How to move your household abroad

So you’ve just been offered a new position at work. It’s a wonderful opportunity with unlimited perks and the much-coveted corner office. The only thing is, it’s in downtown Hong Kong and you’re in Phoenix. As you begin to process what a relocation of this scope will mean for you, your family, and your entire household, you realize that every aspect of your life is about to change in a major way.

When moving overseas, there are two ways to transport your belongings—by air and by sea. Air transport is the fastest method, but can be pricey, whereas shipping your items by boat is more cost-effective, but will likely take four to six weeks or longer. No matter how you slice it, the less you bring with you, the easier your move will be. With that in mind, it’s usually a good idea to separate your belongings into two categories – items you can bring with you on the plane or boat, and items you’ll need to send separately.

Items you should bring with you in your carry-on and/or checked luggage include:

• Clothing and accessories – jackets, hats, shoes, etc.
• Important documents – passport, visa, birth certificate, social security card, etc.
• Personal effects – medications, glasses, personal hygiene products, etc.
• Cherished possessions – family photographs, your favorite blanket, sentimental knick-knacks, or anything else you could not imagine living without

Items you will need to arrange transport for include:

• Electronics – Television, DVD player, stereo, microwave, etc. Before shipping, first check to see if you’ll be able to use these items abroad, as many U.S. electronics are not compatible with the line voltage and frequency in other countries.
• Furniture – Moving furniture overseas can be costly, and items such as sectional sofas and dining room tables, which are common in the U.S., are much too big for the average apartment in Asia. Consider the size of the apartment or house you will be moving to, and whether it might be cheaper to buy new furniture once you’re abroad.
• Automobiles – If you are moving to a city with an extensive public transportation system, you might be better off selling your car before you move. However, if you know you will need a car in your new country and yours is in good condition, it’s probably best to bring it rather than try to buy one abroad.

When moving your household abroad, it’s important to use an established moving company that has experience with international moves. Atlantic Relocation Systems has facilitated many international moves both to and from the Phoenix, AZ, area, and would love to assist you with your relocation. Contact us today for more information about moving your household abroad.