Moving to another country with ProShip Moving, whether it’s across the continent or across Canada or the United States or cross the world, is difficult to say the least. There’s a lot to plan and keep track of along the way, and there are a few obstacles that might surprise you.

If you’re considering an international relocation, overseas ProShip moving guide will bring you up to speed so you aren’t caught unawares by customs, shipping times, or expensive freight costs. We’ll cover all this and more, and share some resources that’ll help your move go smoothly.

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.

Moving internationally is expensive

Speaking of prices, if you plan to ship any amount of your furniture to another country, you should plan to spend several thousand dollars. While exact prices vary depending on how far your destination country is, how much stuff you’re shipping, and which shipping method you use, the average cost for international relocation is around $10,000.

As with all other types of moves, you can save money by opting for the most basic services your moving company offers. For example, picking your stuff up yourself at the shipping port in your destination country is much cheaper than paying your movers to deliver it to your front door.

Downsizing is another tried and true way to save money on an overseas relocation. The more stuff you donate, throw away, and sell before you move, the lighter your shipment will be. The lighter your shipment is, the less it will cost.

Of course, even if you ditch everything but the essentials and buy the cheapest moving services you can find, your international move will still probably cost thousands of dollars, so start saving money now.

Extra tips on moving your belongings internationally

• Different countries have different restrictions, so learn which items are restricted or prohibited.
• Depending on where you’re moving, your belongings might be taxable (furniture, computers, musical instruments, cameras, etc.). The tax amount is determined at a certain percentage of the item’s value that you’ve declared.
• You will need insurance. Sure, a storm sinking your cargo seems unlikely, but it does happen. Insurance will typically cover the entire loss of the shipping container.
• Bring the stuff you can’t live without with you, don’t ship it. Shipping your belongings overseas can take several months, especially if they’re being transported by sea. So anything you think you’ll absolutely need for a few days and up to a few weeks/months should travel with you.

You have several shipment options

After you’ve found an international mover that can ship your belongings to your destination country, you’ll need to decide how you want your stuff delivered. There are three international shipping methods, though services can vary depending on your final decision and most affordable option.

Air freight

With this option, your company packs your stuff into a crate and puts it on an airplane to your destination country. At the airport, the authorities inspect the crate, and then your company delivers it to your new home. Alternatively, you can opt to pick up your stuff at the airport yourself to save money.

Air freight is your most expensive shipping option, so you normally wouldn’t send everything you own this way. However, it’s also much faster than ocean transportation, so it’s the best way to ship the things you need quickly. On average, international moves using air transportation take two-to-four weeks.

Ocean freight

With this option, your company packs your stuff into a waterproof shipping container and delivers it to a shipping port where it’s loaded onto a boat which ferries it across the ocean. At the destination’s port of entry, the authorities inspect your container, and then your company picks it up and delivers it to your new home.

As with air freight, you can opt to pick up your stuff at the port of entry yourself if you want to save money on delivery.

Ocean freight is the cheaper option for intercontinental moves, and roughly 90% of international moving customers use ocean shipping.^[6] However, it’s also slower than air freight. On average, international moves by ocean take six to eight weeks.

As you can imagine, ocean freight is also slightly more perilous than air freight since the seas are often rougher than the skies.

Land freight

With this option, your stuff is loaded into a moving truck and driven to your destination country. This might seem simple, but it can be pretty complex as it requires drivers to cross borders. This option can take four to six weeks, but it’s obviously only available for in-continent moves. If you live in the US, you can only move to Canada or Mexico this way.

List of Documents You May Need When Moving Abroad

Before you move, it’s important to check what documents you’ll need in your new country. Essentials typically include these nine documents:

• Passport: You will need a government-issued passport to certify your identity and citizenship. This is the single most important document when traveling and moving abroad.
• Visa: This is an official travel document placed inside your passport that allows a visitor to stay in a country for a specific purpose for a set amount of time. There are typically many types of visas available, including tourist visas and short-stay visas.
• Work permit: Many countries require that visitors and new residents obtain an official work permit in order to work. Your new employer should be able to assist you with obtaining a work permit. 
• Birth certificate: Keep a copy of your birth certificate with you. This is an official document issued at birth that includes your name, gender, birthday, birthplace and parents. 
• Driver’s License: It’s never a bad idea to have more than one way to prove your identity when living abroad. In addition to a passport, a driver’s license provides a second way to verify your identity if necessary.
• Marriage certificate or divorce papers: A marriage certificate or divorce papers are official records of your marital status and can be used for tax purposes, proving a marital relationship and/or changing a last name. It’s a good idea to pack these away somewhere safe when moving.
• Social security cards: This nine-digit number allows the government to identify individuals and track their records and financial information. Keep your U.S.-issued social security card in a safe place throughout your travel. 
• Health and vaccine records: Research vaccine requirements before traveling abroad. Bring a copy of your health and vaccine records with you, so you can easily submit your information to new doctors and hospitals. You may also need to show your vaccination status in order to enter certain countries.
• School records: If moving with school-age kids, it’s essential that you bring their school records with you. This will make the transition to a new school easier and will ensure they’re able to enroll on time.

You can’t take everything with you

Every country has different customs regulations and a unique assortment of items it won’t allow to cross its borders. To ensure you can bring everything you need, look up your destination country’s list of prohibited materials, or talk to your move coordinator to learn what you can and can’t bring.

As a general rule, you usually can’t bring these items into a foreign country:

• Firearms
• Drugs and alcohol
• Politically sensitive materials
• Plants and seeds^[7]

Moving internationally soon?

While international moves are certainly stressful, figuring out how you’re going to move abroad doesn’t have to be. Thanks to our ProShip Moving & Logistics Network, finding the right company to handle your relocation is a cinch. We vet all PorShip Moving & Logistics for key certifications, capabilities, and insurance. Our movers are also licensed and bonded with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). In addition, all moving companies based outside of the U.S. must be in good standing with FIDI, the largest global alliance of professional international moving and relocation companies, in order to remain under their banner as an Accredited International Mover. Of course, before hiring an international moving company, we also recommend reviewing a mover’s history with the American Moving & Storage Association, the Household Goods Forwarder Association and the Better Business Bureau. Best of luck and happy moving!