Pre-move hints for your overseas move:

• Tip 1. Have a garage sale. Get rid of things you don’t need, then you won’t pay to have them moved or stored.
• Tip 2 Make sure you are ready for the packers and movers. Don’t forget to do the laundry, wash the dishes, pack your suitcases, and disconnect your computers, stereos and VCR’s. Place all of the cords and remote controls in a safe place.
• Tip 3 Set aside items you will be keeping with you and clearly mark them as NOT to be packed so they will remain separate.. It’s a good idea to put these items in a closet or bathroom, then close and mark the door NOT to be moved!

Origin location tips for your international move:

• Tip 4 Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won’t have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.
• Tip 5 Once your refrigerator has been disconnected, thoroughly wash and dry the inside, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep it smelling fresh and to avoid mildew.
• Tip 6 Drain the gas and oil from your power equipment (lawn mower, edger, snow blower etc.).
• Tip 7 Schedule house cleaning and other home services for the day after loading as things will be hectic.

• Tip 8 Prepare an “unload me first” carton with essentials that you’ll need immediately. Toilet paper, telephone, toothpaste and brushes, snacks, coffee and coffee pot, soap, flashlight, screwdrivers, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a couple of pans and paper towels are some of the suggested items.
• Tip 9 Have your utilities shut off the day after loading, as you will
probably need them through the course of the move. Contact:
  • Gas
  • Electric
  • Water
  • Telephone
  • Cable TV
  • Trash Collection
• Tip 10 Make your travel arrangements for the day after loading as weather delays or unforeseen problems could result. Don’t chance a missed flight or other travel related appointment.

Destination location hints for international movers:

• Tip 11 Hook up the TV and VCR first to occupy kids while the remainder of your belongings are being unloaded.
• Tip 12 Upon arrival at your new home, let your computer “acclimate” itself to the room temperature before plugging it in.
• Tip 13 Make a diagram showing where the furniture is to be place in each room. This will help the un-loaders and make the delivery process smoother and less hectic.

Things your international mover can’t move for you:

• Tip 14 Items that can’t be moved or stored in your shipment include:
  • Flammable items
  • Combustible items
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Gasoline
  • Paints/Thinners
  • Nail Polish/Removers
  • Ammunition and Explosives
  • Plants
  • Jewelry
  • Legal Documents
• Tip 15 If relocation is being sponsored by your company, there is probably a relocation policy. It is advised that you thoroughly read and understand it.

Working with your company’s international move or relocation policy:

• Tip 16 The policy normally sets limits on weight allowance and total
relocation expense. There may be an additional allowance for items to be shipped via air freight that you’ll need immediately upon arrival in your
destination country. Typically these are essential items you’ll require
before your ocean shipment arrives.
• Tip 17 If your moving needs exceed your company’s allowances, the excess items can be moved at your expense or placed in storage.

Storage options for international moving:

• Tip 18 If you require long-term storage of your goods while you are overseas, IMove Global can arrange safe, secure storage facilities for your convenience. Typically your company’s relocation policy has an allowance for storage.
• Tip 19 An alternative to storage is selling or donating certain items you 
won’t need or can’t use at destination. It may be cost effective and you can use this money somewhere else.

International move transit protection:

• Tip 20 Consider the cost to replace your goods in your destination country when calculating what your total transit protection coverage should be.

Getting more information about the country you’re moving to:

• Tip 21 Every country has its own laws and customs, so it’s a good idea to know the etiquette and customs of your destination country beforehand. The country’s consulate is an excellent source for this type of supplemental country information.
• Tip 22 Health care is managed differently in each country. The consulate and embassies can advise you on what the current situation is regarding health care for foreign nationals in the country to which you are moving.

Information for international movers about electric devices:

• Tip 23 Some of your appliances and electrical devices may not work in your new home, or may need special adapters.

When you move overseas, there are some items you shouldn’t take with you:

• Tip 24 Often many restrictions are placed on what can be brought into your new host country. Guns, alcohol, controlled substances and even certain types of literature are strictly prohibited in certain countries. Consulate will have consular information sheets and complete information.

International moving – the red tape:

• Tip 25 Each country has different requirements for entry or immigration. The consulate in the country you are moving to will be able to give you the most reliable, up-to- date information.

Important personal items you’ll want to consider if you’re moving overseas:

• Tip 26 Get complete medical and dental check-ups for you and your family, prior to your move, so all of your medical records are current and up-to-date. Ask for copies of these records and carry them with you to your new residence.
• Tip 27 Obtain all personal records – e.g., prescriptions and medical
 records, school transcripts, marriage and birth certificates, vehicle 
registrations, etc. and carry them with you to your new residence.
• Tip 28 Valuables, items from safe deposit boxes, jewelry and collections should be carried with you as well.

International moving advice about vaccinations and inoculations:

• Tip 29 You may need immunizations, inoculations or booster shots before moving overseas and your children will most likely need them to enroll in school. You can find out what inoculations are necessary by contacting the consulate office in the country to which you are moving.

Financial matters and your overseas move:

• Tip 30 As an American citizen living abroad you will need to deal with US and foreign tax obligations. You will need professional assistance here. Your company should provide assistance in matter.
• Tip 31 Close charge accounts you won’t be using overseas, as well as all savings and checking accounts.
• Tip 32 Consult the overseas representative at your local bank about letters of credit and transfer of funds, etc.

How to move your pet with you overseas:

• Tip 33 Each country has different requirements for allowing pets to enter their borders. These range from disallowing them to enter at all, to several months of quarantine. Moving pets is discouraged due to the length of quarantine, but if bringing your pet with you is crucial, check with the consulate office in the country to which you are moving.

Change of address notification for international moving:

• Tip 34 Send change-of-address notification to the post office, social
 security office, insurance companies, relatives, friends, etc.

• Tip 35 Don’t forget to notify the telephone, gas, cable, electric and water companies; as well as newspaper delivery service, garbage pick-up and another service to be discontinued.