Preparing for an International Move

Making the right preparations before an international move may help make the process smoother and less stressful. Moving to a new neighborhood or across town may seem difficult enough. Moving to another country, however, may come with a range of challenges and stresses. Logistically, legally, and personally preparing for an international move may aid people to successfully execute their moves and start the next chapters of their lives on the right foot.

Logistical Preparations

Logistical preparations, such as creating a timeline, getting in touch with an international moving company, and making notifications about their planned move, lay the necessary groundwork people need as they get ready to relocate abroad. Making a timeline may give people planning an international move to keep records of all they must accomplish to pull off their relocations and ensure important steps do not slip through the cracks. Depending on what they intend to take with them, those getting ready to move to another country may require the services of an international moving company. Making these arrangements early may help people make certain their household items and personal belongings arrive at their new residences on time and provide them guidance on packing and moving preparations.

Before moving out of the U.S., those relocating should make sure the important people and parties know about their planned relocation. For example, people should notify the postal service, utility providers, banking institutions, tax agencies, landlords, employers, insurance providers, and others with whom they have ongoing transactional relationships. People should also tell their family members, friends, and others they regularly communicate with that they plan to move internationally.

Legal Preparations

As they get ready to relocate outside the U.S., people should make legal preparations, including keeping track of their documentation and obtaining a visa. Moving to another country often involves numerous legalities and requires certain paperwork and documentation. Therefore, people may benefit from gathering and organizing their personal documentation, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, driver’s licenses, marriage certificates, financial records, school records, and other insurance and legal documents. They may also consider making copies of such documents to have on hand should they need to submit any for the immigration process.

To move to another country, people must generally apply for a visa. Different countries have different processing times for applications, so those planning to relocate abroad should research how long it takes to obtain a visa to ensure they apply in enough time and receive approval.

Personal Preparations

As they get ready for an international move, people must also make several personal preparations, including making certain they have health insurance coverage and learning the country’s language and customs. Different countries handle health care differently. Before moving abroad, people should check to see if they will qualify for coverage in their new country or if they will need to acquire health insurance coverage through a private international plan. Learning the language and embracing the culture in their new countries may help people feel more comfortable as they settle into their new lives.