Moving abroad doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Use this list to plan ahead and organize packing, documents and other details of an international move.
While domestic moves can be stressful for any family, international moves come in tandem with extra challenges and a longer checklist of preparations. Factors such as the size of your family and whether or not you have school age children all contribute to how organized you’ll need to be.
The best strategy for a move abroad, then, is to plan ahead. If time allows, begin coordinating an overseas move several months in advance. Allow ample time to gather documents, file visa and other applications, find a school for children, and then shift the focus to packing and shipping household and personal belongings.
Research Your New Country’s Regulations
Laws and regulations vary from country to country. Call the relevant embassy or consulate to learn of any restrictions and regulations for foreigners moving into the destination country. In particular, ask if there are:
- required visas and permits
- required vaccines for family members
- restrictions or taxes on shipped household items
- taxes involved in shipping your car
- required vaccines and quarantines for pets.
File Applications for Passports, Visas and Permits
Submit applications for passports, visas and permits as soon as possible. Check to see what will become invalid shortly after the move. For example, if a family member’s passport will expire in the coming year, renew it early.
Gather Important Documents
It could take several weeks to get official copies of vital records and other documents. Start the process early. Consider bringing:
- Birth and Marriage Certificates
- Naturalization, Green Card, Proof of Citizenship, etc.
- Social Security Cards
- Vaccination, Medical and Dental Records
- Academic Records and Diplomas
- Employment Records
- Proof of Residency (utility bill, statement, etc.)
- Living Will and Testament
Prescription Drugs
If a family member receives ongoing treatment for a medical condition, request an extended supply of prescription medication. Ask for a copy of the medical file relating to the condition.
International Driving Permit
Renew a driver’s license if it will expire in the coming year, and obtain an international driving permit. Pick up extra forms for renewing the driving permit annually by mail.
Bank and Credit Card Accounts
Decide what accounts are essential to keep and notify the appropriate banks that the account holder will be overseas. Consider online international banking for easy transfer of funds between countries. Shred any statements, credit cards and paperwork that won’t be needed.
Tax Obligations
Each country has its own rules regarding foreign earned income. Learn what tax obligations on income earned overseas will be applicable, and gather the relevant paperwork.
International Schools and Local Schools
Find out what educational opportunities exist for your children. Many countries with expatriate communities have international schools which teach in English and offer International Baccalaureate programs. Some families might prefer to enrol their children in local schools where foreign students can be immersed in the new language and culture.
Pets
If bringing a pet, schedule necessary vaccinations and obtain a proper pet carrier. If deciding against bringing a family pet, allow plenty of time to find a new home for it.
Flight and Hotel Reservations
Purchase airline tickets as soon as a travel date has been selected, and ask about luggage restrictions. If initial plans are to stay in a hotel, make reservations.
International Moving and Shipping Companies
Call international moving (removal) companies and shipping companies for quotes on moving household items overseas. Schedule a move that allows the container to arrive overseas at a convenient time. (The transit could take a month or longer.)
Pack and Minimize
Keep only the minimum necessities available for daily use, and pack everything else. Sell or give away household items and clothes that won’t be needed, and start using frozen foods and pantry items.
Auto Insurance
If shipping a car, have it serviced before the move. Make copies of its title and registration. If the new country accepts foreign insurance policies, compare costs in both countries.
VOIP Phone Service
Look into a VOIP phone plan. For a monthly rate, phone calls can be received and made from a home country without incurring international long distance fees. Vonage and Magic Jack are two of the more popular Internet phone services. Buy the required phone adapters before you leave; the service can be activated once you are settled into your new home.
Cancel Subscriptions and Forward Mail
Remember to cancel magazine subscriptions and dues-based memberships. Fill out forms at the post office to direct mail to a new address.
Move Overseas Without Stress
By planning ahead with the above checklist, the stress of moving abroad can be reduced. This will leave more time for visiting with friends and family before your departure, and also leave time for reading about your destination country’s history and culture.
Written by: Christine Benlafquih on Jul 8, 2008