Our team at Overseas Packers & Shippers have compiled a list of moving overseas FAQ’s that will be sure you help you on your move. This list of FAQ’s is a compilation based on 30 years of experience in the business.
These are the things we see pop up again and again, so hopefully by reading this article you can get a jumpstart on your journey.
Do I need any special documentation to move overseas?
Moving overseas and becoming a resident is a lengthy process, but documentation-wise, it can be relatively simple. Essentially you need all of your official documentation to be up to date – birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, licences etc. We also recommend having physical documentation of your insurance on you at all times.
It is also worth scanning these documents a couple times and putting them in a few different places in case anything gets lost.
More than anything, start your visa journey as soon as you can! Depending on where you’re going, for what reason, and for how long, your visa can change in both processing time and costs.
How can I prepare for my move?
We recommend making a list of all of the belongings you are going to move and doing what you can to correctly inform your moving company. When moving you pay for space, so think about how much space you will need to reserve. Understanding the shipping container system can help you with your process.
Most moving companies will be able to give you a rough estimate of how much space you will need during an in-home survey. So be sure to show them absolutely everything you will be moving.
How do I choose an international moving company?
It is essential that you employ the services of a trustworthy and reliable international moving company. The process of moving overseas has many moving parts and having a reputable moving company will make a huge difference in regards to your stress levels and risk.
When doing your research make sure to look at reviews, and the company’s website. We also recommend talking to the moving company directly and getting a quote.
Try to avoid companies with only small amounts of reviews and less history as they haven’t been vetted enough and may not have the same level of experience as longer-standing companies.
Do I need to get rid of everything I don’t want to take overseas?
Sometimes moving overseas can be a temporary thing and moving all of your belongings doesn’t make sense. This means you have a few choices: sell them, donate them, or put them in long term storage.
If the items are of personal significance, it may be worth investing in long-term storage – especially if the items are valuable. Storage centres are great for ensuring your belongings are climate controlled and free of vermin, so when you return your items are still in good condition.
Many moving companies either offer long term storage facilities or can recommend a trusted provider.
Can I move my vehicle overseas?
Many people wish to move their cars overseas with them for a variety of reasons – sentimentality, cost, or projects. Luckily, Overseas Packers & Shippers do facilitate the moving of vehicles overseas.
Notably it can be a slightly more complicated process than a regular move. For example, cars must be fully cleaned and quarantined due to the amount of biohazards they can collect. Your car will also have to be assessed and will have to pass the relevant country’s restrictions.
We have collated a full article to guide you through everything you need to know about moving your vehicle overseas to Australia as well.
How Do I Move My Pet Overseas?
Your first step when moving your pet overseas should be to make sure that your pet is allowed to enter the country. Australia, for example, has very strict laws around the types of pets allowed to exist in Australia.
You will have to familiarise yourself with the laws and restrictions of the country you are moving to, and you may also have to get a stamp of approval from relevant authorities. Our team at Overseas Packers & Shippers provide advice on what you will need for this process.
What shouldn’t I pack to take overseas?
This is one of our more common moving overseas FAQ’s. Depending on where you are moving, the size, climate, and housing arrangement, you may find there are items you definitely shouldn’t take. For example, if you have a pool in Australia but you are moving to an apartment in London, you shouldn’t take your pool equipment.
There are also things that are less obvious, a big one being biohazards. Be careful about bringing plants, and food items as they may be thrown out upon arrival. As well as this, think carefully about whether your item is at risk of damage.
We also recommend being careful about what you pack away as you will not see those items for several weeks at least. Make sure you are taking all of the essentials you will need and want in this time with you on the plane.
Moving Overseas FAQ’s You Should be Asking
The trick to any successful move is to ask the right questions at the right time. Try your best to be curious, do your research, and stay organised. Moving is a process with lots of moving parts and a lot on the line, so communicate as effectively as possible with your international movers.
If you have any questions we did not answer here, please feel free to reach out to us at Overseas Packers & Shippers.
