Avoid Moving Mistakes

International Moving Mistakes

Moving internationally requires a lot more planning than domestic moves, so it is important to be aware of common mistakes that can end up causing a lot of frustration.
There are new rules, new customs and new culture and it will take time to get acclimated.
Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Hiring an Inexperienced International Moving Company

Many companies claim they have the expertise to handle international moves, but not all companies can follow through with their promises.
IntlMOVE has the expertise, licensure and international network to help make your international move a success.
Your international moving company should be able to help you with packing, shipping, normal customs clearance and moving insurance.


IntlMOVE invites all potential and current customers to check out its offices and warehouse to see the level of care that goes into shipping your furniture and household goods.
A good international moving company will do everything possible to earn your trust.
Find out how many international moves your moving company handles so you can determine their level of commitment and experience.
You should also make sure that your company is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission, which is an independent regulatory agency that monitors activities of ocean common carriers, marine terminal operators, conferences, ports and ocean transportation intermediaries which operate in the U.S. foreign commerce.
The Federal Maritime Commission can help you find a trustworthy international moving company.

2. Being Unorganized and Mismanaging Time

Make sure to start planning your move as soon as you become aware that you will be relocating.
Allowing ample time for preparation and planning will help reduce unnecessary rush costs and rushed paperwork.
Allow enough time to plan and your move will be a much easier process.
You may want to put some items in storage and move the rest of your belongings overseas.
Determine which items will be moved and which items need to be placed in storage. Separate these items so they do not end up in the wrong location.

Once your items are packed, it will be a minimum of a few weeks before your household items are back in your possession, so make sure you are aware of exactly what is being packed.
Clearing customs can add extra days or weeks to the moving process, so take all items you might need with you.

Rushed moves leave room for mistakes, so make sure you keep all medicine, airline tickets, visas, passports and other important documentation with you because these items are not easily replaced.
Items like jewelry or family heirlooms should also be carried with you.
When the movers are packing up your household goods, put these important items in a designated area, or a neighbor’s house, so they are not accidentally packed.

You should never plan to leave the same day that your household is being loaded onto the truck.
There can be weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances that can cause havoc if nobody is at your residence to guide the movers.
Even though your moving company can only give you an estimated delivery schedule, they should be able to help guide you in your plans.

Delays in travel can cause extra unexpected expenses.
If your shipment arrives at the destination port before you are ready to receive it, you could accumulate additional port storage fees.
Although your moving company can never guarantee an exact date of arrival, they should be able to help you determine an approximate time of arrival.
Customs clearance, weather and other unforeseen circumstances are out of a moving company’s control, but constant communication is key to a successful overseas move.

3. Being Unaware of Not Following New Rules

IntlMOVE can help prepare you for the new rules and customs regulations in your new destination.
Each country has specific immigration and customs requirements that can be frustrating if you are unaware of the processes that are put into place.
There are many forms and documents that need to be filled out in order to clear customs.
IntlMOVE has a firm understanding of the normal customs clearing procedure.

Some countries will not allow plants or firearms, but some countries will allow these items with proper licenses.
IntlMOVE, along with your new country’s embassy and consulate, should be able to help you determine what you can bring to your new location.
Make sure these items are not mixed in with your other belongings when the movers are packing up your house to avoid any delays at customs.

If you are planning on relocating your pets, be aware that there is documentation, medical history records and possible quarantine times that need to be taken into consideration.
There are services that can help move your pets and prepare the paperwork involved.
Moving pets across borders is much more difficult than moving them domestically.

4. Miscommunication

IntlMOVE communicates by email, so you always have a record of all correspondence that takes place.
Make sure that your international moving company can remain in touch with you during the moving process to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Make sure you are using an email address that be accessed worldwide from any computer.
You may also want to provide an alternate person to speak with in case you are unavailable or in transit to your new location.