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Our checklist for planning a move overseas will help you make sure you haven’t overlooked anything in the lead up to an international move.
Step-by-step planning is essential to make sure the relocation goes smoothly whether you’re moving permanently or just working overseas for a year.
Checklist for an international move
These are most of the things you’ll need to do and find out about before you move to another country. Depending on your situation and the country, these may happen in a different order.
Decide which country you want to move to
The country you move to may be dictated by your work. Many expats relocate to take a promotion or a new position. If not, you’ll have to decide which country suits your skills, financial situation and what you’re looking for, like climate and lifestyle.
Do your research
Carry out thorough research on the country you want to move to. Find out about areas to live, the best schools, public transport, language barriers and social etiquette. Numbeo offers useful cost-of-living, property price and quality-of-life comparison charts.
Start your long-term visa application
Find out well before you want to move what’s required for a long-term visa or permanent residency. There’s no point planning a move if you won’t be granted a visa. Once you’re confident you’re going to get in, start to plan in earnest.
Create a budget
An international move is costly and a budget will help you manage your finances to ensure you can afford it. Sometimes an employer will sponsor visa and relocation costs but, even with financial support, moving costs, pet relocation, deposits and travel insurance add up quickly.
Decide what to take with you
If you’re going for a year, taking furniture is a waste of money. It would be better to put it in storage and rent a furnished property in your new country. For a permanent stay, you’ll need to decide what’s worth the cost of transport and what can be replaced on the other side.
Make a list of memberships or contracts to cancel
Some contracts or memberships require a notice period before cancelling, so don’t leave this to the last minute. Some contracts have a clause that covers international relocations. Others will charge an early cancellation penalty. Incorporate this into your budget.
Organise pet relocation
If you’re moving permanently, you’ll need to organise transport for your pets. Find out what vaccinations they need and if there’s a quarantine requirement. Always try to take your pets with you, but very old or extremely sensitive pets might struggle with the journey and relocation. Hard as it would be, you should consider rehoming them.
Research the tax implications of living aboard
Research your tax obligations in your new country of residence, as well as any tax implications from your country of origin. You may be getting rental income from a property you own in your home country, for example.
Find an international moving company
You may have heard horror stories about lost or damaged belongings, so use a recommended and highly rated international moving company. Look at first-hand accounts from happy customers when deciding, especially those with lots of detail about what to expect.
Packing for an international move
Before you buy packing materials, decide which items you’re taking. Try to minimise what you’re shipping. Often, replacing an item is cheaper than transporting it.
When you’ve decided what to pack, here’s the best way to do it:
- use strong cardboard boxes, preferably double walled
- utilise protective wrapping like bubble wrap
- double tape boxes shut to keep them well sealed, especially on the bottom
- don’t ship items you’ll need, such as immigration documents
- pack medication, important documents, chargers and power adaptors in your hand luggage
- pack appliances in their original boxes or buy large boxes and Styrofoam
- remove batteries from all appliances
- protect furniture against dirt and scratches with aerothene or pallet wrap.
Order packing supplies online from Ecobox
Now that you’ve been through our checklist for planning a move overseas, you’ll realise how busy you’re going to be. We can make your life easier. At Ecobox, we offer:
- cardboard boxes in a wide range of sizes
- a full range of packing materials
- eco-friendly, plastic moving boxes for rent
- convenient home and office moving kits.
Visit one of our retail locations to get the office moving supplies you need, or simply order online and we’ll deliver to your door.
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