Things To Consider When Moving Overseas
Posted on: 12 July 2016
Moving overseas is a big decision, and one that shouldn't be made lightly. There are lots of little details that will need to be attended to before this decision can be made a reality.
Logistical Considerations
If your company is sending you to work in one of their offices in another country, they'll help deal with all of the arrangements. Otherwise, it'll be up to you. This includes checking immigration policies to make sure it's even possible to move there and that you have all of the proper paperwork, figuring out whether it's possible to buy a house or where to rent a house, dealing with opening a bank account in the new country (which might not be as easy as you'd think), making arrangements with your current bank to easily transfer money back and forth, and making sure that you have health insurance that will cover you and that appropriate health care facilities are available. Think about the cost of living, potential effects of inflation, potential safety concerns, renting or selling your current home, and the tax implications of living abroad. Make sure it's possible for foreigners to work in the new country and that there's a good chance you'll be able to find an appropriate job.
Choosing a Moving Company
When moving overseas, it's typical to hire a moving company that specializes in this type of move so they can handle all of the legal and logistical issues that might come up when trying to move belongings from one country to another. It's important to choose the right company, so look for one that has the proper insurance and licenses, such as those from the International Association of Movers, FIDI, the American Moving and Storage Association, the Department of Transportation, Ocean Transport Intermediary, Federal Maritime Commission and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier. Get quotes from at least three companies and make sure that they are quoting for the same level of service. Make sure the quotes include all fees, including any terminal or port charges, customs fees, packing or unpacking fees, and any fees for having to use stairs. Make sure to find out what you can ship and what you can't as well as how long it will take. Ask if insurance is included for your belongings, or if you need to purchase this separately.
Dealing With Belongings
An international move isn't the same as a local move. It would be prohibitively expensive to just pack up everything and bring it with you, so you need to decide what to bring with you on the plane, what to have the movers deal with, what to store, and what to sell. Things you don't use regularly that don't have any sentimental value should be sold or donated, things that are very heavy or large that have sentimental value should probably be stored, and things that are used pretty much every day should be moved with you. Important papers, toiletries, clothes, personal electronics and anything you're likely to need before the shipped belongings arrive should be carried with you instead of being shipped.
Contact a company like Bekins Van Lines Inc for more information.
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