If you’re planning an international move, you know this is an exciting but overwhelming time. As you make preparations for your move, you may have questions regarding the logistics of moving items internationally. The team at Sea & Air understands there are several things on your mind as you get ready to move. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your new adventure.
Do You Need to Move Items Internationally?
Whether you’re moving across the street or overseas, it can feel very stressful and overwhelming for anyone. If you are moving to another country, this adds another level of stress because there are special rules and regulations for international moves.
Starting a new adventure in another country can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not well-prepared. Moving internationally is a multi-step process that takes time and careful planning. However, you don’t need to worry about all the details right away. There are many moving companies that help you work out the details for domestic and overseas moving.
Things to Consider Before You Move Your Items
The first thing to remember is to take this process one step at a time to avoid feeling too overwhelmed. Chances are you’re thinking about cost, time, and any alternatives to shipping your personal things thousands of miles away. Just relax and plan one step at a time.
The next thing to think about is organization. If you have a plan in place to organize your items and have a place for everything. Make a checklist for your big event that lists the specific details such as insurance, budgets, quotes, and moving company rates. Look at your budget to help you determine what items you should move, sell, or store. This will help you stay within your budget and take some stress off your plate.
Customs Regulations and Rules
Transporting your items by freight, ship, or car can create worry when you add customs regulations. Moving anything to another country requires appropriate documentation and fees. The good news is there are professional companies that help ensure you have correct documentation and clearance management. They can help you determine the right items to take with you and which ones you should store.
Factor In Your Timeframe
Is your move temporary or are you permanently relocating? Considering your timeframe will also help you save time and money. Many people only ship sentimental items or other items that are hard to replace. Then, they sell most of their items and purchase new ones once they reach their new destination. Depending on the items, this may put more money back in your pocket.
Which Items Should You Move?
While focusing on the dollar amounts of your budget is definitely a priority, relocating with fewer items is also a way to stay within your budget. In fact, moving with fewer items can give you peace of mind and make your transition easier. If you can’t bear to part with some of your items but don’t want to move them, you can always choose a quality storage location that will protect your items while you’re away. Set aside time to sift through all your items and organize them according to what you will ship and what you will store.
Choosing Items For Storage
As we mentioned earlier, reducing the amount you are moving will also reduce your stress and the extra fees. There are a few storage options that can help you save money and protect your belongings:
- Store your items with a family member or friend
- Donate unwanted items to a nearby charity or other organization
- Have an estate or yard sale and make some money in the process
- Choose a quality store facility that has climate control to protect your belongings
Many companies, like Sea & Air, offer storage solutions to make your relocation smoother.
Hiring the Right Moving Company
Many moving companies often have coordinators that can help you plan out the specific details of your move. Choosing a company that will help you with pre-planning needs and offer you a customized plan will relieve stress from this busy season of life. Research companies that are willing to give you fair pricing and discuss the best options that fit your needs. Many companies offer both air and sea options. The option will not work for every budget and timeframe.
Let Sea & Air Handle Your Moving Needs
If you’re planning to move items internationally from New York or Los Angeles for a corporate or other move, let Sea & Air help make it easier. We understand this process is stressful and we offer a wide variety of services for a smoother transition. Contact us today and we will discuss your needs and provide you with a quote.
