Okay, so the summer really is over and most of us have had our holiday in the sun for the year. How many times do we say: ‘Wouldn’t it be lovely to live somewhere sunny all year round?’
If you are toying with the idea of moving abroad, we’ve put our heads together and with our 30 years’ experience of international removals have come up with seven top tips, covering the essential things to consider before taking the plunge and moving abroad.
It goes without saying that culture and way of life varies greatly throughout the globe. What is it you want from your new home overseas? Which countries will offer the best return for your budget? Make a list of all the reasons you want to move and work through them to determine which destination will be best suited to you. Then read as many blogs and watch as many TV shows about moving to that country as you can find. Maybe join a forum for people who have moved to your chosen destination and ask questions from people who have been there and done it.
It has been said that moving home can be one of life’s most stressful events. Therefore, it makes sense to assume that moving your worldly belongings over sea or air – could be potentially even more stressful!
To avoid this anxiety, you need to find a professional, experienced international removals company. Don’t just look for one firm, get quotes from at least three companies and ask for recommendations from people you trust who have gone through the experience of moving overseas.
The best global removals companies should be able to help you organise all the paperwork for customs clearance which can be a minefield, as there are different requirements depending upon the country you are moving to. Also, the process can be slow and there may be unexpected charges for services such as cleaning, inspection and quarantine. If this sounds a bit overwhelming, why not use an international removals company that has successfully helped people move abroad time and time again. It’s one less worry for you and can save you from delays or additional costs.
Packing must be done meticulously for moving internationally. Using quality packing materials and getting the technique just right is even more important for an international move to ensure your possessions arrive in your new home in the same condition that they left your previous abode. If you want to minimise the hassle of moving abroad, consider professional packing and ensure your belongings are handled with the utmost care by experts. At Andrew Porter Limited we have a dedicated training facility at our headquarters which allows our staff to be trained to the highest standards of moving and packing.
There are additional factors to ponder when moving abroad that may not even be a consideration when moving home within the UK. Whether you are taking advice from professionals or you have decided to do all the paperwork yourself, be aware that regulations regarding transporting vehicles, restrictions on alcohol, food stuffs and plants, and moving pets vary from country to country. Don’t make assumptions, check the requirements for the location you are moving to avoid disappointment.
For items that you cannot take with you when moving abroad, but you can’t bear to part with, your chosen international removal company should be able to offer a range of storage options, so you can keep your belongings until you require them again. Many ex-pats store their treasured belongings with us, including cars, family heirloom furniture and priceless collections.
When you are moving overseas, we would advise that removal insurance is essential. It gives you complete reassurance and peace of mind.
So if you’re thinking of moving to New Zealand or New York, Cape Town or Canada - we have the expertise to help your move go smoothly from the UK to any country worldwide. For a quote on international home removals call us on 0800 389 1222.
