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Top Mistakes When Moving Internationally

You can also check with the U.Discuss it with your international moving company early on, and ensure your moving company can get in touch with you if they have additional questions about your shipment.This ships get tossed around a bit, so your items could very well get damaged.Ask potential international moving companies how familiar they are with international moving packing.Some countries prohibit alcohol or firearms; you usually cannot ship perishables.Decide your essential items and bring them with you instead of packing them.When moving overseas, there are many ways to mess up -- it's a longer distance, there are tons of rules, you have an entirely new culture to get accustomed to.Also, leave contact information for them to reach you at.So if you're debating on whether to bring the family's winter clothing in your suitcases, and you've been given an estimated delivery date on the cusp of the season, bring them with you just in case.Here are some of the more common mistakes when moving and how to avoid them.Separate everything that must not be packed, such as passports or other important documents.To learn more about regulations in your new home, check with the moving company that's overseeing your move (more on that later).Time Mismanagement Be sure to leave enough time for everything -- delays can get magnified in an international move because of the distances and logistics involved.If there will be a delay in your travel that might make your shipment get there before you do, find out that country's policy.What documents do you need to proceed with customs clearance?Embassy in your country.Hiring a Lousy International Moving Company Your items will most likely be shipped via ocean, so they'll be in a big metal container on a huge cargo ship.European points, it will be at least a month; to inland countries, even longer.How many overseas moves do they do a year?Don't schedule a flight for 4 p.From the U.If you can, always aim for a buffer day.But still, bear in mind that customs and the business of the season could add days or weeks to the transit time.A good technique is to use sticky notes; for example, you can use different-colored paper to indicate the proper shipment.Irreplaceable items such as jewelry and family heirlooms should be carried with you, too.For most overseas moves, it will be several weeks before you see your stuff again.

Poor Communication Keep a phone line that you will have access to -- cell phone or landline -- throughout your entire move.Be sure to clearly separate what items are intended for which shipment: shipment, or storage.Because you will likely be changing time zones, email is a convenient way to maintain communication with your movers.

If they don't seem knowledgeable, choose a different mover.Not Following the Rules Know the rules before moving overseas.Have an email account you can access from any computer.Having the shipment sit at the port could result in some big extra expenses.Not having everything packed If you have a full house that you need to pack, get organized NOW.Your international movers will be packing your items, so it's important you get someone who does it well.