February 10, 2015 By King Relocation

Relocating to a foreign country can be both exciting and stressful. While the promise of new adventure awaits, there can be some anxiety associated with finding a place to live and obtaining the proper visas and work permits. If you have children, there is the added stress of determining where they will attend school once you arrive in your new home country. And, last but not least is the process of moving your household belongings across international borders, or overseas.

Fact is, international relocation is much more complex than across town or out-of-state moves – from the way you pack your household goods, to how they are transported to your new home country, and by whom – there are many factors to consider.

For a smooth and successful move, it is best to engage the help of a professional relocation company that understands ins-and-outs of international moves, and has the resources and expertise needed to ensure your relocation comes off without a hitch.

Five things to consider when planning an international relocation include:

• • Do your research: Three to six months in advance of your move, start looking into international relocation services that are available in your area. Ask your employer, friends or family members for trusted referrals. Research these firms online and look for reviews from former customers. Once you have narrowed down your search, check to make sure your relocation firm is properly licensed for international moves – reputable international household goods movers will be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary, or OTI. It is important to note that different licensing is needed for cross-border relocations to Canada and Mexico, so check with your relocation firm to make sure they have the proper licensing and paperwork in place for these types of moves.
• • Know the rules and regulations: Depending on the country you are moving to, there may be specific rules and regulations about items that are allowed in the country. The U.S. Department of State offers travel and relocation resources and informational booklets on their website for civilian, military, U.S. Government and State Foreign Service Personnel.
• • Have proper documentation: You can avoid delays and possible fines during your international relocation by obtaining and completing all necessary documentation and customs paperwork, and paying any fees associated with importing household goods and belongings to another country. A professional mover can help you identify and obtain these documents and will have information on fee structures and customs regulations.
• • Understand the costs: The cost of an international relocation can vary based on the location and requirements. Depending on whether you are relocating temporarily or permanently, you will need to know how much it will cost to move your household goods, as well as expenses associated with storing items either in the U.S., if the move is temporary, or overseas until you find a permanent home.
• • Take inventory and purchase insurance: Prior to your move, take inventory of the items you are relocating, along with an estimated value for insurance purposes. Then, consult with your professional mover regarding their insurance offerings, and obtain details as soon as possible on coverage levels for the replacement of items lost or damaged during the move. It is recommended that you also speak with your insurance agent to obtain their recommendations on coverage during an international move.

Of course, there is much more to consider, but if you have an international move in your future, we hope this information is helpful in getting you started on the path toward a smooth and successful relocation. Like any adventure, proper planning and forethought can go a long way toward making it a pleasant experience for all.

As an agent of United Van Lines for domestic moves, and UniGroup Relocation for international moves, King Companies has the resources and expertise to be your “go-to” resource for all your household relocation needs.

To learn more about our household goods relocation services, visit is at, please visit the King Companies website today. Also, don’t forget to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ for our latest news and updates!