Relocating to another country? For your international relocation process to go smoothly, you need to have a detailed plan for the execution – this means understanding both the time and money involved. 

When do you need to start planning? What costs do you need to keep in mind to decide your budget? Let’s break these down. 

Important costs for international relocation

  • Shipping costs: This is the biggest and most obvious cost. Shipping charges can vary based on the number of items, mode of shipping, distance, season, customs duties and taxes. If you are moving your vehicle(s), art, or pets, those will be additional costs. 
  • Travel and visa costs: Do you need to travel to the destination before your move? Will you need visas every time? Do you have residency in the destination country or do you need a visa? All these travel and visa costs have to be factored into your budget. 
  • Relocation company cost: You need international movers and packers to handle your move process, whether you’re sending 2 boxes or a whole house. Their fees go into your budget as well. 
  • Insurance cost: If your relocation company costs don’t cover insurance (most companies do), you need to buy insurance separately – another cost to keep in mind. 
  • Customs duty and taxes: Check the specific customs requirements, duty fees and taxes in the destination country. Be prepared to pay those in advance. 
  • New home costs: This is yet another cost to keep in mind, whether you’re renting, leasing or buying your new home. 
  • Temporary accommodation cost: If you have not finalised your new home, or have to travel earlier owing to work demands, you will need temporary accommodation. So, factor this in too. 
  • Storage costs: Similarly, if your new home is not finalised, you will need a storage facility, usually provided by the relocation company, to keep your belongings safe. This depends on the volume of items, sizes, storage requirements and the storage period.

These are the most basic costs you need to plan for. 

Important timelines for international relocation: 

  • 4-6 months before the move: Ideally, you should know months in advance that you’re going to make an international move. Spend this time planning everything you’ll need for the move and settling down in your destination. Also, start researching international relocation companies to choose from. Book your flights to the destination (even if you have to go multiple times, it’s cheaper to book in advance). 

    Read up about your new place’s culture, food, language, etc. Research schools/colleges if you have children. (Depending on admission windows, you may need to do this much earlier too.)
  • 3 months before the move: By now, you should have chosen your movers and packers. Use their help to start making a thorough international move plan that covers every item you will be moving. 
  • 2 months before the move: Decide which items are essential to moving, and which you can put into storage, leave with friends or relatives, or sell. Make an inventory list and share it with your chosen moving company. Have them verify if all items can indeed be transported safely and whether any of them will face issues. Find out details about setting up your new home, including transport, bank accounts, etc. 
  • 1 month before the move: Recheck your moving inventory list to ensure you haven’t missed anything. Make plans to shut off all utilities in your current location and see if you can get the same started at your destination in time for your landing. Gather all necessary personal medical records, children’s school records and pets’ veterinary records. Refill all of your prescriptions and exchange some money for the destination’s local currency. This is also the ideal time to start saying goodbye to friends and family in your current location.
  • 10 days before the move: Finish packing all the luggage you and your family will take with you on the flight. Find out if you’ll need to buy excess baggage. Have your moving agents do a final check. Get all contact details for your moving day as well as at the destination. 
  • Moving Day: Stay home and be attentive for the entire duration of the packing being done by the move company team. Do a final check against your inventory list. Get information on tracking your shipment as well as details of the contact person at the destination. 

Then, it’s time to start your international move.

Have questions? Send us an email and our relocation experts will help you out!