Even the most enthusiastic traveler may find the prospect of moving to another country more intimidating than inspiring. If you don't even know how to begin thinking about the process, anchor yourself by addressing these three questions first.
1. How Much Relocation Help Do You Need?
Relocating to another country is an even more ambitious project than moving across the U.S., especially if you face a language barrier when making the necessary queries and arrangements. Your employer may have a contract with an international relocation company already set up, but individuals and families can also engage relocation companies on their own.
These professionals do more than just move your stuff—they also help you get settled, educate you on your new community, and generally pave the way for your arrival.
How do you select an international relocation company? First, make sure each candidate actually goes to the destination country in question, either via the company's own licensee in that country or by partnering with a reputable third-party company. Proper credentials are a must, so you'll want to select a FIDI Accredited International Mover. FIDI (an acronym for a French title which translates as "International Federation of International Movers") is the most widely recognized professional alliance in the international moving industry.
2. Should You Have Your Car Shipped?
Most families or employees can't imagine daily life without the beloved family car, truck or van. If you're moving from the US to Canada or Mexico, it may be a relatively simple matter to drive your car (or have it driven) to your destination city. If you're moving overseas, however, you must decide whether to invest in shipping your vehicle or sell it and put the money toward a new one after the move. Considerations to keep in mind include:
- Cost—Overseas shipment of a vehicle can cost anywhere from $750 to over $4,000, depending on its size and weight. The smaller your car, the more viable overseas shipping may be for your budget.
- Local vehicle laws—Vehicle requirements, laws, and restrictions can vary greatly from one country to the next, so you'd better find out in advance whether your vehicle will be legal to drive in your new home before bothering to ship it over.
- Road construction and driving habits—If you're moving to England, Japan, or another country where steering wheels are traditionally situated on the right-hand side, you may find it hard to drive your American-style vehicle there. Even if local laws permit it, you need the extra visibility you get from being seated closer to the center of the road, and that may mean buying a vehicle that suits local roads and driving habits.
3. How Much Moving Insurance Should You Buy?
Moving insurance is always critical, but never more so than when you're planning an international relocation. Unfortunately, determining the amount of coverage you need can be a complicated business, depending on what type of international moving insurance (also known as marine cargo insurance) you choose. Categories include:
- Total loss coverage—The most basic type of insurance only covers a total loss due to an unavoidable disaster involving the shipping vessel.
- "At risk" lump sum coverage—This insurance covers the full replacement value of your shipment based on a predetermined lump sum of cash.
- "At risk" coverage at destination—This option covers the full replacement value of each item, but it's based on the item's value in the destination country, not its US value. Ask the embassy there for a cost of living index, price index, or other helpful data so you can figure out how much coverage you'll need.
Planning, planning, and more planning is the key to a successful move, whether you're just zipping over to the next town or crossing the globe. Talk to some international relocation companies like Hollander Storage & Moving, compare estimates, and let the experts help you enjoy the smoothest possible move.
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