Handling a process like relocation is a bit more demanding than you thought, especially if you’re relocating abroad to a completely new country. But, don’t worry! With a complete moving to-do list, you’ll be more than ready. In fact, you’ll have everything under control, and the whole process will be a breeze.
When you decide it’s time to take a leap and leave your home nest, the first thing on your mind is probably that you won’t be able to do it on your own. However, nothing’s impossible with a reliable and experienced overseas moving company. Also, keep in mind that a moving list of things to do when moving into a new house is more than needed in a situation like this, no matter if you’ve already moved before or not. Knowing how to move overseas has a lot to do with a complete relocation checklist, so, check how to make one of your own.
What You Need to Do Before You Move – Plan the Whole Process Thoroughly at Least Six Weeks Ahead
As you might already know, planning is the key to a successful relocation. But, what steps to take and how to do it in order to have a perfect, hassle-free move? Is there a checklist for moving? It’s quite simple, actually – just start the organizing process as soon as you decide it’s the best time to move.
Depending on your organization skills, you’ll need more or less time to do it. But, if you’re wondering, “how do I make a moving schedule?” know that at least six weeks will be needed to organize a move. In fact, the sooner you start, the better. That way, you won’t have to worry about some details you might forget in all the chaos.
Setting the Budget Is the First Thing You Should Put on Your To-Do List for Moving Overseas
One of the biggest reasons for the relocation stress is undoubtedly the budget and figuring out how much money you’ll need for all the services and other things. Yes, relocating across the world isn’t free at all. For starters, you’ll have to hire a relocation team that will provide some much-needed professional service. Also, you’ll have to know what to expect after the move, so balancing finances abroad should be one of the tasks on your checklist, too.
Explore the New Country and Possible Challenges You Might Run Into
Before you go any further with your planning, it’s best to check the city and pick the perfect neighborhoods for your needs. If you’re relocating to Barcelona, not only should you get some tips for learning a new language, but you should also know how to live abroad. This means visiting some real estate websites, comparing prices, contacting landlords, and booking a place on time.
So, besides figuring out how to keep in touch with friends, you’ll have to think about your future life in the country you picked. If you’re not relocating to Canada or the UK, you probably should take some lessons to learn a new language in order to overcome the language barrier. This will also help you overcome a potential culture shock much more quickly.
Put Finding and Hiring Reliable Movers Task on Your Moving To-Do List
When you pick the perfect place and explore all the factors you should consider, the next step is finding the right international moving company. If you’re not sure whether it’s the greatest solution for you, keep in mind that an efficient move is guaranteed only with professional movers. Not only because they will do a part of the tasks from your checklist but also because you’ll have an almost stressless move.
You won’t have to worry about being scammed when you’re in good hands. However, when you contact the relocation company and ask for an estimate, keep in mind doing the following steps and ensure the crew is licensed and reliable:
- Do the online check of the potential company – read all the comments and reviews on the relocation team’s website, including those from the Better Business Bureau.
- Ask for more than one estimate – have more than one estimate in order to compare them. Also, when the price is too good to be true, it’s probably a fraud.
- Check the USDOT number – every reliable relocation team should have this number on their website, which you can check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Ask as many questions as you like – if a relocation crew isn’t ready to answer all of your questions, you should keep looking for the one that will.
Decide What You’ll Bring and What You’ll Leave Behind
When it comes to preparing and wrapping your items, know that many consider it one of the most stressed tasks of all relocation. People often get attached to some of the stuff from their house, and it’s completely normal. However, that’s exactly why deciding what stuff you actually should and should not move is more complicated than it looks.
That’s why proper preparation with a moving packing list is more than needed. Not only will it help you with the process of relocating to another country, but it will also keep you as relaxed as you can be, even on the relocation day. And with professional packing service, you won’t have a worry on your mind.
Start with decluttering your entire house at least four weeks before the move, and be sure everything is ready for the overseas shipping company. However, keep in mind there are some things movers won’t move. Leave those with all others items you decided not to move in separate boxes because you’ll have to decide what to do with them.
Make a Moving Inventory List of Your Home and Figure Out What to Do With Unnecessary Items
Yes, the wrapping process will take a bit of work, but when you have the checklist of relocation essentials, it’s best to deal with items in the boxes you decide not to move. Not only because it could be too overwhelming but also because you’ll feel more relieved knowing the unpacking process will be a breeze once you move to your future home.
So, there are practically three options. The first is to sell all things that are in good condition. The second is to give them away to charities, and the third is to store them. Now, what you’ll do depends strictly on you. For example, if you have some vintage furniture from your grandma and you’re not ready to give it away, store it.
Leave Enough Time for the Packing Process
If you want to have a smooth move, one of the keys is successful wrapping. After all, you surely don’t want to unpack damaged or broken stuff, right? Take your time for effortless packing, whether it’s fragile items or clothes. Dealing with the stress, boxes all-around your house, and relocation crew can be just too much for many.
It’s important not to leave this task for the last day, so begin preparing everything at least one month before the big day. That way, you can do it calmly, following every little step from your checklist without panic. And you’ll see, relocation to a future home has just become easier when there’s enough time to do it.
Get Enough Packing Supplies and Materials
No matter how much stuff you have, shipping overseas can be quite a challenging process. But, how to prevent things from breaking and be sure all the stuff will arrive in one piece at a future address? Easy, with the right wrapping materials and supplies.
So, ensure you have enough packing paper, bubble wrap, best-sized boxes, tape, and, of course, labels. Don’t forget to label the boxes with ”fragile” stickers so the relocation crew can handle them with extra care.
Check out some boxing up tips you might find helpful and pack like every minimalist.
Notify Everyone You’re Changing the Address
Changing the address is not always the easiest thing to do. Not only do you have to be sure your new home will be prepared on the day you arrive, but there are also some calls you should make, too. Just imagine what would happen if you didn’t contact all the necessary institutions and people and let them know about the move. It would surely cause some problems.
However, this won’t happen if you have a checklist that will keep you updated every moment of the move. So, prepare a list of instructions and people to call in about six weeks before the move. And here’s who you should contact:
- US Postal Service – change your residence with a few easy steps on the USPS website.
- IRS – Internal Revenue Service should also be informed about your move. It’s because you still have to pay taxes even after moving abroad.
- Bank – there are two options. One is to shut down your bank account and the other to keep it open, but only if your bank is available where you’re relocating to.
- Landlord – when you have a landlord, read the contract and other documents carefully to see if you’re obligated to pay any penalties.
- Schools – if relocating with school-aged kids, ensure the school knows you’re relocating.
- Utility providers – since utilities can’t be transferred to another country, you should make sure they are canceled.
- Internet providers and memberships – inform the internet and all the memberships you won’t need their services anymore.
Deal With Your Health Insurance
Relocating to another country surely means you have to think about your medical insurance. You have to inform the insurance providers about the address change, but check whether your insurance is even valid. In fact, you should check what will be covered in the country you’re relocating to. Be ready to explore other options, such as international private healthcare.
Make One Separate Checklist for the Big Day
Reducing stress and relocating more smoothly should be your goal. However, without preparation, it’s just not possible. And to avoid all the negative scenarios that could occur, know a bit more about relocation day preparation.
You surely don’t want to sit in your home surrounded by boxes and just don’t know your next move, especially when the relocation team is about to arrive. So, have a list of things to do in your place and help you and professionals do their job. That’s how your house should be fully prepared for the movers by clearing all the paths and ways.
Figure Out What You’ll Do With Your Kids and Pets When Professional Movers Come
When relocating with kids and furry friends, you have to think about what is the most suitable option for them on the big day. Your home will be crowded with unknown people, numerous packages, and wrapping supplies in every corner. So, is that the greatest environment for your little ones and pets?
If your kids aren’t old enough to help, it’s better to send them and the pets away to a family member or friend’s place. They don’t have to experience the stress and chaos that is usually present in situations like this.
Start Preparing Mentally for a Big Change
Preparing all the practical steps for relocating to a new address could ultimately make you forget the most important thing in the whole process – your health. So, if you’re wondering, “what should I do 2 weeks before moving internationally?” try to relax. By then, all the relocation steps are on the list, and you can begin taking care of yourself. Take every free moment to sit back and breathe deeply. Only then will your relocation be successful, and you can enjoy the fact you’re starting a new chapter in your life.
