Timing Your International Move: From Planning to Packing

Moving internationally is a large and complex task, and planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition to your new country. While a local move generally doesn't take as long to prepare for, international moves present administrative challenges that necessitate structured moving time lines and careful execution down to the weeks and days before your move.

3-4 Months Before Moving Day

Starting on important tasks and research 3-4 months beforehand can streamline the process.

Research and Apply for a Visa

Researching and understanding the visa requirements of your destination country should be one of your first steps when planning an international move. For example, those moving from one Schengen-zone country to another in Europe don't typically need a visa, but US citizens may need to satisfy country-specific visa requirements. 

Visa regulations vary widely, and application processes can be lengthy and convoluted. Starting the application process well in advance can minimize complications and delays during your move. Find the visa applicable to your reason for moving, such as work, study or family reunification. Gather the necessary documentation and verify your passport and other documents are still valid. Contact your destination country's embassy to confirm requirements, immigration laws, application deadlines and other important details.

Notify Your Employer 

Inform your employer of your international move plans as early as possible to give them time to facilitate the necessary paperwork or other preparations. If you plan to quit or take a leave from your job while living internationally, request documentation required for employment in another country, such as letters of employment or work permits. If your employer permits you to work remotely in another country, they may need to make tax arrangements.

Start Decluttering

Moving internationally is an opportune time to declutter and organize your belongings. Go through your home to determine which items are essential and which to sell, donate or dispose of. Some items are impractical or unnecessary to take overseas — for example, heavy furniture may be more affordable to replace in your new location.

Research International Moving Companies

A reputable international moving company is crucial for a successful move abroad. Research companies that specialize in international moves, and request detailed quotes with outlines for services and timelines for moving. Atlas International provides streamlined international moves and expertise in logistics and compliance with international shipping regulations. 

2 Months Before Moving Day

With 2 months to go, it's time to organize moving logistics.

Book Your International Mover

Finalize your booking with your selected international moving company. Confirm your moving dates and discuss logistics, such as customs procedures, insurance coverage and packing arrangements. Clear communication helps avoid complications during your move.

Gather Important Documents

Organize your personal documents, such as your passport, verifying the validity of each item. Make physical and digital copies of your original documents, in case you lose them during the move, and keep them in a secure folder. Ensure you have original and copied documents for your children or pets.

Important documents to bring may include:

• Birth certification
• Driver's license
• Social Security card
• Medical records
• School records
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce papers
• Adoption papers
• Residence and rental agreements
• Employment and financial records
• Insurance agreements

Research Health Care Options

Protect your well-being, and look for health care options in your destination country. Your employer may be able to assist with health care coverage if you're relocating for work. Otherwise, research your eligibility for public health care and options for private health insurance.

Learn About the Culture

Research and prepare for the cultural norms, social etiquette and other customs in your new country. Some strategies for a smooth transition include:

• Taking language classes
• Attending cultural orientation programs through embassies or community organizations
• Researching literature, films, TV shows and music

6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day

As your move gets closer, ensure you can access necessities by organizing items and personal services.

Create a Detailed Packing List

Write a comprehensive list of items to take on your move. Categorize items by room or use to streamline the packing and unpacking process. Pack nonessential items first, and clearly label moving boxes and containers.

Arrange for International Health Insurance

If there's a gap between your move and your new health care policy, arrange for international health insurance that begins on your moving date. Research and compare ratings, plan costs, coverage areas, medical benefits and eligibility requirements for each insurance option.

Notify Important Parties

Contact your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers and other services before moving. You should also update contact information to ensure communication and service after your move if necessary. If you rent, notify your landlord, and consider setting up a temporary forwarding address.

1 Month Before Moving Day 

Confirm packing, shipping and other final details.

Finalize Packing Schedule

Write a packing schedule for moving with allocated days and weeks for packing certain rooms or items to maintain organization. You can label boxes according to what should be unpacked first. You might choose to move some items yourself instead of handing them off to movers, such as important papers, medications and personal devices. 

Arrange Shipping for Vehicles and Pets

If you're bringing a vehicle, make arrangements with your moving company. Some countries have laws against transporting vehicles, so it's best to verify the regulations, fees and requirements for importing your vehicle into your destination country.

Pets also may be subject to shipping and importing regulations. Arrange their transportation and comply with vaccination requirements, quarantine procedures and other requirements.

Close Local Accounts

Cancel local services, accounts and subscriptions, such as:

• Utility companies
• Gym memberships
• Magazine subscriptions
• Internet and cable plans

3 Weeks Before Moving Day 

Verify and confirm travel arrangements for moving day, including flight bookings, temporary housing and transportation from the airport to your accommodations.

As you leave old friends and family behind, plan for goodbyes and farewell parties with loved ones, coworkers and others. If you can't see everyone, you can share your contact information to avoid losing connection. 

2 Weeks Before Moving Day 

After a final review of your belongings, donate, sell or dispose of any leftover items to minimize clutter and packing stress. Pack boxes of essentials you may need for the first few days of your move, including basic kitchenware, bedding or other specific items, and keep them separate from your other packed belongings. With your items mostly packed, start cleaning your home for the new occupants.

Even if you think everything is perfectly planned, it helps to verify everything a final time, in case something was missed or changed. Finalizing and clarifying logistics as you get closer to the moving date makes for a smooth moving process.

1 Week Before Moving Day 

Pack the remaining essential items, and compare your boxes and items to your packing list. Gradually prepare and pack items you plan to bring on flights, such as:

• Travel documents
• Change of clothes
• Basic toiletries
• Electronics and entertainment
• Valuables

Double-check your passport, identification cards and other essential documents, and finalize administrative tasks, such as settling bills or invoices. Your bank account's normal functions may not be immediately available in your destination country, so it's often best to complete any important financial transactions before leaving to avoid late fees or penalties. Visit your bank to withdraw currency for your new country so you can cover immediate expenses. A traveling pouch can help keep your documents and cash secure and organized.

Moving Day and Beyond

Let the movers handle the work and get ready for your new home.

Final Steps

Conduct a final walk-through of your home to ensure everything is packed, clean and organized. Check closets and other storage areas for anything you may have missed.

Meet with your movers to oversee the packing and loading process. Verify final details, such as your new contact information or alternative contacts, and address any last-minute instructions or concerns. 

Traveling and Settling In

Be sure to give yourself ample time to arrive at the airport and complete check-in, baggage dropoff, security screening and boarding. After months of planning and packing, you can finally settle in for your travel day with snacks and entertainment.

When you arrive, it's best to unpack essentials and settle in before setting off to explore. Familiarize yourself with nearby grocery stores, transportation and other essential amenities and services.

Put Your International Moving Timeline Into Action

From 3-4 months before your move, proactive planning and strategic execution at each stage can help facilitate a seamless transition to your new home in a foreign country. Whether you're moving for work, retirement, study or other purposes, you can rely on Atlas International for personalized support through every step of your international move. Get your free quote today.