Relocating abroad is a life changing decision that can be stressful, especially when you have to ship your belongings and personal effects. Apart from the possibility of risks attached to moving your belongings overseas, the process can also be expensive compared to the cost of money involved in replacing them.
However, here are five tips for shipping your belongings when moving abroad that will make the process easier.
1. Downsize
As mentioned above, shipping your belongings when moving abroad can be very costly. Therefore, you should properly arrange your belongings and determine those that are more important to you.
First, you need to consider the valuable belongings by keeping in mind that you cannot relocate abroad with everything that you own. You may have to do away with some of your belongings. Downsizing can save you a large amount of money. You easily sell those stuff that you may not need and buy new ones once you arrive abroad.
Giving unnecessary belongings to charity or leaving them with your relatives will also help you to downsize.
2. Choose Shipping Company
Before you move, you have to put into consideration how you will transport your property abroad. Transporting them via the sea is the best shipping option if you are taking lots of belongings with you. Supposing you want your belongings to be transported quickly, you may consider arranging for them to be shipped by air freight. Choose a trusted freight forwarder who is reliable to deliver your belongings safely.
Remember that the best way to choose a shipping company is by comparing the international moving companies. Do this by visiting three or four different international moving companies and compare their cost and services. You are advised to ask for everything in writing to make sure that everything is in order and that there are no hidden or surprise charges.
With the right service and price comparison, you’ll certainly find the perfect international moving company that suits your time frame and budget. Dont forget to check threemovers.com to get the best and affordable service.
3. Packing
Make sure you pack separately the essential items that you may want to use within the first couple of weeks. Hired movers are better skilled at safely packing of items for long-distance moves. Therefore, if you hire movers, consider asking them if they offer packing services.
Remember that most of the movers may not accept the responsibility for damaged goods that they didn’t pack. Make sure you pack light to avoid possible accidents. Also, never use boxes that were previously used to store food items.
4. Insurance
The transportation of your belongings if you are moving abroad can involve a lot of variables. For example, your goods may be mishandled by customs or other unpredictable events can cause loss or damage to your goods.
Since most movers provide various insurance packages, you should, therefore, analyze keenly which covers you best. In case your moving company doesn’t offer insurance, you should consider purchasing from a different moving company.
5. Customs
It is better to understand that most countries have different rules and regulations concerning customs. Supposing you have materials that are perishable, corrosive, flammable, or hazardous, you may need to explain yourself to customs before shipping.
You should avoid transporting alcohol or food products. A professional international moving service will ensure they walk you through every item that is allowed into the new country which you are relocating to.
The Takeaway!
Shipping your belongings when moving abroad may not be an easy task, and you may have a lot of things to put into consideration. Try to minimize the struggle by starting to plan ahead, like several weeks before the relocating date. Also, you may want to prepare your family psychologically and physically to relocate abroad permanently if you are moving as a family.
Article Submitted By Community Writer