International moves require a lot of preparation and planning so using a checklist can be a good way to keep everyone involved up to date with what has been done and what hasn’t. It can also help keep you sane when all around seems like pandemonium!
Begin your planning early
Moving home isn’t something you do often. Preparing and planning well can help ensure that things go smoothly and your move is as stress-free as possible. Try to start planning early to avoid any unexpected problems.
Packing considerations
Label your boxes for easy identification and sorting at the other end. Highlight items that are fragile to ensure that they are extra carefully handled. Check flammable and dangerous goods as some items can not be transported by removal companies.One month before moving
• Collect moving supplies such as boxes, tape, rope and newspapers (handy for wrapping breakable goods).
• If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and car rental reservations.
• Select a removal company if required.
• Finalise real estate and rental needs.
• Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.
• Give the post office your new mailing address, and arrange mail forwarding.
• Give senders your new address.
• Notify friends and family of your new address.
• Notify banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions of your new address.
• Inform your doctor, dentist, and other service providers.
• Inform State and Federal Tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed.
• Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible).
• Make maps of your new neighborhood to familiarize yourself and your family with your new area.
• Plan your moving budget.
Two weeks prior to moving
• Inform your energy and phone provider about your change of address. Join these services at your new place.
• Hire help for your moving date.
• Validate travel reservation.
• Close or transfer your bank account and funds if required.
Packing suggestions
• Collect the following items:
– Boxes of all sizes
– Bubble wrap
– Marking pens
– Tape measure
– Old blankets
– Packing tape, duct tape and scissors
• Keep your money and credit cards in a safe, reachable place.
• Mark each box with your new final address.
• Keep an inventory of the content of each box.
• Clearly indicate fragile items.
• Pack a bag of personal items you’ll need during the move and keep it at reach.
• Pack a medical kit.
• If you have children, prepare some activities to keep them occupied during the transport.
Packing for an international move is different from that of a move within a country or state. You should check if you are allowed to pack your own goods – because of terrorist threats, self-packing is not allowed in some countries. Professional international movers use special cartons that are heavy enough for fragile items but all goods that are not boxed should be wrapped in thick, corrugated brown paper.
Children
Here are some simple tips that can help you involve your children in the move and give them the support they need:
• Describe advantages of the new home and location that the child might like, such as a playground, mountains, horses, scouts or an amusement park.
• Create a large calendar with the children so children can mark off each day until the move and if they are older, can write things down if they want to.
• Keep a big “to do” list in a place where everyone can see the steps and stages of the move.
• Teach them their new address and phone number.
• Stick to your routines while moving, have meals etc. at the times they are used to.
• Let them pack their own toys and games.
Moving companies
Consider the following when selecting an international moving company:
• Has the mover been in business for at least 10 years?
• Check if the mover has an RIM (Registered International Mover) Certification (US only).
• Is the mover a member of OMNI (Overseas Movers Network International)?
• Is the mover ISO 9002 Certified or FAIM certified? (for Australia check if the mover is AIMA certified.)
Request free quotes for international moving!
Although the above is a handy guide, nothing beats a professional international moving company when it comes to making a move to another country – they really do understand the processes and logistics necessary to get you from one location to another with the minimum of fuss.
Our new quote service can help you find the right moving company to assist with your move – to get started please use our pre-screened international movers enquiry form.