Europ China Shenzhen International Shipping Services Worldwide Cargo Services

EIGHT TO TWELVE WEEKS BEFORE THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

• Establish a timetable. Consider when the working partner has to be in the new location, and when the rest of the family will follow.

• Decide what to do with your current housing: rent out, sell, or terminate lease.

• Look into storage costs for storing personal possessions in your home country rather than shipping them to the new destination.

• Choose the international moving company and set a date for the movers to pack your belongings.

• Obtain information and documentation from your international mover for the paperwork needed to complete prior to packing, including the “Order For Service form”, “Extended Protection coverage” and documents related to export and import customs clearance, and international shipment of your personal possessions.

• Consider a small airfreight shipment of essential items that you would like to be there on your arrival.

• Choose an international relocation agent and inform them of your accommodation and schooling needs. Check out the many links on our website for information or assistance with your relocation needs.

• Obtain original copies of important documents, i.e., passports, driving license(s), birth certificate(s), wedding certificate(s), school report(s), work references and medical reports.

• Apply for visa(s) and working permit(s), if applicable. See moving to country links.

• Gather information on the new location or your new country of residence.

• Arrange temporary accommodation for the period prior to the move (when having your house packed up) and in the new destination prior to the arrival of your belongings.

• Give notice to your child’s school and request school reports.

• Investigate schooling in the new residence.

• Investigate work opportunities for partner and/or children in the new destination.

• If possible, arrange to visit the destination prior to moving in order to find housing and schooling.

• Check on the quarantine laws regarding taking pets to your new destination.

• Consider whether private medical insurance will be required in your new residence.

ONE MONTH BEFORE THE INTERNATIONAL MOVE

• Notify post office of change of address.

• Change of address notifications for any accounts that you wish to maintain (credit cards, etc.)

• Stop/transfer subscriptions.

• Cancel insurance policies, and check if you can get any money back for the period after the cancellation.

• Check that your appliances will work in the new destination. The voltage in the European Union is 220/240 watts and 50Hz, unlike some countries like the USA which is 110 watts and 60 Hz. It is quite costly to convert or buy transformers for the bigger appliances so it would be better to buy new or secondhand locally. Televisions and video recorders
  also operate on different frequencies and systems. They can be converted locally but it may be costly.

• Arrange to see your doctor and dentist. Obtain original copies of any medical reports and supplies of medication (find out the generic name in case you need to purchase medication in the new destination.)

• Order contact lenses, or spare glasses.

• Make a list of things to take, to leave behind and to buy.

• Find out whether your current bank has an overseas branch and if it can handle your future needs.

• If transferring to a new location, but working for the same employer, consider if your salary needs to be paid into your existing account or into your new overseas account.

• Arrange for a statement of “no-claims bonus” from your vehicle insurer.

• Sell things that you don’t need or can’t take with you. Take out advertisements for things to sell, have a garage sale.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE INTERNATIONAL MOVE

• Buy products you might need that aren’t available or are cheaper in your home country than in the new destination.

• Start segregating goods to take and leave behind.

• Send out notification of new address.

• Enjoy your time and friends before you leave. Make sure you get their e-mail addresses or Facebook to stay in contact.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING OVERSEAS

• Arrange for transfer of bank accounts.

• Take pets to vet for immunization, and obtain travel documents.

• Take care of any bills and investments.

• Arrange for any insurance requirements.

ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING OVERSEAS

• Arrange for deliveries to be stopped.

• List all belongings to be moved, indicating a value for each (get forms from the international moving company).

• Arrange for someone to look after children and pets during the packing.