International Moving Tips to Simplify Your Move

Moving overseas can be a trying, confusing and possibly costly undertaking. Beltmann Moving and Storage offers advice and international moving tips to help put your mind at ease.

If you are planning or considering moving overseas, and like many other, you’ll find the idea very uneasy and challenging. However, with the right strategy, your move can be smooth and simple.

  1. Get in Touch with a Foreign Consulate
    Relocating across international lines requires several legal documents and permits. Before the move, be sure to contact the foreign consulate for the country you are relocating to. A consular representative will help you obtain the necessary visa and documentation long before you leave the country.
  2. Organize Finances
    As an American citizen living overseas, you will have foreign and U.S. tax obligations. Speak to a representative at your bank to close accounts you will not use while overseas and ask about currency exchange rates and fund transfers. You should maintain at least one bank account in your home country—at least until you are completely settled in the new home. While it’s a good idea to keep cash on hand for expenses, at some point, you’ll need to make a withdrawal. Setting up a new bank account in a foreign country can be difficult and there may be activation periods or wait times before you have access to your money.
  3. Keep Trak of All Documents and Valuables
    When traveling, keep all essential documents and valuable items on you for safe keeping. Losing your passport, visa, green card or other important documents can quickly lead to disaster. While valuable jewelry and heirlooms cannot be replaced, you can make hard copies and digital scans of your personal documents. Scanning documents can be a tedious process, but the time spent at home will be well worth it. Missing documentation can result in deportation, fines and even jail time.
  4. Make All Arrangements in Advance
    Make all travel arrangements and obtain tickets well in advance. Become familiar with your travel itinerary and double check that everything is in order. Notify water, gas, electricity and cable services that you want to discontinue their service and submit change-of-address cards to the post office, social security office, insurance companies, relatives, friends, etc.
  5. Shipping Your Pets
    If you are planning to bring along a pet, your first step is to find out whether or not your destination country will allow that particular species of animal. This is another aspect of international moving that can be tricky as the rules in some countries can vary widely. For example, one breed of dog may be allowed while another is not—especially if you are bringing birds or other highly regulated species. You may be subjected to a quarantine period. It’s also important to carefully read all customs forms and regulations for each incoming and outgoing flight as the rules may change from one city to the next.
  6. Check in with the U.S. Embassy
    When you arrive in your new home, stop by the American Embassy to finalize paperwork and ask any questions.

Beltmann Moving and Storage Worldwide has the international moving tips and expertise you need to get started on your new adventure. Contact us today to get your moving process started. 1-866-252-2383