International Shipping & Freight Forwarding Blog

INTRODUCTION:

It may happen only once in a lifetime. It may happen 2 or 3 times but whatever the number ends up to be, moving overseas presents a great number of challenges.

I would like to suggest that regardless of the challenges, moving overseas can and should be a very exciting and adventurous experience. Think about and focus on all of the opportunities that await you. Imagine the new city, town or even village where you will be living. Everything will be new. From your new neighbors to the shop where you get your morning coffee, you'll have the opportunity to reshape so many facets of your life.

Yes it may be a little scary but I can tell you from 30 years of experience helping families and businesses relocate overseas, the majority (by far) settle and end up extremely happy with their new surroundings. I have personally developed relationships with all types of people that had to or simply wanted to move overseas for business or personal reasons. Because they had spent the time needed to create and develop a plan, the move went smoothly and they could enjoy the experience that much more. It is my hope, that through this blog post, you will be able to decrease the stress you may be feeling by becoming more prepared for your overseas moving adventure.

Need some related information? Check out these other articles & resources:

• Get An Accurate Overseas Moving Rate Quote
• Residential Overseas Moving Checklist
• Ocean Shipping vs. Air Shipping

BUILDING YOUR PLAN FOR A MOVE OVERSEAS:

As I stated in the opening section of this article, moving overseas will be much easier and carry much less stress if you carefully create a plan.  Once you create your plan, be sure to follow it as best you can because it is very easy to stray from your original plan as things get more confusing and stressful.

Some common elements of a successful overseas moving plan:

Step 1: Choose Your Primary Medium

How do you want to physically use to create your plan? This is a very individual choice and only you know which medium will work the best for you. On one end you can break out a common legal pad and pencil and start writing. On the other end, you can find one of a thousand different applications offered in iTunes or for an Android device. Take some time to really think this through because you want to be able to review and edit your plan at every turn.

Step 2: Define Your Essentials

There are certain items that you can't live without. Just fast forward and imagine yourself and family in your new location. Then go through a typical day and week and list those items that are essential to your success, comfort and happiness. Is there a favorite chair that you know can't easily be replaced? Separate items with sentimental value from those that are "essential". Define each item that is critical for your daily routine and comfort so you have laid the ground work for your life in a new location.

Step 3: Determine & Select Your Shipping Options.

This may seem like one of the more difficult steps in planning your overseas move. Unless you have done this before, this will be your first time undertaking a task of this size and detail. I recently posted another article that will help you understand the steps and terminology for shipping goods overseas. I recommend you at least scan this post to better understand the various stages from start to finish in an average international shipping strategy. The title of this blog post is "Getting The Best International Freight Quote".

Step 4: Shipping Your Property By Air Or Ocean

As you are starting the process of Step #3 and getting your shipping details in order, you will need to decide if it's best to ship by air or ship by sea. There are pros and cons for each. The fundamentals revolve around time and money. Shipping by air is faster but more expensive while shipping by ocean takes longer but is more budget friendly. When you find a shipping partner that you trust and are comfortable with, they will help you sort through the details and assist you in developing a shipping plan that works best for your individual situation and goals. A good shipping partner will allow you to place most of the responsibilities on their shoulders while helping you make the best decisions for your overall, overseas shipping plan.

Step 5: Consider The Climate

Because you will have to make multiple decisions on what is included in your overseas shipping, be sure to consider the different climates. If you live in an American state like Maine or Montana and you are moving to a more tropical location, you will want to isolate and define those items that simply aren't worth shipping because they won't fit into the new climate that will be your new home. Especially if you choose shipping by air, you will want to reduce the total amount of items for costs purposes.

Step 6: Accommodations Offered At Your New Destination

Every move is born from a different reason. Everything from a new job to a family move because of a relocation opportunity you discovered. Considered the accommodations offered as part of this new overseas move and plan sharply to take advantage of the accommodations offered and what items you need that will fit with these accommodations. Planning this strategy can save you money and aggravation once you understand the give and take whether it's a business or family relocation. The accommodations will allow you to plan your move while determining what extra costs may be involved.

Step 7: Auto Shipping

Think carefully about this decision. Depending on the country you're moving to, your automobile may cause some challenges. I'm sure you;re aware that some countries have the steering wheel on the opposite site not to mention that the driving lanes are on the opposite site. Are there regulations that will not allow you to use a left sided steering wheel on that countries roads? You will need to be clear on these local regulations. Balance tariffs for moving, regulations and learning these new laws may make it a better decision to purchase a new car from the location you are moving.

• Language
• Schooling requirements
• Banking procedures
• Unique documentation
• Electronic connections & internet connections
• Banking
• Protection
• Culture shock
• Healthcare
• Your kids perspective
• Pets

CONCLUSION:

We will be writing and posting new articles covering many of these new areas listed above in the bullet points so stay tuned. Are strongest recommendation is to do all the research you can and partner with an overseas moving company you can trust and who can guide you through the maze of your big move. That's where ETC International Freight Systems can come in to help. We encourage you to either ask some basic questions or even schedule a discussion that will allow you to ask all of the questions you have on your list. Once you secure an overseas shipping partner you're comfortable with, you will find many of these challenges handled for you.

Just use the button below to either ask your questions or schedule a conversation and a free rate quote. We are in the business of helping you make your overseas move as smooth as possible. We urge you to take advantage of this mission.