The Ultimate Guide to International Moving Made Easy

Thinking about the amount of preparation needed to move can be stressful, especially when it’s to another country or continent. Whether you’re moving by yourself or with your family, the idea of starting fresh in a new location can present even the most organised individual a few challenges. If there’s a way to make international moving easy, it requires a long list of strategies and tips to ensure the move goes as smoothly as possible.

We understand that relocating involves much more than simply packing boxes and booking flights. It requires careful consideration of various factors such as visa requirements, cultural differences, and logistics. In this moving guide, we’ll cover the different aspects involved in the moving process; from the initial requirements needed to enter a certain country all the way down to settling into your new home. 

By the end of this guide, you'll learn multiple overseas moving tips and have all the tools necessary to make your international move a success. 

What Are the Typical Visa Requirements to Travel Abroad?

Before you start packing your valuable goods, the first thing you need to confirm in your global relocation toolkit is to figure out whether the country you wish to relocate to requires a visa to enter. 

These requirements vary significantly depending on the destination, purpose of travel, and the applicant's nationality. However, for every location that requires a visa, there are several common requirements that most countries share.

Passport validity

One of the most fundamental requirements for obtaining a visa is a valid passport. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the host country. 

Once your passport passes this initial requirement, ensure that it has enough blank pages for visa stamps. If it lacks sufficient blank pages, it's best that you renew it before starting your visa application.

Application form

Every visa application process begins with filling out an application form. This form can usually be found on the website or embassy of the country you wish to visit. 

Be sure to fill out the form accurately and honestly to avoid any discrepancies that can lead to delays or denial of your visa. Some of the information you’ll have to prepare are your travel details and the purpose of your visit.

Photograph

Most visa applications require you to submit a recent photograph that must meet a specific criteria. This can range anywhere from the size of photo, background colour, and the type of upper garment you wear.

Travel itinerary

Even though your goal is to completely relocate to another country, the importance of preparing an itinerary when you travel abroad acts as evidence to the embassy of your plans once you enter their country. 

Details you’ll need to provide include but are not limited to::

• Flight booking

• Place of accommodation

•  Schedule of activities 

Proof of financial capabilities and other supporting documents

One factor in applying for a visa in a foreign country is to establish your financial stability. This can be shown through bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. Some countries may no longer cross-examine your financial capabilities while others do require that you have a specific minimum balance in your account or show a document of your proof of income.

Depending on the type of visa and the specific requirements of the destination country, you may need to submit additional supporting documents. These could range from marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of property ownership, or letters of intent. 

Employment or study verification

For work or study visas, you’ll need to provide evidence of your employment or enrollment in an educational institution. If you’re relocating for work, international moving essentials include a job offer letter, an employment contract, and sometimes an official letter from your employer explaining why your presence is necessary.  

For student visas, documents you’ll need to show can range from an acceptance letter from the school, proof of tuition payment, or even a detailed study plan.

Health and medical certificate

Another requirement that most countries require is a medical certificate to ensure you (or your pet) are free from contagious diseases and are healthy to travel. You may need to provide a health certificate from a certified physician, vaccination records, or undergo a specific medical check-up. 

* Some countries also require health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

Police clearance certificate

The basic use of showing a police clearance certificate in your visa application is to ensure that you have no criminal record or to review one’s criminal history. This document should be secured from a station in proximity to where you've lived in for at least 6 to 12 months and must not be expired. Most police clearance certificates are only valid from three to six months.  

Navigating the visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, but understanding the common requirements can significantly ease the burden. Always check the specific requirements of the country you are applying to for a comprehensive list of necessary documents.

With thorough preparation and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of obtaining a Visa and be one step closer to achieving an international move made easy. 

Global Mobility Best Practices for a Stress-Free Move Abroad

If it’s your first time relocating and have no idea how to get started, don’t worry. To ensure your move is smooth, this portion of our expat survival guide will walk you through several transnational relocation tactics that guarantees to make international moving made easy.

Start the process early

One of the most important tips for a smooth relocation is to start the process early. This gives you enough time to sort through your belongings, decide what to take, and tackle any issues that may arise before it’s too late. Packing with limited time can lead to stress and valuable items getting left behind. 

Have a checklist

Before you officially start packing, create a checklist to guarantee necessary items are packed and each room is thoroughly examined. Categorise your checklist by room type and set a timeline so that you’ll stay on track and the process becomes more organised.

You can even create a checklist of items you need to have so that you can pack in one go and ensure your items are well-protected. Some necessary items to include in your checklist before packing include packing tape, boxes, bubble wrap, and markers. 

Research your destination

Before packing, research your destination to understand what you can and cannot bring. Countries will have different regulations regarding prohibited items, customs duties, and import restrictions. This makes the process of intercontinental relocation insights vital since you’ll have a better understanding of the place you’ll be moving into. Furthermore, consider the climate, culture, and cost of living of your new home. 

For example, if you're moving to a tropical country, there should be no reason why you should still pack your winter wardrobe. By doing your research ahead of time, it lets you pack more efficiently and avoid a serious case of culture shock once you finally move.

Prioritise the essentials

This is one of the biggest expatriation planning tips around yet some still forget to do them or fail to do it efficiently. Now that you’ve officially started packing, be sure to start by packing the necessary items first. Have a separate folder or box for important documents or fragile appliances, and be sure to update your address and schedule the transfer of utility costs roughly 1 day after you move out.

Label everything

An important step in your overseas resettlement roadmap is to label each box right after packing. This will make unpacking much easier and help you find specific items quickly. 

While it’s hard to list every item found inside the box, keeping an inventory list to track everything you've packed can be useful, especially if you need to file a claim for lost or damaged items.

Hire a professional moving company

The best and most efficient way to ensure that your move goes without a hitch is to hire removalists with international moving mastery. They will take care of loading and unloading your items so that you avoid any injury. Secure all necessary documents and insurance to ensure none of your items get stuck at customs. However, the best removalists will even provide packing materials and offer to help pack the items for you. 

For experienced international moving services in Australia, Chess Moving can solve all of your unique needs, whether it's the handling of sea or air freight, or international customs management.

Have a plan when you arrive at your new home

Before arriving at your new home, have a plan for what you should do once you get there. Is it to schedule utility connections or assemble furniture? If the home is ready for occupancy, plan ahead which items to unpack first. 

As a rule of thumb when unpacking, start by making a checklist and open the essentials box. From there, gradually unpack items needed for each room. Having a plan will make the unpacking process more manageable and will help you settle into your new home more quickly.

The international relocation strategies mentioned above can make the move to a different location much easier. By starting the process early and hiring professional movers, it lets you focus on other matters and be more prepared once the move happens instead of stressing about minor details.

Why Moving Specialists Are the Ultimate Cross-Border Moving Solutions

Let’s be real, the last thing anyone wants while they’re in the middle of planning their relocation is for things to go awry. From dealing with customs regulations to safely transporting your belongings, the process can be overwhelming.

While we’ve already given a few reasons why moving specialists are considered global relocation guides for expats, the wide range of services they provide will give you more reasons to consider why you need them to help with your move across a different country.

Expert knowledge and experience

International moving specialists possess expert knowledge and extensive experience in handling all aspects of international relocations. 

This involves familiarity with intricacies of customs regulations, import/export restrictions, and documentation requirements specific to different countries. As you may already know, each country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding what can be brought in and how items should be declared. A moving specialist can guide you through the customs clearance process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time

Items are properly packed and transported

International moves involve long distances and various modes of transportation, increasing the risk of damage to your belongings. The benefits of hiring a moving specialist is that they use high-quality packing materials and techniques to ensure that your items are securely packed and protected.

Insurance

While professional moving companies take every precaution to protect your belongings, accidents can still happen. Reputable moving specialists offer comprehensive insurance coverage options to safeguard your possessions during the move and provide peace of mind knowing that you are financially protected against potential loss or damage.

Personalised services

Moving specialists offer personalised services tailored to your unique needs. Whether you require temporary storage, pet relocation, vehicle shipping, or assistance with office relocation, a specialist like Chess Moving can provide customised solutions to meet your specific requirements. 

Language barriers

Say you’re moving to a country that speaks a different language, this leaves you susceptible to miscommunication which can cause delays or added costs in your relocation. Professional movers, on the other hand, have connections and partners in different parts of the globe that can assist with paperwork and other language-related challenges so that you won’t get scammed once you move to your new location. 

Hiring a moving specialist for your international move is considered transcontinental moving advice that every future expat needs to leverage. Their ability to handle every aspect of your move from start to finish can help you save time and lets you focus more on getting accustomed to a new chapter in your life.  

With more than 100 years of experience helping families and businesses relocate from Australia to different parts of the globe, Chess Moving has the resources and services needed to meet your every need. Get a quote today by visiting our contact us page.