You should prepare for your move overseas far in advance. Why? Moving can be quite an adventure when your belongings must travel by automobile, plane and possibly ship! Everything from what you pack to how you pack it must be carefully planned out beforehand. Consider the handling of your belongings and what they will be exposed to during the move - temperature changes, moisture, movement, etc.
Also, determine what you should pack and what to leave out before the move. Your items might be in transport for several weeks before arriving at your new home. Anything you need during that time should be kept out. If you will be traveling by plane, check with the airline to find out what you can and cannot carry with you as personal luggage. There are usually weight restrictions for this.
Moving Assistance
Choose your movers carefully. Cost should not be the only determining factor. If possible, get recommendations from others who have experienced a similar move. Or, research several companies online and through the Better Business Bureau to find a reliable company. Your items will be in their hands, so it's important to choose a reliable mover who understands the process of moving to a foreign land well.
Here are some questions to ask the movers before signing a moving contract.
Do you provide insurance, and what is covered?
What types of vehicles are used during the moving process?
Will you handle custom forms, or will that be my responsibility?
Are there moving or cargo restrictions in the country where I am moving?
Will my electrical appliances be compatible with the outlets there?
Does your charge cover everything, even port charges and quarantine clearances (if applicable)?
Will my belongings be stored anywhere during the moving process if not shipped or delivered immediately?
Can you provide references?
Will I need to pack my items, or do you provide packing services?
Can I transport my pets?
Can I transport my vehicle(s)?
Are there restrictions as to what can be transported into the country (i.e. medicines, chemicals, food products, weapons, etc.)?
What shipping methods will be used - sea freight or air freight?
How long is the moving process from start to finish?
Breaking Old Ties and Forming New Ones
As you prepare for your move, be sure to contact every company necessary to let them know you are moving to a foreign country. You'll need to cancel memberships, subscriptions, turn off utilities and phone, cancel insurance if not available where you will live. Don't forget to let your local Post Office know you will be moving as well, and ask about forwarding your mail if possible. If you are unable to get the mail forwarded to a foreign country, you might have it forwarded to a friend or relative nearby and have them mail it to you.
While breaking ties where you live, you also need to form new ones where you will be moving. If renting, make sure all utilities will be turned on when you arrive. If buying a home, find out from your realtor how and where to set up utilities, phone, television, online connections, etc. You'll want to time this with your arrival time so you won't get stuck in your new home without power, water, heat or air.
Finances
One area that can be confusing when moving to a new land is finances. You might have various banking accounts including savings, checking, IRAs, bonds, etc. These will all have to be transferred if available where you are going or cancelled and your money withdrawn from the bank. Either way, there will be currency differences. Find a reliable banking solution before arriving at your new home. You might be able to transfer your money to the new bank before arriving so you won't have to carry lots of cash with you. Find out all you can about the currency and banking before you go.
Establish Citizenship
You'll need to establish citizenship for you and your family as soon as possible, so don't wait to do this. Find out from your local government what will be required of you - vaccinations, forms, identification, Visas, etc.
Health Issues
If you have medical conditions which require prescription medications or follow-up visits, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about the move to find out what you should do. If you can locate a doctor in advance where you will be moving, it might make matters easier. Find out if you can transfer your medical records to a doctor there.
If you feel your teen is depressed because of the move, don't be too proud to seek counseling. It's important that they overcome depression quickly - even before the move.
With careful preparation, your move overseas can be a pleasant one. Use the tips above to stay organized during your move.
