The Moving Planner Blog

After making the decision to relocate overseas, and after setting the date, it is time to start preparing for your move.

Moving overseas requires much more than moving to another city or state, and can be quite daunting. Therefore the more you do in advance the better you adjust for living abroad.

Start by preparing a moving file with all required documents – Put inside the file receipts, notes, and important papers, such as: birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, medical and dental documents, school records, legal and financial documents, passports, etc. Place the file in a secure place to insure that it won’t get lost.

Start doing this as early as possible as it will take a while to gather all documents.

Start spreading the news about your plans to move abroad:

Speak to your dentist and doctor. Ask them for referrals (they might know doctors and dentists in your destination country). Make sure you have current vaccination records, and an adequate supply of medications on hand to get you by until you find a doctor in your host country. Notify your bank about your moving overseas, and make the appropriate financial arrangements with your bank. You might want to start searching for a new bank in the destination country. Notify your kids school teachers about your relocation abroad; ask for their assistance with your kids, and for a full school record.

Some points to think about

• Determine any documents will be needed by customs in your destination country such as titles, insurance certificates and bills of sale.
• Many agricultural products are prohibited from entering the US due to the fact they may contain insects and diseases that could pose a risk to crops, animals and people in the US. Many other countries also have this policy, and the list of what you can and cannot import varies from county to country. Contact the local embassy of the country you are moving to and they will able to answer any questions on customs and their specific requirements.
• There may be restrictions on the quantity and type of goods you can bring in to the country. Contact the local embassy of the country you are moving to and they will able to answer any questions on customs and their specific requirements.
• You may also contact the local embassy of the country you are moving and they will able to answer any questions on customs and their specific requirements.
• Many agricultural products are prohibited from entering the US due to the fact they may contain insects and diseases that could pose a risk to crops, animals and people in the US. Many other countries also have this policy however the list of what you can and cannot import varies from county to country and the local embassy will be able to provide you with this information.
• Contact the embassy of your destination country, and obtain all necessary legal information concerning your relocation, such as: visa requirement, custom laws, driving permit requirements, health insurance details, recommended vaccinations, etc’.
• Check with the embassy if you need to present any formal documents from your home country like – birth certificate, or driving license, and if they need to be notarized by a public Notary.

Those of you who are relocating to a country with a different language might need to translate all legal documents. It will also be a good idea to start learning the new language – it can sure help you to feel less foreigner in your new surrounding.

Do you own a house? What would you do with it while you are living abroad? would you rent it or sell it? Make sure to contact a real-estate agent and get ready to put it on the market enough time in advance.

If visiting your destination country before relocating overseas is not an option then it is recommended to gather all possible information about the country from the Internet, co-workers, embassies, etc’. Do not forget to check what is the electricity volt. This will enable you to decide whether to ship your appliances to the destination country, or to sell, store or donate them.

This brings us to shipping your household -

First find out who will be responsible for shipping your household to the destination country. If the company you are working for will be paying for the shipping charges that’s great. However make sure that your possessions are insured and what is exactly covered under the insurance policy.

If you are the one paying for all shipping charges then start checking moving cost with a few moving companies. Take your time, ask friends, colleagues and relatives for recommendations, and find the one that suits your needs and budget. You should also look for insurance programs that will cover your personal stuff during the transit.

Are you relocating overseas with kids?

Take the time to sit down with your kids, tell them about your relocation abroad, and describe the expatriate lifestyle. Give your kids as much information as you can, explain them honestly the reasons for your expatriation, and answer openly all their questions.

Are you planning on moving abroad with your pet?

If so, Make sure to check on possible quarantine and vaccination requirements at your destination country, and start searching for pet shipping services.

One last point – Do not forget to make the necessary travel plans for your expatriation – airline tickets, car rental and hotel reservations.

The most important thing – Although there are so many things to do, try to enjoy and have fun. This is a one in a life time adventure.

Are you interested in additional information about expats living? Would you like more tips and advice about moving with kids, overseas employment, and cultural differences? You can find this and much more at http://www.newyorkmovers.org/overseas-guide.htmмаси и столове