- International House Moving Tips For Moving Abroad
- Get Minimalist
- Visas & Passports
- Overseas Home Moving Medical & Banking Preparations
- Insurance & Medical
- Finances & Banking
- International Moving Resources
- Cheap Moving Rates & Time To Move Examples
- Related Information & Faq

International House Moving: Tips For Moving Abroad
There’s a million things to think about when you’re planning to move to another country. Your life is going to be different, maybe drastically so, and there’s some common sense preparations you can make to ease the transition. These tips cover some of the common preparations you’ll want to get out in front of before moving and there are additional resources at the bottom of the page. We encourage readers to contact us with any questions.
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Get Minimalist
If you’re making the big move to another country to live and work there, you’re first inclination is to bring all of your creature comforts with you. You’ll need to fight this urge and try to get as minimalist as possible in preparation for your move.
This means taking only what is essential to you. Even things that may be necessary, like a bed or kitchen table, can be more easily and affordably purchased in your new country.
If possible, it can be helpful to sell off the items you won’t be taking with you. This way, you’ll have some extra money to help you with the move, as well as the added benefit of having less stuff to take with you. If there are some things you can’t part with, but won’t need to take with you, storage is always an option.
While you’re de-cluttering, keep in mind that some of your favorite food items may not be as readily available in some countries. Depending on where you’re going, things like peanut butter or cream cheese may not be easy to get your hands on. Make sure you understand what’s available and what you should bring with you!

Visas & Passports
It’s obvious that you’ll need a visa and passport in your new country, but make sure they are valid for a sufficient amount of time for you to get situated and establish your local residence. Whether your stay is temporary or long-term, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper paperwork in order. By the same token, understanding the legal rules and timeframes in which you’ll need to accomplish any residency tasks is important to know.
If you have plans to move to a new country, give us a call to find out how we can help! We offer a broad selection of relocation services, from home moving to car shipping! Contact us today to get a FREE estimate for your complete moving needs!
Overseas Home Moving: Medical & Banking Preparations
Two of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) aspects of moving abroad are medical care and banking. Both are things that are fairly simple to navigate in the U.S., but it’s not always that simple in other countries. This section covers the basics of what you’ll need to know.
Insurance & Medical
Health insurance and medical care are key components to getting settled in any new place, especially another country. Make sure you have things arranged well ahead of time if you require regular medical care or prescription drugs—it’s not a bad idea to plan in advance just to find a general practitioner or primary care physician either. Don’t forget about any medical devices or supplies you might need.

Finances & Banking
It’s highly advisable to research the requirements for opening a bank account in your new country. In most cases, you’ll need to establish local residency and employment so give yourself a financial cushion to allow time for that. In some countries, you may need a local resident to vouch for you to open an account so make sure you are aware of the requirements. It’s a very good idea to have access to an emergency fund of money just in case.
International Moving Resources
International Moving Guide - A thorough guide that includes many of the most popular topics and frequently asked questions about moving to a new country.
Transitions Abroad - A long established website that has helpful information for expats living abroad, whether it’s for work, volunteering, study abroad programs, or just moving to a new country. You’ll find that many of the most important overseas moving topics are discussed there.
Cheap Moving Rates & Time To Move Examples
To / From | Distance | Cost (2 BR) | Cost (3 BR) | Cost (4 BR) | Estimated Time In Transit |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
El Mirage, AZ to Raleigh, NC | 1907 miles | $4,180 – $5,423 | $6,527 – $8,871 | $8,871 – $12,985 | 5 - 7 days |
Atlanta, GA to Carmichael, CA | 2070 miles | $4,608 – $5,891 | $7,030 – $9,447 | $9,447 – $13,900 | 6 - 8 days |
Montrose, CO to Davenport, IA | 1101 miles | $1,981 - $2,422 | $2,642 - $2,972 | $3,523. - $4,073 | 4 - 6 days |
Seattle, WA to Hapeville, GA | 2181 miles | $4,637 – $5,959 | $7,033 – $9,524 | $9,524 – $13,916 | 6 - 8 days |
Detroit, IL to Filer, ID | 1251 miles | $2,612 – $3,561 | $4,405 – $6,199 | $6,199 – $9,487 | 4 - 6 days |
Gillette, WY to Kingman, KS | 604 miles | $2,701 – $3,404 | $4,030 – $5,265 | $5,265 – $7,596 | 3 - 5 days |
Minnetonka, MN to Philadelphia, PA | 989 miles | $3,445 – $4,346 | $5,148 – $6,853 | $6,853 – $9,979 | 3 - 5 days |
Egg Harbor, NJ to Cleveland, OH | 487 miles | $876 – $1,071 | $1,168 – $1,314 | $1,558 – $1,801 | 3 - 5 days |
Hampden, PA to Leesburg, VA | 80 miles | $1,884 – $2,142 | $2,553 – $3,433 | $3,433 – $4,721 | 2 - 3 days |
Wilsonville, OR to Cumberland, RI | 2535 miles | $5,122 – $6,592 | $7,797 – $10,464 | $10,464 – $15,470 | 6 - 8 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and other factors.
Related Information & FAQ
- International freight forwarders
- International moving and storage
- International moving for students
- International moving insurance
- International moving services by sea freight
- International pet moving
- International relocation services for families
- Moving overseas air freight
- Worldwide movers
