How to Prepare for a Long Distance Move

How to Prepare for a Long Distance MoveIf you’ve decided to move long-distance, even to another country, the time to begin preparing is now. Moving to another country will take a lot of planning and work, and it’s best to start as early as possible so that you’re not frantically running around last minute trying to get everything in order. It will also reduce the likelihood that you’ll forget something important before you leave. With a well thought out plan in place, you can make preparing for your long distance move smooth and streamlined.

To begin creating your game plan for your move, first create a checklist of everything that you need to complete. Items that you’ll want to include on your checklist include:

  • Hiring a moving company
  • Acquiring or renewing your passport if necessary
  • Getting the appropriate visa to live in the other country if necessary
  • Booking your flight as early as possible so that you find a good rate
  • Checking with the country’s consulate or embassy in the United States to see which items are prohibited from entering the country, so you don’t pack anything that will cause an issue at customs
  • Figuring out if there are any import or export tariffs that you’ll have to pay
  • Finalizing which items you’ll be bringing with you and then sell, donate, or discard the rest
  • Opening a foreign bank account in your new country, if necessary
  • Purchasing health insurance in your new country, if needed
  • Obtaining school records and having them transferred if you have any children
  • Having any pets you may own vaccinated and checked by a veterinarian

Once you’ve compiled a list, it’s best to categorize items by the date you need them completed to give yourself a structured plan. Taking care of the more important items – such as passport renewals and acquiring a visa – first is recommended.

For hiring your moving company, you can’t go wrong with Atlantic Relocation Systems. We’re a relocation company that has helped countless individuals and households move abroad, and we’ll put our moving expertise to use for your entire move, from beginning to end. We can make preparing for your move even easier as our international movers are trained professionals who can pack everything for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the moving services that we provide.