Moving to a new country, whether for work, education, or simply for adventure, can be an exciting chapter, but the process can also get tedious and overwhelming. Some key tasks involved with international moving include securing new passports and visas, filing official documents, disposing of your old home, transportation, and customs clearance.
Hiring a reputable international mover like Nellions can help ease the stress of your big move overseas. However, even with our involvement, here are a few things you should pay attention to before your move to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Decide the Items You Will be Carrying Abroad
Depending on whether you’re moving temporarily or permanently, you might rent a secure storage unit from your international moving company to put away some items you won’t be carrying with you overseas. If you’ll be renting out your house with a few items and furnishings, ensure you prepare an inventory list of each of them.
2. Found Out Which Items You Can’t Import into the Destination Country
Different countries have different regulations and restrictions on what you can import. Some commonly prohibited items include:
- Firearms
- Controlled substances/prescription medications
- Tobacco products
- Liquor
- Plant and animal products
- Pornographic material
- Colored printers are not allowed in some countries like Egypt
For best preparation, it’s advisable to contact your new country’s embassy or find out on their website a list of prohibited items in the country, and inquire about regulations pertaining to controversial subjects, and any cultural differences to note.
Your international moving consultant may also guide you on special exceptions and eligibility requirements to import certain restricted items. Take this step early so you can organize the disposal of any prohibited items that you need to offload in good time.
3. Get All Your Paperwork in Order
Gather all your documents from your passport, visa, and all documents for customs clearance. You might need documents such as academic transcripts and certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and driving licenses notarized so that you can use them legally in the destination country.
Your mover, who will act as your customs clearance agent, will guide you on the required customs documentation and guidelines, but it’s advisable to research further to understand the formalities required for day-to-day life in the new country.
4. Cancel Utilities and Local Subscriptions You No Longer Need
To help prevent unwanted charges, you might consider making a list of monthly subscriptions and deciding which ones you will be no longer using. Some subscriptions you could cancel include gym membership, newspaper subscription, Netflix, and any pending online purchase.
Inform your utility providers (water, electricity, and WI-FI) 30 days prior to your move overseas that you will need to cancel or transfer their services 1-2 days before you leave home.
5. Get Your Finances in Order before International Moving
Moving abroad usually involves hidden costs such as utility setup or transfer fees, storage fees due to scheduling delays, packing supplies, and temporary accommodation. Besides the actual move, you may want to prepare your house for sale or rent and will need to settle any related financial obligations.
Liaise with your bank or accountant and close out any accounts you won’t be using to minimize the risk of fraud.
6. Storing Your Belongings
You will make a cleaner break if you host a garage sale to get rid of most things you won’t need in the new country. Besides, shopping locally can be an exciting cultural activity, and you could even find relatively affordable custom items to buy.
You can rent a secure storage facility to keep whatever is left. Depending on the nature of items you intend to store, you could get a climate-controlled unit.
Nellions Moving and Relocations: Your Reputable International Moving Partner
Recognizing the unique challenges most Kenyans face during international moving, Nellions brings 12 years of industry experience and expertise for facilitating smooth transitions for individuals and businesses.
From managing logistics, handling documentation and customs clearance, to providing post-move support, our professionals handle every aspect with the utmost care.
Together with our global network of partners, we ensure a seamless transition from origin to destination. Our affiliation with the International Association of Movers (IAM), the British Association of Removers (BAR), and the Pan American International Movers Association (PAIMA) attests to our commitment to international standards and best moving practices.
Email move@nellions.co.ke or call +2547 00 000 002 today for your international moving needs.
