Tips for Moving Abroad: Moving Overseas with Relative Ease
Moving abroad is on many people’s bucket lists — and you get to check it off yours! It’s an exciting time, but maybe you’re feeling apprehensive at the thought of everything you need to do beforehand. The great thing is, moving to another country doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, it can go fairly smoothly — as long as you prepare properly before taking the leap.
Fortunately, our team at Allied International can help. Read on for five tips to help make your move abroad as streamlined and manageable as possible.
Preparing for Your International Move from Canada
The first thing you should do after you’ve decided to move is create a moving checklist. Then, distribute the items on your list onto a calendar so you can accomplish a few tasks at a time and not get overwhelmed as the move draws nearer. Some priority items on your list should include:
- Creating a moving budget. Include costs such as document fees, moving services, and flights or other transportation for you and your family.
- Ensuring your passport is current and applying for a new passport or a renewal if needed.
- Learning more about your destination country’s residency requirements.
- Applying for a visa in your host country.
- Exploring your healthcare options.
- Considering which belongings you plan to take with you, store domestically, or give away.
- Finding a reliable household moving company that can manage an international move safely, professionally, and on schedule.
Ready to start planning? Take a closer look at these expert tips for moving abroad.
Essential Steps for Planning Your Move to Another Country
Moving to another country can bring up a lot of emotions. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a new culture with their loved ones. But it can also be a stressful, overwhelming endeavour. That’s especially true when considering the vast number of items on your moving to-do list.
However, with adequate planning and the right partners, you can enjoy the process of moving abroad — and get your family and your belongings to your new home safely, on time, and within your budget.
1. Determine Your Budget
Speaking of budget, it’s essential to establish a budget for an international move before you get too far into the planning process. The cost to move abroad can vary drastically based on factors like:
- The moving services you require
- Your destination country
- The total weight and volume of your shipment
- The shipping method chosen
- The cost of transportation for you, your family, and any pets you plan to bring
Additional costs can include visas and other required documents, hotels and food costs (if waiting to move in), and more significant expenses like shipping a car overseas.
2. Consider Efficient Packing Tips for Moving Abroad
In most cases, you can ship virtually all your belongings to your new host country. However, take some time to consider your belongings.
If you’re planning to return to your home country within a few years, you may want to store those belongings you won’t need in your destination country. However, if the future is uncertain or you know you’ll be moving away for a long while, consider selling many of your larger belongings — especially furniture — and purchasing new belongings once you arrive. Weigh the cost of shipping your items with that of buying new ones.
No matter how many items you choose to take with you, professional packers and movers (like those on our crews at Allied International) can efficiently pack your belongings using special techniques to keep them safe during transit.
That said, you may consider setting aside some essentials to keep in your luggage, such as:
- Visas, passports, and other necessary documentation
- Electronics and chargers
- Medication
- Clothing and toiletries
That way, you’ll have easy access to anything you may need while traveling and settling into your new home.
3. Understand Customs and Regulations When Moving to Another Country
Moving abroad from Canada means you’ll likely be exposed to an entirely new culture. It’s best to prepare in advance for what you will encounter. Take time to research your destination country’s language, currency, customs, dress, regulations, and other cultural aspects. Then you can avoid a large case of culture shock once you arrive.
It’s essential to prepare mentally for a new home country — and new people, too. If you’re moving abroad for the first time, chances are you won’t know many people in your new home, if any. The first weeks are crucial. “Say yes to everything,” says Carole Hallett Mobbs, a blogger on Your Expat Child. “If you are a parent then get involved at school, seek out local groups and don’t just stick to the expat circle.” Be determined to step out of your comfort zone, and you just may discover something new about yourself!
On a less social note, you’ll also need to consider healthcare in your destination country. The healthcare system in your destination country may not be the same as where you currently live. According to gov.uk, you should “be sure to take out health insurance until you are registered under the state system of your country of destination. Don’t wait until you are ill to sort out access to health care, or you could end up with an unnecessary bill.”
Most importantly, try to move forward with a positive attitude. As stressful as the process may feel at certain points, you’ll be able to settle into your new home country and start your new life soon. And when you choose a partner like Allied International, you’ll have our global support network and extensive moving resources to lean on as you settle in.
4. Choose the Right Transportation for Your Belongings Overseas
Generally speaking, you can choose between two types of freight shipping options: air and sea freight. Air transport is typically faster; however, it may cost five to six times more than sea freight, based on some estimates. Shipping your belongings via sea freight may delay delivery, though. With that in mind, it’s crucial to plan ahead and make sure you have the essentials on hand until the rest of your belongings arrive.
You may also consider the benefits of hiring a professional international moving company to manage your move. Professional movers know the drill. They know exactly how to pack and transport your belongings so they’ll pass customs in your destination country. Allied Van Lines will even provide you with a moving consultant who can answer all of your moving questions and offer you resources to aid in all aspects of the moving abroad process.
At Allied, we also offer additional coverage for your belongings in the event of loss or damage. So, if something goes wrong during transit, you can rest assured you’ll be reimbursed for your belongings — making it easier to settle into your new home. Just opt into our Extra Care Protection (ECP) and choose the dollar amount you’d like to cover. If items get lost or broken during transit, our team will process your claim quickly to ensure your satisfaction.
5. Settle Into Your New Home Abroad with Ease
Once you arrive in your destination country, the most challenging part of your move is done — well, almost! All that’s left is collecting your belongings, unloading, and unpacking your items in your new home.
When you partner with Allied International, you can count on our global support network to help you navigate the next steps. Our Canadian team will share your customs clearance paperwork with an international Allied agent, who will pass it along to a customs agent in your destination country. Once processed, our international agent will contact you to schedule delivery at your new home — or to a secure storage facility, depending on your needs. We can even help coordinate a crew to unpack your belongings in your new home so you and your family can settle in sooner.
Get Started with Your International Move Today!
Moving abroad from Canada doesn’t have to be an overly complicated process — especially when you partner with the right team. Contact Allied Van Lines and let us help you with your move. Our 95+ years of experience and extensive knowledge will serve to make your moving experience a positive one, whether you’re planning a cross-country move or a major international relocation.