International Moving Tips
PRE-MOVE HINTS
Tip 1. Have a garage sale. Get rid of things you don't need, then you won't
pay to have them moved or stored.
Tip 2. Make sure you are ready for the packers and movers. Don't forget to do the laundry, wash the dishes, pack your suitcases, and disconnect your computers, stereos and VCR's. Place all of the cords and remote controls in a safe place.
Tip 3. Set aside items you will be keeping with you and clearly mark them as NOT to be packed so they will remain separate.. It's a good idea to put these items in a closet or bathroom, then close and mark the door NOT to be moved!
ORIGIN LOCATION HINTS
Tip 4. Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you
won't have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in
your new home.
Tip 5. Once your refrigerator has been disconnected, thoroughly wash and dry the inside, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep it smelling fresh and to avoid mildew.
Tip 6. Prepare an "unload me first" carton with essentials that you'll need immediately. Toilet paper, telephone, toothpaste and brushes, snacks, coffee and coffee pot, soap, flashlight, screwdrivers, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a couple of pans and paper towels are some of the suggested items.
Tip 7. Drain the gas and oil from your power equipment (lawn mower, edger, snow blower etc.).
Tip 8. Schedule house cleaning and other home services for the day after loading as things will be hectic.
Tip 9. Have your utilities shut off the day after loading, as you will
probably need them through the course of the move. Contact:
- Gas
- Electric
- Water
- Telephone
- Cable TV
- Trash Collection
Tip 10. Make your travel arrangements for the day after loading as weather delays or unforeseen problems could result. Don't chance a missed flight or other travel related appointment.
DESTINATION LOCATION HINTS
Tip 11. Hook up the TV and VCR first to occupy kids while the remainder of
your belongings are being unloaded.
Tip 12. Upon arrival at your new home, let your computer "acclimate" itself to the room temperature before plugging it in.
Tip 13. Make a diagram showing where the furniture is to be place in each room. This will help the un-loaders and make the delivery process smoother and less hectic.
ITEMS NOT TO BE MOVED
Tip 14. Items that can't be moved or stored in your shipment include:
- Flammable items
- Combustible items
- Aerosol Cans
- Hazardous Materials
- Gasoline
- Paints/Thinners
- Nail Polish/Removers
- Ammunition and Explosives
- Plants
- Jewelry
- Legal Documents (wills, financial papers, insurance
COMPANY RELOCATION POLICY
Tip 15. If relocation is being sponsored by your company, there is probably
a relocation policy. It is advised that you thoroughly read and understand
it.
Tip 16. The policy normally sets limits on weight allowance and total
relocation expense. There may be an additional allowance for items to be
shipped via air freight that you'll need immediately upon arrival in your
destination country. Typically these are essential items you'll require
before your ocean shipment arrives.
Tip 17. If your moving needs exceed your company's allowances, the excess items can be moved at your expense or placed in storage.
STORAGE
Tip 18. If you require long-term storage of your goods while you are overseas, Daryl Flood, Inc. can arrange safe, secure storage facilities for your convenience. Typically your company's relocation policy has an allowance for storage.
Tip 19. An alternative to storage is selling or donating certain items you
won't need or
can't use at destination. It may be cost effective and you can use this
money
somewhere else.
TRANSIT PROTECTION
Tip 20. Consider the cost to replace your goods in your destination country
when calculating what your total transit protection coverage should be.
COUNTRY INFORMATION
Tip 21. Every country has its own laws and customs, so it's a good idea to
know the etiquette and customs of your destination country beforehand. The
country's consulate is an excellent source for this type of information. For
supplemental country information, click here.
Tip 22. The US Embassy in your new country can provide a list of schools that are referred to as American schools, that follow the traditional US curriculum and provide all instruction in English.
Tip 23. Health care is managed differently in each country. The consulate and US State Department can advise you on what the current situation is regarding health care for foreign nationals in the country to which you are moving. For information regarding health care issues abroad, click here.
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Tip 24. Often many restrictions are placed on what can be brought into your
new host country. Guns, alcohol, controlled substances and even certain
types of literature are strictly prohibited in certain countries. The
country's US Embassy or Consulate will have consular information sheets and
complete information.
ELECTRICAL DEVICES
Tip 25. Some of your appliances and electrical devices may not work in your
new home,
or may need special adapters. Click here for more information.
VISAS / PASSPORTS / WORK PERMITS
Tip 26. Each country has different requirements for entry or immigration.
The consulate in the country you are moving to will be able to give you the
most reliable, up-to- date information.
PERSONAL RECORDS / VALUABLES / DOCUMENTS
Tip 27. Get complete medical and dental check-ups for you and your family,
prior to your move, so all of your medical records are current and
up-to-date. Ask for copies of these records and carry them with you to your
new residence.
Tip 28. Obtain all personal records - e.g., prescriptions and medical
records, school transcripts, marriage and birth certificates, vehicle
registrations, etc. and carry them with you to your new residence.
Tip 29. Valuables, items from safe deposit boxes, jewelry and collections should be carried with you as well.
VACCINATIONS AND INOCULATIONS
Tip 30. You may need immunizations, inoculations or booster shots before
moving overseas and your children will most likely need them to enroll in
school. You can find out what inoculations are necessary by contacting the
consulate office in the country to which you are moving. For more
information, click here.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Tip 31. As an American citizen living abroad you will need to deal with US
and foreign tax obligations. You will need professional assistance here.
Your company should provide assistance in this matter.
Tip 32. Close charge accounts you won't be using overseas, as well as all savings and checking accounts.
Tip 33. Consult the overseas representative at your local bank about letters of credit and transfer of funds, etc. For currency exchange information, click here.
PETS
Tip 34. Each country has different requirements for allowing pets to enter
their borders. These range from disallowing them to enter at all, to several
months of quarantine. Moving pets is discouraged due to the length of
quarantine, but if bringing your pet with you is crucial, check with the
consulate office in the country to which you are moving.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTIFICATION
Tip 35. Send change-of-address notification to the post office, social
security office, insurance companies, relatives, friends, etc. click here
for the US Postal Service.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Tip 36. Don't forget to notify the telephone, gas, cable, electric and water
companies; as well as newspaper delivery service, garbage pick-up and anyother service to be discontinued.
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