Moving from one place to another, whether it be a simple move to a new neighborhood or a relocation that takes you out of your country, can be a stressful time. In fact, experts often pin it as one of the top five most stressful situations in a person’s life. It really doesn’t have to be so nerve-wracking, though. With proper planning, your move – especially your international move – can be pretty smooth and seamless. The following are six tips that you can use to make your international move simple and dare I say easy!
How to Prepare for an International Move
Travel Documents
When you are moving abroad, keeping your travel documents organized is essential. You want to keep your passport safe and always accessible. You also need to ensure that you have your visa in your passport well in advance so that you don’t find yourself scrambling for documentation right before you are scheduled to move. You also want to be sure you know exactly where the following documents are at all times:
- Identification
- Social Security Cards
- Documentation of assets
- Health and school records
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage License
It is also a good idea to pre-register with your embassy overseas. Along those lines, it is also necessary to contact your own government prior to the move regarding taxes.
Make a Budget
Budgets are a good idea in any life situation, especially when you are moving abroad. Set a budget for how much you can spend on monthly expenses once you are in your new country. You should also have a set budget for the move itself so that you don’t spend too much on the move itself. Making a financial plan that you stick to will help you reduce stress and save time and money.
Pack Properly
You want to make sure that everything you pack is well organized and labeled. Especially with international moves, it is paramount that you have a list of all of the belongings that you will be bringing so that the government of the country you are going to is aware of your possessions. Movers like Oakville Moving company provide a wide range of moving services, which include residential, long-distance, and commercial moving, packing, and storage. Be sure not to pack anything that is flammable, dangerous, or prohibited in your new country. It is always a good idea to check with the local government if you have any questions.
Prepare Your Pets
Bringing Fido abroad means a trip to the vet. He will need all of his vaccinations up to date before boarding a plane. You should also get your vet’s advice on the best way for your furry friend to make it across the pond. Get in contact with your local government abroad to ensure that you aren’t missing anything for your pet before you leave that way the transition is smooth. You should expect a 1-2 week quarantine as the standard for most countries.
Visit Your Doctor
Just like your pet, you will also want to visit your doctor before moving. Be sure that all of your own vaccinations are up to date. You will also want to make sure you have all of your medications in order and that you have a two to three month supply of each just in case.
Organize What You Need and Don’t Need
Finally, you may want to consider downsizing before you move. It is a great time to take inventory of what you have and what you actually want and need. Doing so will make the move easier on you as well as on your movers.
If you are looking for a moving company to help with an international relocation such as the UK, you can check out A Swift Move. They are an international moving company based in London offering removal services to areas in South West and Central London. Moving to Wimbledon in London can be stress-free with the right removals firm.
Moving internationally is a really big deal. It is one of the biggest changes you can make in your lifetime, leaving one country to live in another. Planning out exactly how to execute the move will make your life so much easier, and once you get there, all of your hard work will undoubtedly pay off. Take it one day at a time, and if that proves too stressful, take it one moment at a time. Before you know it, you will be in your new home in your new country, and the move will be behind you!
