Moving Overseas What to Take

International moves can be costly, so deciding what household goods and furniture to move overseas can make a big difference in the final cost of the move. 

Follow these tips for consolidating as much as possible before shipping your personal belongings overseas. 

• Restricted Items

When you first find out you will be relocating, you will want to contact your new country’s consulate or embassy to get a list of items that are prohibited in your new country.

Most countries will not allow individuals to bring firearms or live plants or seeds through customs.

Some countries allow these items will the proper permits and licenses, so gain a clear understanding of what your new location prohibits.

Open bottles, liquids, flammable cleaning solutions or other toxic liquid substances, alcohol and pressure spray are also usually on the prohibited items list.

The consulate or embassy of your destination country will be able to supply you with a list of other items, materials or boycotted manufactures that should not be shipped overseas to your new destination. 

• Weight and Volume

After learning what you are prohibited from shipping overseas, you will want to determine what is going to be most cost effective to move overseas.

You need to take volume and weight into considerations, so you may want to avoid shipping large bulky items that you will not need.

For example, don’t ship inexpensive plastic furniture or bulky blankets that can easily be purchased in your new country. 

• Shipping Cars Overseas

Customs duty on automobiles varies from country to country, but it can be extremely high.

Determine if the fees associated with shipping your car overseas are cost effective.

Research your new country’s public transportation system because you may not need a car in your new destination. 

• Shipping Furniture Overseas

Many housing rentals overseas come furnished, but if you are moving into an unfurnished home double check the amount of space you will have at your new place.

If your new home is smaller, your furniture might not fit so get the measurements of all the rooms.

If you have inexpensive large furniture items, determine if you can buy the items when you arrive in your new country for less money.
Also, determine what storage space is available in your new house or apartment.

If you are moving from a large home in the suburbs to a big city, it is likely that you will have less storage space. 

You may have some antiques or special furniture that you don’t want to ship overseas because the move is temporary.

Check into long term storage units or give it to a family member until you return to the United States. 

• Electronics

Your electronic equipment may not work overseas because each country uses different power supplies.

When shipping electronics internationally, you will want to make sure that your items are compatible with the power outlets in your new destination.  

You many need to invest in power adapters and overseas voltage converters, which can be very expensive. 

• Clean your Clutter

Clear out your closets, drawers and storage to get rid of all the extra clutter.

If you have not used an item in over a year, ask yourself if you really have a use for that item.

Get rid of any clothing your family members have outgrown or have not worn in over a year. 

If you are moving to a country with a different climate, avoid brining clothing you will no longer be wearing. 

When you finally have separated what you will be bringing with you to your new home and what you will be leaving behind, there are several things you can do to get rid of unwanted items.

Earn some extra money by having a garage sale or selling items on online on websites such as craigslist or ebay.

Another option is to donate your unwanted belongings to friends and family or to a charity.

You may be eligible for tax deduction by donating unwanted furniture and household goods to charity.

Planning ahead for your international move by consolidating your overseas shipment can save money and time in your international move.

 Article provided by IntlMOVE Inc.