How to move your belongings when relocating countries

You finally gathered the courage to move to your favorite country? Good for you! Unfortunately, that’s when you found out that leaving your friends and family behind is the least of your issues.

One of the biggest questions people have to solve is what to do with their personal belongings? Starting from scratch in a new location is close to impossible, but moving all of your stuff to a different country is such a drag. Luckily, there are some tips we can give out, which should make this process a lot simpler. Let’s begin!

Are you going away for good?

This is the first question you should ask yourself. Depending on your answer, there are two distinct paths one can follow. Whatever the answer may be, there’s one thing to get out the way. You should definitely reduce the amount of stuff you have. Garage sales are a great way to do so, and you can earn a few bucks along the way. Now, if you aren't planning on going away for good, you should look into buying some storage space for those heavy things that you won’t be able to carry around.

Hire a professional

Starting off in a foreign country can be a stressful experience, so try not to pile on any additional chores on your schedule, if you don’t have to. There are plenty of companies that specialize in moving. We advise you to hire the ones you the most. Costs can mount up pretty quickly this way, but if you reduce the sheer quantity of stuff you try to carry through the border, the more money will stay in your pockets.

Be wary though, as there are plenty of agencies out there dealing with some shady businesses. Don’t always go with the best offer out there, as you might end up in a world of trouble. Fortunately, we live in a time where the Internet is available across the globe, so read some reviews before you make the final cut.

How to pack

Packing can be a tedious job, and no one likes to do it, but believe me, it can be a huge difference to your budget. Most agencies offer to pack your luggage for a fee, but that fee is oftentimes gigantic! What you can do instead is buy a couple of boxes, and some duck tape, watch a few online tutorials on the subject, and get to work! Also, one additional note. Don’t go out and buy the cheapest cardboard possible! Nice double wall corrugated boards can be found for just a few bucks a pop, and they’ll keep your belongings nice and safe!

Chose a preferred method of transport

If you thought that moving your stuff by ship containers is the only way, think again. Some companies nowadays offer shipping by air. Naturally, it’s a lot more expensive, compared to the previously mentioned option, but there are many benefits as well. The most obvious one would be the speed. Although it may not look that way, but getting your things cleared by the customs can be a great ordeal. Luckily, the companies that ship out by planes are oftentimes more that happy to do the paperwork for you, and they even include it in the package, so you won’t have to pay any extra fees. Using premium services can pay off sometimes.

Insurance or not?

Having a decent insurance plan can provide you with a piece of mind, so it’s absolutely baffling to me why most people choose to risk it instead. Despite the fact that most companies offer at least some form of insurance, travelers tend not to use it. Don’t be in that group. As our grandmothers used to say, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if your agency doesn’t offer this type of service, you can always get it elsewhere. At the end of the day, embassies can be of great assistance here, as they can help you understand foreign rules and regulations. We wish you the best of luck!


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