Are you planning to move out of the country but don’t know where to start? Affordable Quality Moving and Storage has created a guide for your international move. Moving internationally is daunting—this is why we have listed a few essential items to set you up for success before your departure day. With this international moving guide, you can reduce or eliminate much of the stress and worry often associated with long-distance moves.
Below are some things you will want to do before your international move:
Get Visas Fully Settled Well Before Your Departure Day
Believe it or not, many people don’t have their visa situation fully locked down on their moving day. To save you some headaches on your travels, it is essential to do your due diligence on your legal situation. You will also want to ensure that your spouse’s legal situation is set since many countries don't automatically grant spouses legal status.
Tell Everyone You Are Moving—Not Just Family & Friends
It's natural to focus on goodbyes to your family and friends, but it is vital to notify your financial institutions too. Contact your bank and explain that you are moving abroad—if they are unable to offer you a global account, you will want to find a bank that can. Aside from notifying your bank, you will also want to notify your children’s school, the post office, and your insurance company. An easy way to determine who you need to notify of an international move is by going through your email and mail. Check for bills, letters, and other official documents from individuals and businesses that will need to know you’re moving out of the country.
Do Research for Unique Relocation
Are you moving with children or with pets? Then there might be a few prerequisites you need before you move. Moving internationally with children means you need to enroll your children in school and ensure that there are programs or teams they can join. This will help them become familiar with their new home and make friends.
You'll need to do extensive research if you are moving internationally with pets. Some countries require medical certificates that verify your pet is healthy, while others have restrictions on the type of pet or breed permitted in the country. Quarantine may even be required. You will also want to figure out how your pet may travel and what options are available to ensure they are as safe as possible during the move. Some countries ban certain types of pets and dog breeds.
The following dog breeds are banned in certain countries:
- American Pitbull Terrier
- Cane Corso
- English Bulldog
- Bullmastiff
- Rottweiler
Figure Out How You’ll Get Around
If you plan to drive in your new country, it might take some time to get your official license. You’ll want to look into an international permit to fill in the gap. Or, if you’d rather wait, you should familiarize yourself with the public transportation options available to you.
Another major consideration if you plan to drive in your new country is whether or not your current car will make the move with you. Look into shipping costs and decide if you’d rather sell your current car before the move and purchase a new one once you’ve settled abroad.
In some areas, you may not need to drive at all. Check on public transportation or if walking will be your normal way of getting around in your new home.
Don’t Forget Your Taxes
Before moving out of the country, we recommend speaking with a tax professional to understand how to file your taxes. Yes—you still have to pay taxes while you live abroad if you plan on remaining a U.S. citizen. Depending on your international status, you may be taxed twice. It is important to do your research and talk to a professional to find ways to mitigate double payment and understand foreign tax codes. The last thing you’d want is to try to move for a job opportunity, only to be making far less money because you’re losing most of it to taxes.
Moving Your Belongings
Last but not least, you will need to figure out a way to get your belongings to your new home. You should prioritize decluttering and selling or donating most of your large items, like furniture and appliances. Packing your remaining belongings can be a tiring process, especially with everything else on your to-do list. That is why Affordable Quality Moving and Storage is here to help you pack and relocate your life. Our goal is to make your moving process as stress-free as possible.
Talk to Our International Movers Today
Reading this international moving guide is a step in the right direction, but you can find even more help by contacting AQMS. As international movers who have been in this business for more than 20 years, we know what it takes to safely and securely transport all types of belongings to another country. We offer complete packing and unpacking, transportation, and storage options for customers undertaking international moves, and we’re fully licensed and insured.
Ready to get a free estimate? Call our international movers today at (661) 622-2636!
.jpg)
