Although relocations as such are not considered easy, many more things need to be considered when moving internationally than with domestic moves. The whole process may seem overwhelming at times. However, knowing what to expect can help you handle the challenges and enjoy the excitement of a new life abroad. We are here to help you take a glimpse of what’s in store. Let’s dive in and explore the journey ahead!
What Does Moving Internationally Look Like?
From the moment you start packing, you’ll face decisions about what to bring, downsize, and how to handle all the necessary paperwork, like visas and customs regulations. On moving day, whether you’re using professional movers or doing it yourself, there will be logistics to manage.
Once you arrive, you’ll deal with jet lag, culture shock, and figuring out how to get around in a new place. However, over time, you’ll adapt to the local lifestyle and find comfort in your new routine. You’ll embrace the unfamiliar, gradually turning it into your new normal. It’s an adventure filled with twists and turns, but with preparation, you’ll navigate it all like a pro.
Conquering the International Documentation
Between the countless forms, endless signatures, and important documents, you’ll be dealing with a jungle of bureaucracy when relocating to another country. Before you can even start packing for a move, you must determine what kind of visa you need. Additionally, it’s essential to learn whether you need any special permits and prepare a passport that is up-to-date.
The type of visa you’ll need depends on your destination and your reason for moving. Whether it’s for work, study, or simply starting a new life in a foreign land, the process can vary from straightforward to downright complex. However, getting ahead of all the documents needed to travel abroad means you won’t be caught off-guard by unexpected delays or requests for additional documentation.
Customs Regulations: What Can (And Can’t) Cross the Border
Moving abroad also means figuring out what you are allowed to bring to your new destination. Here’s where things get tricky. Every country has a list of prohibited items, and it’s best to know what’s on it before your shipment gets flagged. Firearms, ammunition, and illegal substances are obviously a no-go. Additionally, some countries have bans on specific artwork, religious artifacts, or politically sensitive content.
It’s important to research the cultural and legal landscape of your destination, as things you might think are harmless could be considered contraband. However, everyday personal items like clothes, furniture, and most household goods won’t cause too much of a fuss at customs.
Setting the Stage for the Packing Process
When you’re moving overseas, there’s no avoiding the tough calls. Your cozy couch, that massive book collection, or the kitchen gadgets you never actually use – decide whether they are worth the hassle and cost of shipping.
The reality is not everything can or should come along for the ride. Downsizing is a crucial step – and it’s often harder than it sounds.
The key here is to think long-term. Consider the space you’ll have in your new home and the lifestyle you’ll lead in your new country. Prioritize the items that will serve you once you move to a new city abroad, and be brutal about what to get rid of.
Sometimes, it’s cheaper and easier to buy new items once you’ve arrived rather than paying to haul everything across the world. Big, heavy items like furniture or appliances might cost more to move than to replace.
What to Anticipate When Packing for an International Move
Relocating across the world is not just about grabbing a few boxes and loading them into a truck – it’s about preparing your relocation inventory for a long and complex journey. Whether you’re relocating internationally for work, adventure, or a fresh start, packing for an international move comes with its own unique challenges. Here’s what you’ll face when getting ready to relocate:
The Time It Takes Will Surprise You
You might think you can pack up your life in a few days, but the reality is that packing for an international move can take weeks. Between sorting, downsizing, and properly securing items for a long journey, be prepared to spend more time than you expect on this task.
Proper Packing Materials Are Non-Negotiable
For international moves, your everyday cardboard and tape just won’t cut it. You’ll need to invest in durable, high-quality packing materials like double-walled boxes, bubble wrap, furniture padding, and possibly custom crates for fragile or high-value items.
Documentation for Your Belongings Is a Must
Expect to spend time creating an inventory of everything you’re packing. For customs purposes, many countries require a detailed list of the items you’re shipping, including their value and condition. This means you’ll need to document what’s inside each box, which can be a time-consuming step.
Shipping Delays Are Common
Unlike a local or even cross-country move, international shipping can take weeks or even months, depending on the distance and method of transport. Be prepared for potential delays and pack relocation essentials separately in your luggage to tide you over until your shipment arrives.
Moving Day and Everything It Brings
After weeks of packing, sorting, and preparing, the day of moving to a new home abroad has arrived. However, it’s not the same whether you’ve hired movers to take the reins or decided to handle the process yourself. If you’re tackling the move yourself, prepare for it to be a physically and mentally demanding day.
Relocating furniture, lifting boxes, and loading them into a rented truck isn’t for the faint of heart. Make sure you have help from friends or family and plan out how you’ll transport larger items without injury. Be ready for a long day and give yourself plenty of time to get everything packed, loaded, and ready to go. Rushing through it could lead to broken items or chaotic packing. There is no wonder why many people think getting international moving services is a necessity rather than a luxury.
Reliable movers, such as Schmidt International Relations, will be able to handle all the complex logistics that come with these moves. Not only that, but on the relocation day, you’ll likely feel more relaxed. They’ll have a smooth, methodical approach to loading everything onto the truck and will be able to do it in no time. Even more – if you decide to get packing services as well, the big part of this tiring process won’t even be your concern. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they can turn your cluttered home into an empty space.
Reaching Your New Country After Moving Internationally
After all the planning, packing, and paperwork, you’ve finally arrived in your new country! Now, the real adventure begins. While reaching your destination is exciting, the first few days can feel a little disorienting as you adjust to a new environment, culture, and way of life. Expect everything to feel a bit unfamiliar – whether it’s the time zone, the food, or even the way people greet each other.
Remember, It’s not just the landscape that’s different. Everything from the language to the local customs can make your new surroundings feel a bit overwhelming. Culture shock is real, and it’s common to experience a mix of excitement and discomfort. Be prepared for a few awkward moments (like trying to pay for something in the wrong currency or misunderstanding social cues). The key here is patience. Keep an open mind, ask questions, and embrace the differences.
Clearing Customs – What Happens When Your Stuff Arrives
So, you’ve arrived in your new country, but what about your belongings? If you’ve shipped your life across borders, your items likely haven’t made the journey as quickly as you have. However, when they are, before you can claim your belongings, you’ll need to:
- Provide detailed documentation for the items you’ve shipped, including an inventory list, receipts (if required), and shipping forms. Customs agents will compare your paperwork to your shipment, making sure everything matches up and complies with local regulations.
- Your belongings may be inspected. This process may take a little extra time, but it’s a necessary step to make sure everything is in compliance with the country’s regulations. In most cases, inspections are quick.
- Pay import duties or taxes on certain items, depending on your new country’s customs rules. It’s more probable for high-value goods or new purchases. It’s worth researching beforehand to see what items are subject to fees.
The First Few Weeks of Life in a New Country
The first few weeks in a new country are all about discovering the details of daily life. Expect the small things – like where to buy your favorite foods or which local markets have the best produce – to take a bit of time.
Public transport is another hurdle, especially if you don’t plan to get overseas vehicle shipping services and move your car as well. Whether it’s learning how to navigate the metro or figuring out the quirks of local buses, give yourself time to adjust to a new country. Before long, you’ll know the best shortcuts and feel like a local!
Homesickness and Adjustment – The Emotional Side of Moving
It’s normal to feel a wave of homesickness once the initial thrill wears off. You’re in a completely unfamiliar environment, away from family, friends, and the comfort of routines you’ve known for years. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings instead of pushing them aside. Homesickness is a natural part of the adjustment process, and everyone experiences it differently. Over time, the feeling of being an outsider will fade as you start making friends in a new city – just be patient with yourself.
What to Expect in the Long Run?
Whether it’s adopting a new daily schedule, learning a new language, or participating in cultural traditions, these once-foreign experiences will gradually become part of your life. As you settle in, you’ll begin to appreciate the small things that make your new home unique and discover a new rhythm to your day-to-day living.
Finding comfort in the unfamiliar doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. As you embrace the local lifestyle, you’ll start to feel more connected to your surroundings. Your new neighborhood will become more familiar, the transportation system less daunting, and even the food you once found strange will become part of your routine. The key is to stay open-minded, take things one day at a time, and remember that with each passing day, you’re building a new sense of home.
Let Schmidt International Relocations Assist You on Your New Journey
While the journey ahead is exciting, navigating both the logistics and emotions can be overwhelming. With so much to manage, it’s much easier (and wiser) to let a team of professionals lighten the load. Our leading international moving company is here to handle the details so you can focus on embracing your new life abroad.
Whether it’s organizing the shipping process or ensuring your belongings arrive safely, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Ready to make your international move stress-free? Contact us today, and let’s get started!
