Working overseas is one of the most incredible adventures you can have in your life. There are 8.7 million Americans living and working in over 160 countries around the world.

So you’ve got the job offer, sorted the visas, and found an apartment, but what about your belongings?

Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about moving your household goods overseas with you.

Are You Moving Short-term or Long-term?

Before moving your belongings abroad with you, the first thing to consider is how long you plan to stay.

The logistics of moving everything you own across the world can take time and a lot of careful planning. If you are only moving away for a short-term contract or a year or so, is it worth sending all your things?

If you are moving abroad for work in a short amount of time and don’t plan to stay in that country for years or decades, consider renting a furnished apartment.

A pre-furnished apartment will save you a lot of time and money on your move. Items such as washing machines and dishwashers will be in the house or apartment you rent, so you don’t need to bring them with you.

Ask your new employer about facilities at places to rent; they may have some homes that are specially created for those who are working abroad.

Compare Moving Costs

The cost of overseas moving services varies significantly from company to company, so do your research.

Companies such as EuroUSA offer a price guarantee and a door-to-door service. This means there are no hidden fees, and the price you are quoted is what you’ll pay.

You also want to check the company you choose that offers door-to-door service. You don’t want to have to deal with a local moving company when you arrive because your belongings have been dumped at the port!

Does the company you are hiring provide professional packing and unpacking at each leg of the journey? Can you rely on them to treat your breakable items carefully?

You should also consider that air freight is significantly more expensive than sea freight. If you leave yourself enough time to plan, it’s much more cost-effective to use shipping by sea.

Airfreight may be quicker, but it’s much better for the environment for you to use sea freight. Planes emit 500g of CO2 per metric ton of cargo for every kilometer of freight transported. Ships only emit between 10 and 40 grams of CO2.

Before Working Overseas, Take Your Time 

Shipping overseas takes time. For a smooth transition abroad, you want to get planning for several months.

It can take up to a month for your belongings to arrive by ship in another country. Plan the collection of your items at least a month before you plan to arrive at your destination.

Declutter and Sell Some Stuff

We’re all guilty of hoarding things we no longer need. Did you know the average home contains 300,000 items?

Moving overseas is a great chance to declutter. What do you need with you in your new place of residence?

Think about the climate, for example. If it’s a hot country, you won’t need to send your winter boots and skiing equipment.

Use the opportunity to go through all your belongings, see what you want to hold onto and what you could trash or sell.

You will not only feel lighter and distressed when you declutter, but you’ll also save money on your shipping as you’ll have fewer belongings.

Anything you want to keep but don’t want to take with you on your new adventure, you can put in storage.

Know Your New Country’s Customs Policies 

You don’t want stuff stuck in customs for ages when it arrives in your destination country.

Check the restrictions for your country of destination. There are some strange things certain countries don’t allow you to bring in. Did you know Singapore doesn’t let you bring in chewing gum?

You will have to complete an itemized list of things in your shipment; make sure you fill out as much detail as possible to prevent any hold-ups. Your shipment will be put through an x-ray on arrival so ensure your list matches up with the contents of your container.

Don’t get caught out with customs duties or fees. Some shipment companies won’t cover all the customs costs, which could be very pricey for you.

At EuroUSA, we cover all the customs admin and costs to make your life easier and your move smoother.

Get Proper Insurance For Your Belongings 

When shipping your belongings abroad, you want to make sure everything arrives in one piece.

Using a reliable company for your move will guarantee this. However, if you send any precious, irreplaceable items, you’ll want to make sure they are insured.

Look into policies that cover personal items. You may want to keep this insurance for once you’ve landed in your new country too.

Personal effects insurance is essential to cover your possessions in emergencies such as fire or natural disasters.

Book Your Moving Company 

Once you’ve done your research, sorted through your belongings, and packed, it’s time to live that dream of being an overseas worker.

You’ll need to book an experienced moving company that you can trust with your belongings.

Working overseas doesn’t need to start with stress and disorganization. Book a company that manages everything for you and makes sure the start to your new life is as smooth and calm as it should be.

Submit the details of your move here, and one of our professional consultants will provide you with a personalized quote.