Moving internationally requires a lot of prior planning especially if you a relocating to take up a long-term assignment, looking to become an expat, or, if you are looking to take up permanent residency.
Although any type of move requires planning, moving to an international location is much different and rigorous compared to a local removal in the UK. For an international relocation, you need to start prepping months in advance so that your relocation goes along seamlessly.
As one of the most-respected international moving companies, we believe in ensuring that any client who contacts us has a hassle-free and stress-free move. To make that possible for you, we are going to discuss 10 tips on how you can ensure that your upcoming international relocation goes smoothly.
Our Top 10 Tips on How to Ensure That You Have a Successful International Relocation
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Once You Decide to Move Overseas, Start Collecting All Pertinent Documentation
If you are thinking of moving overseas, you should start making concrete plans on how you will relocate as soon as possible. If you have already settled on an overseas destination, you should start making plans on how you want your relocation will go at least 8 months in advance.
One of the key reasons to start planning for an overseas move early is that you may need a Visa or work permit depending on the area where you intend to relocate.
Some countries take up to a year to process Visas. It is therefore best that you start acquiring all the necessary documentation as soon as you make up your mind on your final destination.
Prior to starting the process of applying for foreign travel and work documents, ensure that all your documents such as your passport, ID Cards, driver’s license and birth certificate are all current and valid. If you are planning on relocating with your family, you should also ascertain that all their documents are in order.
Most countries across the globe require that you have a current passport that has been valid for at least 3 months if you are planning on making a business trip or tourism visit. If you are planning on staying overseas for a long period of time, we recommend that you ensure that your passport has an outstanding validity of at least 6 months.
If you are going to be relocating with your kids, ensure that you acquire documents such as reports cards since you will be asked to provide them in the new school where you wish to enroll your kids.
Some of the CRITICAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS you will be required to provide when relocating overseas include:
• Birth certificate
• Change of name documents (Where applicable)
• Marriage certificate
• Medical records
• Bank records
• Medical insurance documents
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Get Vaccinated
International travelers usually have a high risk of contracting or passing on a host of diseases.
According to a recently published study, many international travellers did not take any vaccinations before their journey. This usually increases the risk of natives contracting diseases prevalent in the host country of the traveler, or, the traveler contracting diseases that are prevalent to the natives.
We strongly recommend that you visit research which vaccinations maybe needed for your chosen destination and get vaccinated. For example, if you are moving to Hong Kong, we recommend that you get shots for:
• Influenza
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow Fever
• Measles
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Ensure That You Search for a Job Beforehand
When not moving overseas to retire, it is a good idea to first consider the job prospects in your intended overseas destination beforehand. As it is. Most people who want to move overseas often search for a job long before the relocation process begins.
If you are going to be looking for a job in your new overseas home, check to see if there any additional qualifications/certifications that you need such as TOEFL/IELTS – A certification given after proving your proficiency in English, Research Abstract – This is required for early-stage researchers, List of Publications, Teaching Portfolio, Second Language Skills, etc.
It is however worth pointing out that many overseas countries usually have special programs through which young immigrants can access quality work opportunities.
We encourage you to research and apply in these kinds of programs since they will help you gain valuable work experience. Note that some of these programs may have age restrictions.
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Assess Your Financial Capabilities
It is important that you audit and assess your financial capabilities.
Understand the cost of living in your prospective overseas home. The cost of buying a home or renting an apartment and tuition fees. Further, do not forget to factor in the costs of a comprehensive move. If you are lucky enough to have a considerate employer and are moving overseas for an expat assignment, they may subsidise the cost of your move.
Before moving, it is also a good idea to understand the tax obligations in your home country and preferred overseas destination.
We also recommend that you contact your bank and set up a global internet banking account.
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Ensure That You Understand the Local Language
Communication barriers can be highly distressful to expats in cases of emergencies not to mention that they can hinder quick integration with the local communities.
Ensure that you get basic training on the local language used in your preferred overseas destination.
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Ensure That You Get a Health Insurance Plan
Getting an international health insurance cover should be a top priority for you and your loved ones.
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Set a Relocation Date
There are peak moving seasons in the relocation industry such as the months of summer. During these periods, moving services are usually in high demand so make sure that you book a moving company ahead of time.
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Choose What to Take & What to Leave Behind
Each individual country across the globe has its own set of customs regulations and requirements. In some countries, customs requirements are easy while in some others, they are difficult to navigate hence the need for prior planning.
Cargo that you can or cannot ship usually varies depending on your country of destination. For example, there are countries that have strict shipping regulations regarding religious and cultural artefacts.
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Prepare Your Possessions for Transportation
Looking to avoid delays at customs inspection points? We highly recommend that you let skilled moving crews pack your possessions. By allowing professional movers to pack your items, you will be lowering the risk of your goods getting damaged.
Should you wish to pack your own possessions, we strongly recommend that you keep a detailed inventory of what each packed box contains.
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Engage An International Moving Company
You should hire a seasoned, reputable and trusted international moving company like Ark Relocation. The moving manager assigned to handle your move will guide you through your relocation from A-Z. From providing invaluable advice on how to ensure a seamless move, informing you of the requisite requirements in your country of destination to handling all the pertinent paperwork.
Your move co-ordinator will be at your beck and call throughout the moving process. Get a free overseas moving quote here: https://www.arkrelocation.com/get-a-quote/
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My Story: Gabby Gomes of Ark Relocation
I’m Gabby Gomes, the heart and soul behind Ark Relocation in Milton Keynes. With over three decades in the moving industry, I’ve steered Ark Relocation to be a trusted name, offering everything from house removals to commercial relocations. We’ve also ventured into European and International removals, ensuring seamless transitions for our clients, whether near or far.
