a good idea to tell your bank you’re moving. Why? So there’s no risk of them freaking out when you use your account or card internationally.
School Stuff
Things like your kids’ school info and your own educational qualifications. Everything’s online these days but it will be way easier to sort out from the US if you do need to make a trip in person.
Provisions For Pets
Check whether your best boy or best girl needs any jabs before moving overseas. Depending on where you’re going, they might need a certificate of vaccination and microchip.
Air1 Moving & Storage has years of experience moving with pets. Read more on our blog about moving with a dog.
WHAT TO DO RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Visit the doctor, optician or anyone else. That way, you’ll be good to go in the new country.
Oh, and double check all those bills are canceled.
PLAN THE PLANE
OK three things for your moving abroad checklist.
-
What you’re shipping,
-
What you’ll have with you on the plane,
-
And what you want to check in.
Make sure you have the medicines you need with you, plus your prescription details.
If you’re flying long haul, remember comfortable clothes and earplugs. Plus of course, whatever you want to entertain you. Even if you’re flying from Los Angeles to another warm climate, bear in mind that you’ll still need a sweater on the plane.
CHOOSE A GREAT INTERNATIONAL MOVER
You have enough to deal with. Make sure you get Air1 Moving & Storage to handle your international move seamlessly. Read more about our international moves on our website.
START YOUR INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE WITH AIR1 MOVING & STORAGE
So now you know what should be on your moving abroad checklist. Air1 Moving & Storage has been moving happy customers internationally for over 20 years. We have a fantastic relationship with reliable freight forwarders and airlines to make your move a breeze.
Give us a call today at (866) 552-2916. Or if you’d prefer to write, just fill out our form here, or email us at [email protected].
