The Ultimate Guide to Relocating Overseas

With lots of experience helping professionals, families, and retirees relocate abroad, we've witnessed firsthand the complexities of international moves. While the prospect of starting a new chapter overseas opens doors to incredible opportunities, the logistical challenges can be daunting without proper guidance. From navigating complex customs regulations to securing appropriate insurance coverage, the difference between a stressful move and a smooth transition often comes down to preparation and expertise. Here's our comprehensive guide to ensuring your international relocation proceeds without a hitch.

Visa, Customs & Laws: What to Know Before Moving Overseas

Start Your Visa Process Earlier Than You Think

Many expats assume a tourist visa is enough for an international move, but some destinations, like Australia and Germany, require specific permits before you can secure long-term housing or employment. The biggest delays in overseas moves often stem from underestimating visa processing times.

Common Visa Processing Timelines:

Singapore: Work visas take up to 8 weeks during peak seasons
Spain: Residency permits require in-person appointments, often booked months in advance
Australia: Employer-sponsored visas must be secured before moving

To avoid unexpected roadblocks, check your destination country’s official visa and residency guidelines at least 6 months in advance.

Navigate Customs Regulations Like a Pro

Every country has specific restrictions on what you can bring when relocating. Some bans are expected, like firearms or illegal substances, but others catch movers off guard.

Surprising Customs Restrictions:

Japan: Bans certain ADHD medications containing stimulants
Australia: Requires permits for wooden furniture due to biosecurity laws
New Zealand: Restricts certain food products, even packaged snacks

Before finalizing your packing list, research your destination’s customs regulations. This can save you thousands in fines and prevent belongings from being confiscated.

International Driving Requirements Vary Dramatically

Driving abroad? Some countries honor foreign licenses, while others require conversion or new testing.

Canada: Accepts U.S. licenses for up to 90 days
Germany: Requires certified translations and additional testing for certain U.S. states
China: No reciprocity—must pass a local driving exam

If you plan to drive right after arrival, check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a local license.

Moving With Pets? Don't Skip This Critical Step!

Relocating with pets is more complex than most owners expect. Many countries mandate quarantine periods or require vaccinations months in advance.

Pet Quarantine & Import Rules:

New Zealand: Up to 10 days in quarantine
Australia: Minimum 10 days, possibly up to 180 days
United Kingdom: No quarantine for pets with proper paperwork

Start the pet relocation process at least 6-12 months ahead. Missing a deadline could delay your move or force temporary separation. Check pet import regulations before booking flights.

Here you can find more info about moving with your fur babies:

The Tax Implications Most Expats Discover Too Late

One of the biggest financial surprises for expats? Double taxation. U.S. citizens, for example, must file taxes even while living abroad.

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion lets expats exclude up to $120,000 (2024) of foreign earnings from U.S. taxes.
Some countries tax worldwide income, while others only tax locally earned wages.

Avoid costly tax mistakes by consulting an international tax expert before moving. Many expats mistakenly assume they’re off the hook for home-country taxes, only to face penalties later.

How to Find a Trusted International Moving Company (And Avoid Scams)

Choosing the right international moving partner is critical, not just for safe transport, but also to avoid unexpected costs, delays, and even scams. With international moves costing $5,000–$20,000+, it's essential to verify credentials, review insurance options, and spot red flags before signing a contract.

Verify International Credentials & Specialization

Not all movers are equipped for international relocations. Look for companies with certifications from recognized global moving associations, such as:

International Association of Movers (IAM) - Ensures compliance with global moving standards
FIDI-Accredited International Mover (FAIM Certification) - Guarantees high service quality in customs clearance and logistics
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) License - Required for overseas shipments from the US

Mover’s Insight: A client once hired a mover without verifying credentials, only to realize on moving day that the company lacked FMC approval. Their container was stuck at the port for weeks, leading to unexpected storage fees of $2,000+. Always confirm a company’s licensing before booking.

Understand What International Moving Insurance Actually Covers

Many clients assume moving insurance fully protects their belongings, but coverage can be minimal unless you upgrade.

Basic Coverage:

Released Value Protection - Only $0.60 per pound per item (not ideal for high-value goods)

Full-Value Protection (Recommended):

Covers the cost of repairs, replacement, or reimbursement at fair market value
Requires an itemized inventory with values assigned

Pro Tip: Ask if your insurance covers:

Water damage (containers are exposed to moisture during ocean freight)
Storage risks (some policies only cover transit, not delays at ports)
Customs-related loss (in case items are confiscated)

Red Flags That Signal Potential Moving Scams

Watch out for these common warning signs before hiring a mover:

Too-good-to-be-true pricing - Scammers offer extremely low quotes to lure customers, then demand additional payments later.
Large upfront deposits - Reputable movers ask for reasonable deposits (10-25%), not full payment before the move.
No physical office address - If a company has only a website and no local office, it may be a scam.
Contracts with vague language - Avoid agreements that lack details on delivery timelines, liability coverage, and dispute resolution.
Limited or no online reviews - Lack of verified customer reviews is a red flag.

Mover’s Insight: A couple relocating to London received a quote 40% cheaper than competitors. After paying upfront, their mover stopped responding, turns out, the company didn’t even own moving trucks and subcontracted to an unreliable third party. Always research a mover's track record before committing.

The Crucial Importance of a Detailed Inventory List

When moving internationally, your belongings pass through multiple handling points, customs inspections, warehouses, and shipping terminals. A detailed inventory list protects you in case of damage or loss.

What a Professional Inventory Should Include:

Each item’s description & condition before moving (photographic proof recommended)
High-value item documentation (artwork, jewelry, antiques)
Box labeling system for easy customs clearance

Pro Tip: Request a digital inventory from your mover, so you can cross-check everything upon arrival.

How to Pack, Declutter & Organize for an International Move

Packing for an international move is different from packing for a local or even a long-distance move. Why? Because international shipping costs are based on volume (cubic feet) or weight (kilograms), meaning every item you pack impacts your budget.

A smart packing strategy can save you thousands while also ensuring a smoother customs process at your destination.

Declutter Aggressively: Save Money & Simplify Your Move

The Reality: Shipping costs for an international move range from $5,000 to $20,000+. The more you take, the more you pay, so be ruthless in deciding what stays and what goes.

Real-World Example:
A client moving from New York to London initially planned to ship everything, from books to furniture. After downsizing by 25%, they saved $3,800 in shipping costs and avoided extra customs duties on large furniture.

Decluttering Tips That Save Money:

Digitize paperwork & photos - Scan essential documents and keep hard copies only when required.
Ditch the books - Shipping books is expensive! Consider donating or switching to e-books.
Sell or donate bulky furniture - It’s often cheaper to buy new furniture abroad than to ship it.
Evaluate seasonal clothing needs - A Miami-to-Stockholm move requires a wardrobe change, don't ship items you'll never wear!

Need more tips on decluttering, check out these articles:

How to Declutter Before Moving: Essential Tips

Be Strategic About What You Pack & Ship

Some items are not worth shipping internationally due to weight, cost, or incompatibility.

What to Consider:
Electronics & Voltage Differences

The U.S. runs on 110V, while Europe, Asia, and Australia use 220-240V.
Many American appliances won’t work abroad, even with adapters (especially microwaves, coffee makers, and hairdryers).
Solution? Sell incompatible electronics before moving and buy local replacements.

Appliances & Large Items

Shipping refrigerators, washers, and dryers internationally can be costlier than buying new ones due to:
- Customs taxes on large household items
- Voltage & plug differences
- High shipping weight

Pro Tip: Research the cost of buying vs. shipping appliances in your destination before deciding what to bring.

Essential Documents: Carry These With You (Not in Your Shipment!)

One of the biggest mistakes people make? Packing important documents in their shipping container. These papers should stay with you at all times in case they are needed at customs, immigration, or for setting up banking and healthcare.

Keep These Documents in Your Carry-On Bag:
✔ Passports, visas, & residence permits
✔ Birth & marriage certificates (apostilled if required by your destination country)
✔ Work contract or job offer letter
✔ Academic transcripts & diplomas (for work or university transfers)
✔ Medical & dental records, including vaccination history
✔ International driving permit (if needed for your destination country)
✔ Pet vaccination & import certificates

Pro Tip: Scan all critical documents and store them in secure cloud storage as a backup.

Final Packing Checklist: Avoid Costly Mistakes

Create an itemized inventory for customs clearance (most countries require this).
Label all boxes clearly with contents and destination room (helps during unpacking).
Photograph fragile or high-value items before packing for insurance purposes.
Confirm shipping transit times (some routes take 6-8 weeks, so pack essentials in your carry-on).

Making Your New Country Feel Like Home

The logistical aspects of moving overseas, while challenging, are only the beginning. Truly settling into your new environment involves cultural adaptation and community integration.

Navigate Cultural Differences With Insider Knowledge

Cultural misunderstandings can create unnecessary friction during your adjustment period. Research goes beyond understanding basic etiquette, it means recognizing fundamental differences in communication styles, business practices, and social expectations.

For example, direct communication styles valued in the U.S. might be considered rude in Japan, where indirect communication preserves harmony. Similarly, punctuality expectations vary dramatically, arriving "on time" in Germany means being 5-10 minutes early, while social gatherings in Brazil might comfortably start an hour after the stated time.

Housing Insights That Save Time and Money

Finding appropriate housing in unfamiliar markets presents unique challenges. Consider these approaches:

Arrange temporary accommodations for your first 1-2 months, allowing time to explore neighborhoods personally
Work with relocation specialists who understand expat needs rather than standard real estate agents
Research local rental or purchase processes, in some countries, like France, extensive documentation of financial stability is required even for rentals
Understand utility setup procedures, which may require local bank accounts or residency permits

One client moving to Amsterdam spent two weeks in temporary housing only to discover that the apartment they'd selected online was located in an area with difficult commutes and limited amenities. In-person neighborhood exploration would have prevented this costly mistake.

Building Your Expat Support Network

The social aspects of relocation can't be overlooked. Successful expats typically build three types of connections:

Professional networks through work, industry associations, or co-working spaces
Expat communities that understand the unique challenges of international living
Local connections that provide authentic cultural insights and language practice

Look for established organizations like InterNations, which offers newcomer events in major cities worldwide, or country-specific organizations for expats from your home country. These connections provide both practical advice and emotional support during your transition.

Language Acquisition Strategies That Work

While many expats rely on English in international settings, learning the local language dramatically enhances your experience. Rather than generic language learning apps, consider:

Immersive language programs designed specifically for your professional field
Language exchange partnerships with locals looking to practice your native language
Community classes that combine language learning with cultural activities

Even mastering basic phrases demonstrates respect for your host country and opens doors to more authentic experiences.

Planning Your International Relocation: Next Steps

Successfully relocating overseas requires expertise, preparation, and professional support. Our international movers handle every aspect of your move, from customs documentation to secure shipping and delivery coordination, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

Ready to start your international journey with confidence? Contact us today for a personalized consultation and detailed quote tailored to your destination country.