Comprehensive International Moving Timeline

Moving internationally is a major change in anyone’s life. There are a number of obstacles that come with conducting an international move. Because of this, it is vital that you are properly prepared for what lies ahead of you. The following international moving timeline will help you manage a successful relocation to your new home.

10 Weeks Prior to Moving

Acquire all necessary legal documents. When you move internationally, you will need to obtain a number of legal documents in order to live in your new country. Some of those documents may include but are not limited to visas, residency permits, and work permits. It may take a substantial amount of time to receive these documents; therefore, you will need to begin this process as soon as possible.
Select a relocation company. The next thing that should be on your to-do list is securing a professional relocation company. Check with any potential companies and figure out if they have certain requirements for international moves. Doing this ahead of time will put you on track to conducting a successful move.
Evaluate your moving quote. Once you have obtained a company to conduct your move, you will need to evaluate the quote that they offered you. Since you will be moving internationally, your expenses will likely be much higher. You will need to look over your quote to see how accurate it is. Talk to your movers about the quote and see how concrete it is. This will help you get a better idea of how much you will be spending on your move.

8 Weeks Prior to Moving

Attain all of your personal documents. Since you are moving internationally, you will need to take every necessary document you have with you.These documents will likely include your passport, ID, and driver’s license. So, before you get caught up in your move, make sure all of these items are in order.
Understand your new home. When you move internationally, you are entering uncharted territory. This will be a new area for you. Because of this, you will need to become familiar with the local customs and language. This will help you become better adjusted to the country.
Create a moving plan of action. Organization is key when handling an international move. Therefore, you will need to coordinate a plan of action with your mover to make sure that your relocation is a success. Figure out what time they will arrive at your home, how long it will take your belongings to arrive in your new area, and what the delivery procedures are.
Find a new school for your children. If you have children, you will need to locate a school for them. Teaching methods in other countries can vary drastically. Because of this, you will need to find a program that works best for your child. Thoroughly researching schooling options will help you make the right decision for your child.

6 Weeks Prior to Moving

Determine what will stay and what will go. When you move internationally, you only need to take the essentials. In order to do this, you will need to eliminate any unnecessary items. You will need to sell or donate items that will not be tagging along for the ride.
Research medical requirements of your new country. Before you move, the country you enter may have certain medical requirements that you will need to comply with. For example, they may ask that you receive particular vaccinations prior to entering their country.
Make a list of people that need to be notified. You will need to inform all of your family and friends of your upcoming move. Therefore, you should make a list of these people so that you can notify them by phone, mail, or email.
Determine what electronics are compatible with your new home. All electronics are not compatible in every country. Some countries have certain voltage maximums that may be lower than that of other countries. So, you will need to check your larger appliances such as your stove, fridge, and freezer to see if they will stay or go.
Research your bank locations. The bank you currently use may or may not be available to you in your new country. You will need to decide what bank you will use once you move internationally. You do not want to be in a new country with no access to your physical bank.

4 Weeks Prior to Moving

Get a layout of your new home. Planning a move thousands of miles away is a difficult task. Because of this, it will be beneficial to have a layout of your new home in order to help you determine what items will fit in the new space.
Schedule a time to have all of your services shut off. Contact your cable, utility, and phone providers and arrange a time for them to come to your home and disconnect your services.
Ask the post office about redirecting your mail. You may need to talk to the post office about procedures for forwarding mail internationally. Mail forwarding typically only lasts for 12 months. Therefore, you will need to contact banks, credit card companies, and other companies to have your address changed with them directly.

2 Weeks Prior to Moving

Gather all necessary records. Before your relocation, you will need to gather you and your family’s personal medical records to take with you. If you have children, request a copy of their school records. You will likely need this when you enroll them in their new school. Do you have an animal? If the answer to this question is yes, then you will also need to get a copy of their veterinary records.
Exchange some of your money for local currency. Prior to your move, you may want to obtain some of the local currency. This will ensure that you will be able to purchase necessary items once you arrive.
Get refills for all of your prescriptions. It may take some time to set up doctors’ appointments in your new country. Thus, you will need to get all required medications before you move. By doing this, you will have an adequate supply of your medications until you have visited your new doctor.

1 Week Prior to Moving

Pack travel materials. Moving internationally will likely mean that you will need to travel by air. So, at this time, begin packing all travel materials. Check the airline you will travel with and know what requirements they have concerning luggage.
Contact your mover. Give your mover a call and verify all of your arrangements. Ask them to provide you with information such as the name of the movers, what time they will arrive, and how long it will be before your items arrive at your new home.
Say goodbye to your loved ones. Time is winding down and you will be leaving before you know it. Take the time to contact all of your friends and family and arrange to spend some time with them before your move.

Moving Day

Make sure you are present. Ensure that you will be home while the movers are there. They may have questions that you will need to answer. Being present will make the move run much smoother.
Conduct a final walk through. Moving day will be filled with a number of tasks. After everything has been packed, walk through your home. Make sure that you have not left anything behind. See the movers off and make preparations to head to your new home.

Yes, moving internationally is a major life changing event. You will need to prepare properly and remain organized throughout this process. This international moving timeline will help you conduct a successful move to your new home.