Moving to a new country is exciting, but the process might be daunting. You have all these loose ends to tie up in your current country, and also the stress of figuring out how to get your belongings to the new country while navigating through tons of bureaucracy and the never-ending unexpected problems. The good news is, the actual moving part can be handled quite easily: hire a mover who is an expert at international moving – someone like Nellions. We’ll make the process a whole lot easier, but even with our involvement, there are a few other things you should pay attention to:
- Decide what you will be carrying
Are you moving temporarily or is it permanent? If it’s a temporary stay abroad, you will need to decide on what’s necessary to carry with you, and what you can leave behind. From there, arrange to put the items you’re leaving in storage with a secure and reliable company. Good international moving companies do have storage facilities. Maybe you’re relocating from Kenya forever, and you won’t be needing to carry some items. In that case, you might consider holding a yard sale as early as possible.
- Research items you cannot move
Different countries have different laws, so brush up on what is okay in your current country but illegal/frowned-upon in the new country. These can include:
- Firearms
- Tobacco products/liquor
- Controlled substances/prescription medication
- Foodstuff
- Pornographic material
- Colored printers are not allowed in some countries like Egypt.
For best preparation, contact your new country’s embassy and ask for a list of prohibited items in the country, and also inquire about regulation pertaining to controversial subjects, and any cultural differences to note. Your move consultant should be also able to guide you. Take this step early so you can organize the disposal of any prohibited items that you need to offload in good time.
- Get your paperwork in order
It starts with ensuring that your passport and Visa are valid. What documentation do you require to get your goods across the border and through customs? Can you use your driving license from the old country in your new country? Your move will guide you regarding the documentation required for import/export to the best of our ability, but you will also need to do some extra research regarding the formalities required for day-to-day life in the new country.
- Cancel your local subscriptions that you will no longer be using
Make a list of all the regular monthly activities that you currently use, and decide which you will no longer be using. Start with the entities that send you regular correspondence, your gym membership, and the newspaper subscription. Are you awaiting any deliveries from online purchases? Is Netflix available where you are going?
It might take some time to do all these activities, so start as early as possible.
- Get your finances in order
Moving always comes with unexpected expenses (even more so where air travel is involved), so you need to dedicate a healthy kitty for this purpose. Apart from the actual move, it is prudent to ensure that your new house will be available for your occupancy when you get there, and that all your financial obligations in regards to housing are settled. Arrange with your bank to close any accounts you won’t be using – or at least make them dormant – in order to reduce the risk of fraud.
It is also wise to consult an accountant who can advise you on the fiscal implications of your move – how living in the new country will impact your finances, and any changes you can make early for your benefit.
Are you moving abroad or relocating to Kenya? Talk to us at Nellions and we will work diligently to ensure your move runs as smoothly as possible.
