Whether you’re moving for work, family, or adventure, relocating your entire home to another country is a life-changing event. It’s not just about packing boxes; it’s about embracing a new lifestyle. Getamover.co.uk, with years of international moving experience, can guide you through the process, making it smoother than you ever imagined.
Step 1: Assess What You Need to Move
The first and most important decision when moving home internationally is figuring out what to take with you. Moving an entire household can be expensive, so it’s crucial to be selective about which items are worth the cost of shipping.
If you’re considering leaving larger items behind to avoid the high costs or logistical difficulties of international shipping, there’s a great option for expats— Homelike. Instead of dealing with the hassle and cost of shipping furniture and appliances, Homelike offers fully furnished apartments in Europe, complete with modern amenities. This option allows you to settle in comfortably from day one without worrying about transporting bulky items. It’s a practical solution for expats who want to focus on their new life abroad rather than the logistics of moving.
That said, if you do plan to bring some items with you, there are a few important questions to ask yourself:
- Is my furniture compatible with the new home? Consider the size, space, and style of your future home. For instance, some European homes may have smaller rooms, so your oversized sofa might not fit.
- What about electrical appliances? Different countries use different voltage standards and plug types. Shipping large appliances (like refrigerators or washing machines) may not make sense if they won’t work in your new country.
- Can I buy these items abroad? Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to buy new furniture or appliances when you arrive rather than paying for international shipping.
Still unsure? A professional moving company can help you create a detailed inventory of your household items. This list is crucial for packing, insurance, and customs declarations.
Pro Tip: Selling or donating items you no longer need will reduce the size of your move, saving you money. Consider listing valuable items online well in advance to get the best price and avoid last-minute stress.
Step 2: Plan Your International Shipping Method
Once you know what you’re taking, the next step is figuring out how to get everything there. For moving an entire household, there are two main shipping options:
Shipping Method | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Sea Freight | Affordable | 4-8 weeks | Moving large quantities (entire homes) |
Air Freight | Expensive | 1-2 weeks | Essential items or time-sensitive shipments |
Most full-home moves use sea freight, as it’s the most cost-effective option for large shipments. However, it can take several weeks for your belongings to arrive, depending on the distance and customs clearance in your new country.
Pro Tip: Consider booking temporary furnished accommodation from providers like Homelike while you wait for your shipments or finalise your housing. This ensures you have a comfortable place with all the essentials, giving you time to explore the city and find the perfect home.
Step 3: Understand Customs and Import Regulations
Understanding the customs and regulations of your destination country is critical and often complicated. Each country has different rules, and failing to comply can result in delays, unexpected fees, or even confiscation of items.
Key Documents You’ll Need:
- Detailed Inventory: A list of everything you’re moving, including descriptions, quantities, and values.
- Proof of Ownership: Some countries may ask for proof that certain items belong to you, especially high-value goods such as jewelry and other luxury items.
- Personal Identification: Passport, visa, and proof of residency documents.
- Shipping Documents: Bills of lading and shipping labels from your moving company.
Customs Duties and Import Taxes:
Depending on the type and value of the items you’re importing, customs authorities may charge duties or taxes. Here’s what to expect:
Item Type | Possible Import Tax | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|
Electronics | High (especially luxury) | Check voltage compatibility |
Furniture | Moderate | Untreated wood may require special permits |
Automobiles | High (luxury tax) | Some countries have strict emissions standards |
Art/Antiques | Varies (cultural laws) | May require proof of authenticity |
Each country has its own list of restricted or prohibited items, such as firearms, large quantities of alcohol, and even certain plants.
Pro Tip: Hiring a customs broker can save you time and stress by ensuring that your belongings meet all the customs regulations in your destination country, preventing delays, additional fees, or potential confiscation of items.
Step 4: Secure International Moving Insurance
Moving your home to another country involves multiple risks—items can be lost, damaged, or delayed. This is why comprehensive moving insurance is crucial.
Types of Coverage:
- Basic liability: This is often included in the shipping cost, but it typically covers only a small portion of the item’s value (e.g., per pound).
- Full replacement value: This policy reimburses you for the full value of lost or damaged items, which is essential for expensive or irreplaceable belongings like furniture and electronics.
Underinsuring may result in inadequate compensation for damage or loss. You can consider getting third-party insurance that covers the entire journey, from packing to delivery. To find the best coverage, compare prices and services from different moving companies, like those available on Getamover.co.uk, and choose the one that fits your needs.
Step 5: Packing Your Home for an International Move
When preparing for an international move, packing your belongings properly is crucial to ensuring they arrive safely. Below are some best practices for packing, as well as an overview of the different packing services available, so you can choose the option that works best for your needs.
Keep in mind that most relocation companies offer packing and packing materials as part of their service. In fact, it’s generally imperative for the relocation company to pack your things to fast-track the customs process at your destination. If customs know the items were self-packed, it can often lead to delays in clearing your goods.
Best Practices for Packing:
- Use high-quality packing materials: Sturdy boxes, reinforced tape, and plenty of padding are essential. Fragile items like glassware should be packed in double-walled boxes.
- Disassemble furniture: Large furniture pieces should be taken apart to minimize damage. Label screws, bolts, and small parts in clearly marked bags.
- Label everything: Clearly label boxes with their contents and destination rooms. A color-coded system can make unpacking easier.
Packing Service | What’s Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Self-Packing | You handle packing, movers transport | Cost-saving but time-consuming |
Partial Packing | Movers pack only fragile or valuable items | Ideal if you prefer to pack general items yourself |
Full-Service Packing | Movers pack your entire home | Best for ensuring proper packing for long-distance moves |
To avoid the hassle of packing and waiting for shipments, Homelike provides furnished apartments for expats wanting to find their feet in their new country that are easy to move into. These fully equipped spaces allow you to settle in comfortably while waiting for your belongings, giving you time to focus on other aspects of your move.
Step 6: Delivery and Setting Up Your New Home
Once your belongings arrive at your new destination, the final leg of the journey begins—delivering and setting up your home.
Steps to Take:
- Inspect your items: As soon as your goods arrive, inspect everything for damage. Report any issues to your insurance provider immediately.
- Book cleaning services: Before your delivery day, book deep cleaning services for your move. This will allow them to clean hard-to-reach areas that may be difficult to access once the furniture arrives.
- Arrange for unpacking services: Some moving companies offer unpacking services, which can be helpful when you’re settling into a new country.
Keep a list of essential items to unpack first—like kitchenware, bedding, and bathroom essentials. Prioritize getting those sorted so you can start living in your new home while the rest follows.
Final Thoughts
Moving your entire home to another country involves more than just shipping boxes. It’s about planning each step meticulously, from evaluating what to bring to understanding customs laws and ensuring your belongings are protected along the way. And hey, if you manage to get through it all without losing a single sock, consider yourself a moving legend!
About Getamover.co.uk
Getamover.co.uk, a leading brand under the Skydreams umbrella, has been a trusted name in the moving industry for over 15 years. We specialize in connecting homeowners with top-rated moving companies, ensuring a safe, reliable, and efficient transition into their new homes. Our platform simplifies the moving process by offering quick access to expert movers, enabling homeowners to easily compare prices and services from hundreds of companies, and making the search for the perfect moving company seamless and stress-free.
