Checklist 2 - Prepare for Moving Abroad

Prepare for Moving Abroad

Inventory Household Goods and Personal Belongings

This is an essential step prior to hiring an international moving company. Moving is expensive so a little advance planning may save you a bundle. Determine what you want to move, what you want to sell and what you want to give away or donate to a charity. You also should think about where you will be moving. What is the climate like? Consumer electronics do not last long in humid tropical conditions. What electrical standards are used? Will your appliances work? Ask yourself if it would be cheaper to buy new furniture, a car or other personal belongings in your new city instead of spending money on moving these items thousands of miles. You also will need a detailed valued inventory list for all the possessions you insure and ship to your new location.

Hire an International Moving Company

Once the inventory list of the items you would like to move have been valued and recorded, start your search for a reputable international moving company you can trust. Our articles Find an International Moving Company, Work With Your International Moving Company and Insuring Your International Move will give you all the details, but here are a few highlights.

1. Start by checking the FIDI Global Alliance Web site for accredited international moving companies that serve your new country
2. Check expat chat groups and forums in your destination country
3. Check Better Business Bureau ratings
4. Make sure the moving companies are ISO 9002 certified, an international quality standard
5. Strongly consider companies such as the Crown Worldwide Group that have owned operations and experience in all regions of the world or those that are specialists in specific regions
6. Select three companies (with references) to contact and arrange for them to do a visual inspection of your home before a bid is prepared
7. Once selected, your new moving partner should handle all the forms and details to get you where you want to go