Ultimate Guide to Stress Free International Moves

Uprooting your life and moving it across the globe can be a huge source of stress. There is so much to consider, from the visas and documentation for importing your belongings to actually setting up your life abroad. Challenges can arise from all angles, becoming tenfold when you add children, pets, and vehicles into the mix.

Bishop’s Move was established over 170+ years ago, so our experience with all things removals is unparalleled. As for international moves, we’ve done it all, from the UK to France, Romania, Hong Kong and more. Whether you’re moving for better opportunities in another country, a higher quality of life, or a job opportunity, an international move involves endless hoops to jump through. But don’t worry, because Bishop’s Move has been setting the removals bar for over 170+ years, and moving expert Grant Bishop, is here to share our biggest secrets for your move abroad. 

“Moving internationally can feel like an overwhelming and often impossible task, but with the right planning and the correct support, any move can be a success.” – Grant Bishop, General Manager, International at Bishop’s Move.

1. Where and When To Start

The first step is often the most daunting, especially when you don’t know when or where to begin. The fact that you’re here reading this suggests that you’re already on the right track, beginning to research the process, destination, and steps in between. 

“The general rule is the earlier that you start planning, the fewer barriers you’ll encounter and the more options you’ll have at every step.” 

1.1. When To Start Preparing

Put simply, timelines can vary depending on your circumstances. If you are moving for work and on a tight schedule, then this may be out of your hands. However, if you have a little more control, we’d recommend at least 6 months of preparation before you’re settled abroad, but 12 months allows for even more research and a smoother process. This should be ample time to account for:

• Visa and immigration process
• Finding jobs and schools abroad
• Shipping lead times (typically 4-12 weeks)
• Customs documentation

“Starting early is key. We often see stress creeping in when clients leave things too late. It’s not all just about packing; it’s about taking the time to get your documentation right and waiting for your belongings to arrive.” 

1.2. Researching Your Destination Country 

Every country has its own set of regulations, so it’s important to understand the basics before starting to gather documents or signing on the dotted line. Here are the things to be aware of:

• Customs regulations: Countries will often prohibit certain objects from entering the country, i.e. alcohol, some foods, wood, etc.
• Quarantine policies: Important to consider if you’re moving with pets.
• Import taxes or duties: Don’t get blindsided by hidden costs when your goods are entering the country.
• Cultural considerations: Consider the destination country’s culture, whether there are any customs you should be aware of upon arrival, and whether the way of life there will suit you and your family.

1.3. Your First Steps for an International Move

2. Selecting a Removals Company

Partnering with the right company while going through this stressful process is no small decision. These are the people who will be your helping hand, handling your belongings, and ensuring a smooth process overall. 

• – Research your destination country’s immigration and customs requirements.
• – Set an idea of a budget for your move.
• – Select your chosen international moving company.
• – Begin the decluttering process.
• – Begin gathering documents like passports, visa paperwork, insurance and more.

2.1. What To Look For

You need a company with the experience, expertise and credentials. These things should be non-negotiables:

• Experience with international moving: They need the specialist knowledge that long-distance moving requires.
• Accreditations & certifications: FIDI (Federation of International Furniture Movers) and BAR (British Association of Removers) certifications are key indicators that the company adheres to high industry standards.
• Insurance offering: No matter the planning, risk is always involved in an international move; therefore, insurance is key.

“Bishop’s Move is proud to offer a quality service, which is why we are proud members of BAR. This is a key indicator that your move will be in safe hands with us here.” 

2.2. Questions To Ask Your Moving Company

In the early stages, here are a few questions to ask your moving company.

• What services are included in my quote?
• How does the company handle customs requirements?
• Do you offer tracking services for shipped belongings?
• What is the expected transit time for my belongings?

At the end of the day, the ease of your international move is crucial to your quality of life in your destination country, so it deserves a quality moving partner. Learn more about Bishop’s Move and why to choose us.

3. Packing For An Overseas Move

When it’s time to start packing, it’s important to have a clear strategy. Haphazardly throwing items into boxes will result in confusion and potential damage further down the line. Here’s a little structure to your packing for moving abroad. 

3.1. Decluttering

Your first step before any move is to declutter your home. There is no point moving objects that you no longer need across the globe. This will save you time, money and space! You need to be ruthless here, weigh every item’s value against the cost of shipping it overseas.

• Room by room: Sort through room by room in your home and decide which belongings you no longer need.
• Sell, donate, recycle: Sort your items into 3 distinct piles.

3.2. What To Pack

Now you’ve trimmed down your belongings, it’s time to decide what to ship to your destination. It might seem like you’ve got to fit a whole home’s worth of belongings into one shipment, but this often isn’t the case. Here is where your priorities should lie when considering packing.

• Essentials First: In the first few weeks, you’ll want your essentials. Anything you cannot live without should be your first priority. Consider packing anything you need immediate access to in a bag you keep on your person.
• High-Value Items: Anything you need special care for, including electronics, artwork, antiques, and musical instruments.

Our essential packing list for moving abroad is a great resource if you’re stuck.

“When it comes to high-value or sentimental items, we highly recommend investing in specialist packing. We have a range of custom packaging for everything from antique furniture to fragile artwork,” explains Grant Bishop.

3.3. Shipping Options

There may be more shipping methods than you might have imagined. Your timeline, budgets, and the amount of belongings you have will influence the option you choose. You are often presented with either sea freight or air freight. Let’s break it down.

• Sea Freight: This is a cost-effective but slower way to move your belongings across the globe, with estimated times being between 6 and 12 weeks. Typically, household shipments are delivered via this method if you’re not in a rush.
• Air Freight: If speed is key, air freight offers fast but more expensive transport. This is good for a few items in a shorter time frame.

“If you’ve got a large household shipment, sea freight is your best bet, while air freight is the better option for high-value items or your essentials. We can help to organise the right combination for you and your move abroad.”

3.4. Customs Regulations On Household Shipments

Another thing to be aware of is what is permitted to enter your destination country via shipment. This should be a part of your earlier research, but there are certain categories to be aware of.

• Alcohol, food, and plants may be prohibited in certain countries.
• Weapons or certain chemicals may also be restricted.
• Personal items may require a detailed inventory to prove their non-commercial nature.

“Our final tip for packing for any move, international or otherwise, is to pack for ease of unpacking. Think about what you’ll need first, like your kettle, essential documents, and even a phone charger!” 

4. Moving With Children, Pets, and Other Special Items

Moving internationally with children, pets, and special items adds an additional layer of complexity to the process, but with the right planning and approach, it can still be stress-free. Let’s go through some of our tips for seamless moves with extenuating circumstances.

4.1. Moving With Little Ones

Children may have a harder time with the idea of moving, especially if they are young or have strong ties to their home country. To ease the transition:

• Start Conversations Early: Where possible, it’s important to give children time to process the idea of moving abroad, letting them express their worries and anxieties.
• Get Them Involved: Rather than telling them what to do, offer kids choices, such as how to decorate their rooms or which toys to bring with them, to let them feel involved in the move.
• Pack Familiar Items Close: Travel bags can include familiar items such as favourite toys, blankets, and anything else that can provide comfort in the stressful transit.
• Education Research: It’s crucial for kids, no matter the age, to continue their education abroad. This should form an important part of your location decision to ensure that school transfers are handled with care.

4.2. Moving With Pets

When furry friends are involved, there’s a lot more to consider. Not only should you plan for their comfort, but also ensure that they are correctly documented and with the right vaccinations for your destination country. It’s also important to consider any quarantine time that may be needed before you can move them into your new home.

Top Tip: You can ease the experience for your pet by ensuring they are comfortable with the crate they will move in. You can have them in and around the crate for weeks before they are transported in it.

4.3. Moving With Specialist Items

Some items are just too special to part with. When these are especially fragile, expensive, or of high value to you, they might need a little more planning around their transport. Consider the following for these specialist items during your international move:

• Packing For Fragile Items: Paintings, sculptures, and antiques may require more specialist packing. Movers like Bishop’s Move offer custom crating, padding and other coverings to ensure they are as safe and secure as possible during the move.
• Insuring High-Value Items: While we can prepare for everything, accidents happen during moves. Ensure that all your irreplaceable or high-value belongings have adequate insurance coverage before moving.
• Vehicles: Transporting vehicles can be a whole new kettle of fish. That’s why you should choose a professional vehicle moving company to handle it.

5. Settling Into Your Overseas Home

The move is not over once your plane wheels touch down. There is much still to do to ensure a successful transition to your overseas destination, from setting up your new home to getting settled in the local community. Our top tips are below!

5.1. Checklist For Your First Week Abroad

It can be useful to have a bit of a checklist for what you are aiming to achieve upon arrival. Here are a few essentials to have sorted in the first few weeks:

• Register With Local Authorities: For your visa and for medical and financial benefits in your new home country, it’s important to register with local authorities to make your first few weeks easier.
• Utilities: Ensure that bills are set up correctly with your new property, including water, electricity and gas, and WiFi if required.
• Change of Address: Make sure any financial and medical records are updated with your new address.
• Finances: Access to your funds is as important now as ever. It may be essential to register with a local bank to receive wages should you have a job immediately, so overseas finance is a key aspect to nail quickly.

5.2. Unpacking & Settling In

Your shipment has arrived and you’re surrounded by boxes: What now?! Don’t panic, unpacking can be methodical and calm if you follow a plan. Consider our concierge services for ultimate peace of mind upon arrival – here’s where to start:

• Starting with Essentials: Just like packing, unpacking should start with everything you need immediately. Don’t bother digging out your TV if you haven’t yet found your kettle for a cup of tea!
• Assembling Furniture: Consider enlisting the help of your moving company to assemble furniture to get you settled even quicker.
• Meet Your Locals: Take some time out of unpacking to explore what’s on your doorstep if you can. Check out your local shops, parks, and restaurants, as this is where you’ll be spending your time now!

“Don’t rush the process. Take your time to adjust and remember that settling into a new country is a gradual experience. We’re here to support you at every step,” concludes Grant Bishop.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Moving

What can’t I ship internationally?

Every country has different customs regulations, but there are some common items that are generally prohibited or restricted when moving internationally. These include plant matter, alcohol, dangerous goods, and weapons.

How long will my belongings take to arrive?

The time it takes for your belongings to arrive depends on the mode of transport and the destination country. Sea freight is estimated to take between 6 and 12 weeks, whereas air freight can be as quick as 1-2 weeks. Customs clearance times can vary from country to country, too, so it’s important to be as thorough as possible on inventories and customs documentation to minimise delays.

Do I need to pack my own belongings?

If moving with Bishop’s Move, we offer bespoke moving packages, but when moving abroad, it’s highly recommended to allow our professionally trained teams to export-pack your items. This is most important when transporting fragile or high-value items.

What happens if something gets damaged during the move?

Most companies will explain and guide you through the claims process if the worst is to happen. In any case, keeping a record of the condition of your high-value items prior to moving is a good idea to assist with any insurance claims further down the line.