International Movers - Buyers Guide

International Movers Checklist

Any kind of move is sure to produce its share of stress and anxiety, but this is compounded when moving overseas. While it is impossible to get rid of the tension that moving will create, there is a way to minimize the effects of such an upheaval. By creating a thorough checklist of the things that must be done before, during and after your move, you will have a better feeling of control over what is happening and you can rest assured that you will not forget to do something important along the way. Here we have compiled a short checklist of the major things you will have to think about. You can always personalize it to include those items particular to your move.

6 months before move:
· Find international movers and sign contract.
· Find out about visa requirements.
· Find out about vaccine requirements.
· If you have children, start looking into either local or international schools.
· Hire a local real estate agent to help you secure accommodation for when you move.
· Find out about duties/restrictions on items you might want to ship over such as vehicles, appliances, etc.
· Find out restrictions concerning pets.
· Find out about language, customs and other important cultural differences of new country.

5 months before move:
· File for all of your major documents including visas, permits, licenses, etc.
· Start gathering all of your important documents together such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc… if you are missing anything it might take a while before you can obtain copies.

3 months before move:
· Take an inventory of all your belongings.
· List serial numbers, description and photo of big and small appliances.
· Get rid of items you do not plan on taking with you.
· Arrange for storage for those items you will not take with you, but that you do not want to get rid of or sell.
· Start packing those rooms and belongings that you rarely need.
· Book your flight and/or hotel for your own portion of the trip.
· Decide what you will be doing with your bank accounts – the best thing is to keep a bank account in your home country and simply open a new account in the new place and arrange for money transfers between them

1 month before move:
· Make a list of all the businesses and people that you must advise about your move.
· Cancel your subscriptions, memberships, etc.
· Arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address.
· Arrange for your utilities to be shut off on move day.
· Arrange for parents, family or friends to watch pets and/or children on moving day so that they will not be in the way.
· Arrange for transportation in new country – if you will not be shipping your vehicle and do not plan on buying or leasing another one until you arrive at your destination.

2 weeks before move:
· Notify businesses, family, friends of your change in address.
· Pack up all of your belongings.
· Confirm international movers, flights, hotel, storage, apartment or house in new country, transportation, etc.

Day of move:
· Keep master packing list with you at all times.
· Keep important documents and a suitcase of all your personal belongings in a separate suitcase or box that will be travelling with you.
· Make sure that international movers have the correct documentation and correct shipping information.

By following the basic checklist outlined above, you will be able to conduct a smooth and virtually hassle-free move to your new country.

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I immediately got a call from a moving company who was very professional. We've had good communication, the survey was punctual and they returned a quotation the following day as promised. So far, so good!

Kate, Buyer
Adelaide, Australia