Moving Overseas and Abroad

Gearing up for an international move? Whether to study, work, or simply enjoy life and experience other cultures, there are many reasons to move abroad. Moving overseas and/or abroad is a fantastic way to experience a different way of life. While this is an exciting move, it often involves a different level of planning and preparation. You have to figure out everything from where you will live to how you will make money.

From learning new languages to applying for visas, we know that relocating abroad comes with unique challenges. Fortunately, we’re here to help you check off one of those important to-dos: figuring out how to move your belongings to a new country.

Questions to ask yourself before moving your belongings to another country
Asking yourself a few questions before you move overseas will help determine the scale of your relocation and the best way to move.

Where will you live?
When it comes to moving abroad, the world is truly your oyster. There are plenty of countries that are excellent places to live. The best international city for you will depend on your needs and circumstances. Here are several considerations to make when deciding where to live.

Consider if you want to live in a country where English is the primary language. If so, this narrows down your choices considerably.
Consider each country’s cost of living and your budget.
Consider each country’s culture and whether it’s a fit for what you want.
Consider the country’s job opportunities.
Consider the country’s safety concerns.
Consider the expat population and community for newcomers.
Consider the weather and lifestyle.

Can you afford an overseas move?
Moving is expensive. Moving overseas can get even more expensive. From hiring international movers to securing a new place and obtaining insurance, an international move will be pricey. Make sure that you have the moving cost budgeted. Save up three to six months of income so that you have some wiggle-room as you look for work. You’ll also have to obtain any necessary documentation and maybe even learn a new language.

How will you move your belongings to another country?
There are options like moving them by sea, air or land. In our Moving Abroad Checklist — International Moving Planner, we recommend that you start looking for an international moving company as far ahead as three months and book at least two months in advance. That way, the movers can assess your needs, learn your preferences, and help you figure out what’s best for your budget and time frame.

Moving to another country via sea freight
The most common and cost-efficient way to transport household belongings to a new country is by shipping via sea freight. The costs associated with sea freight movement typically include container hire and transport fees. They can vary widely depending on the weight and size of your belongings.

An international moving company will arrange to send a container to your home to do this. Once the container is loaded, a truck will pick it up and transport the container to the port. Most international moving companies offer door-to-door and door-to-port services. An agent helps manage the move to make sure your container is on the right carrier and that all customs clearance documents are completed and submitted.

When moving items via sea freight, you have two shipment options: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). The decision often comes down to the amount of stuff being moved. If you think you’ll need a full container to fit your belongings, you’ll likely choose the FCL option. If you’re not moving an overwhelming number of items, opting for an LCL makes sense. With an LCL, you’ll be sharing the container with others.