Moving your belongings to another country is not as straightforward as moving to another location within the UK. However, with the right knowledge and careful planning, this process can be a breeze.
What is the best way to move stuff to another country?
There are various options available for transporting items to another country, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The quickest method is air freight, but this can be quite expensive and is best suited for smaller loads. Alternatively, if you are moving to Europe, you could opt to take your belongings by van across the channel and drive them to your final destination.
For larger shipments, sea freight is often a more cost-effective option. If you have enough items to fill a full twenty- or forty-foot shipping container, this is usually cheaper than sharing a container with others. This method may take longer than air freight, but can be more affordable.
To ensure a hassle-free move, it’s recommended that you use a reputable removal company with experience in international shipping. They will work with you to determine the best shipping method based on your specific needs and requirements. With their expertise, they will ensure that your belongings are transported safely and efficiently to your new destination.
Do I need to move all my household items to another country?
Before embarking on the task of moving your household items, it is important to take stock of what you truly want to keep. As international transportation can be quite costly, it may not be worth taking along inexpensive items such as cutlery, cushions, and books. It is probably more practical to replace these items with new ones once you have settled into your new home. However, high-value possessions such as antiques, art pieces and quality furniture should be considered for moving. Additionally, sentimental objects that hold special meaning for you should also be included in your list of must-haves.
In terms of important documents, wills, insurance policies and tax returns should always come with you during a move. These are documents that are crucial to your financial well-being and future planning.
When it comes to heavy equipment like gym machines, sewing machines, televisions and bikes, you need to work out whether to bring them along or due to high transport costs it may be more cost-effective to replace them later on.
Depending on the country where you are travelling, your electrical items may not work there unless you have plug adapters or voltage converters.
Bring clothes, but if the climate is different from the UK you may or instances that there is no need for heavy winter wear if you are moving to a sunny climate.
By being strategic about which household items to take with you during an international move, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle overall while still ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable transition into your new home.
What about storage?
When your stay overseas is temporary, it’s worth considering storage facilities. Securely stow away items that are dear to your heart, but not needed during your absence from the United Kingdom. This is especially beneficial for old financial records or mementoes with sentimental significance. Lugging around cumbersome winter attire may prove superfluous if your destination has a balmy and tropical climate – it’s better to store them.
How much does it cost to move things abroad?
The expenses associated with relocating overseas can vary, ranging from £1500 to £10,000 or more. The ultimate cost is dependent on the quantity of personal belongings being transported and the distance travelled. Land travel within Europe is more economical than going outside its borders. Moving to Paris can be accomplished at a more modest rate compared to Geneva, Switzerland, which could be twice as much.
If your destination is America instead of Europe however, you should anticipate an outlay of over £5,000. Relocating to Australia may incur even greater costs exceeding upwards of £7,000.
These are approximate estimates, subject to potential increases in fuel costs. The transportation of bulky furniture will mean higher costs. Moving during the less popular autumn or winter months may lower costs too.
While shipping companies typically provide basic insurance for your belongings, opting for more comprehensive coverage may require additional payment.
You need to factor in the cost of packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and padding. Your removal company may supply these items for you.
You can get a free competitive quote for international removals from us at Merseyside Movers & Storers.
What about customs charges and tax?
The majority of nations do not levy customs duty on your household items, as long as they are at least half a year old, and you have no intention of imminently selling them. In select countries, obtaining customs clearance paperwork may be necessary. A reputable removal company will be capable of handling this for you.
What about moving my pets?
While most nations permit the transportation of cats or dogs, specific requirements for importing animals differ between countries. Your animal must typically have a microchip and hold documents to confirm complete vaccination and immunization. You may also need a pet passport.
You may want your pets to accompany you during travel; alternatively, airlines can transport them for a fee. You will need a pet carrier and enough food and water for the journey.
Can I take my car?
Shipping a vehicle overseas can be quite costly unless you plan to drive it directly to your destination country. The inconvenience of driving a car designed for left-hand traffic on the right side of the road may make selling your UK vehicle and purchasing another upon arrival in your new location a more feasible option.
If you are not driving the car, you will need a reliable international shipper and shipping insurance.
It is worth noting that many cities boast efficient public transportation systems which may negate the need for personal vehicle transportation altogether.
Essential items
Don’t overlook numerous indispensable items that are necessary to have on hand. If you require daily medication, consult with your doctor to obtain a prescription for an additional one or two months’ worth of supply to allow ample time for registration with a new doctor and securing another source of the necessary medication.
Bring along your laptop, tablet and mobile phone but ensure that you don’t forget to purchase adapters or voltage converters to enable them to operate on different electricity systems.
You may want to bring essential kitchen items such as knives, pots, pans, and towels but it may be wise to consider replacing large and heavy items after the move.
Make sure important documents including passport are included in the move. It’s advisable to also carry a first aid kit during the moving journey as well as personal toiletries.
Are there any items that should not be moved?
Certain items should not be transported overseas, such as aerosols (whether full or empty), and inflammables like gasoline, paint, firelighters and matches. Poisons, including weed killers, must also be avoided. Plants, soil, straw, or other vegetable matter should not be moved either.
Erotic images, videos or literature may fall under the category of pornography and could potentially be illegal in some countries.
While it is possible to bring alcohol into certain countries, importing alcohol may be prohibited in Moslem regions. When it comes to tobacco products, they must often be declared at customs due to quantity restrictions or duty fees.
Perishable goods like fresh food are not recommended for transportation as they can attract pests or spoil during transit.
How do I pack?
When packing your belongings for international transport, it’s crucial to take great care of how you handle them. As a general guideline for fragile items – such as dishes and glassware – use bubble wrap or padding to ensure their safety throughout the journey which could span several days and include rough roads and seas.
For peace of mind when transporting your belongings overseas we recommend leaving the packing process to professionals like our experienced team at Merseyside Movers & Storers who use secure packaging techniques that make sure your possessions arrive safe without any damage.
Is it advisable to handle everything myself?
Although you could opt to transport your possessions overseas by renting a van and driving them yourself, or by reserving space in a shipping container, this may not be the best course of action for inexperienced movers. Moving is already an arduous task, and moving across borders can present additional complications that require expert knowledge and experience.
At Merseyside Movers & Storers, we offer an ideal solution that takes care of all your needs. Despite being a Liverpool removal company, our team of experts possesses extensive knowledge of international relocation. We make sure that your belongings will arrive at their destination safely and securely. If you are considering relocating abroad, do not hesitate to contact us regarding how we can make the process smoother for you.
In case you are returning from Europe back to the UK, we will drive one of our trucks right up to your doorstep, load all your belongings onto it and take them back with us. This service was provided for a famous footballer when we moved him from Valencia in Spain to Manchester.
Moving countries is often considered a life-changing event that can cause significant stress levels. However, at Merseyside Movers & Storers, we help reduce this stress by taking care of every aspect related to moving including packing your belongings for you.
If you are planning an international move, ask us for a free quote and advice on moving your belongings overseas.
