• An international move is an exciting prospect, promising a rewarding new job, peaceful retirement, or some other dream fulfilled (true love?). Whatever the case, a drastic change of lifestyle goes along with the experience.

• Careful preparation and choosing the right moving company will ease the transition for you and your family once you arrive in your new country.

• The more lead time you have, the better prepared you will be. Use these helpful tips to plan your relocation.

• Avoid culture shock by starting well ahead of moving day to learn more about your new country. Take some language courses to communicate on a basic level.

• You may feel you are speaking like a five-year-old, but you’ll be amazed at how doors open when you attempt to speak to people in their own language.

• Until you are acclimated, avoid slang and stick to safe, non-offensive phrases for basic communication.

• Learn subtle differences in how people communicate within cultures. For example, personal space is judged differently in many European countries than in North America.

• Europeans typically stand closer together when speaking, while Americans back away to speak one-on-one. As a result, a strange two-step dance develops during cross-cultural communication.

• Touching is another—well, touchy—subject. Casual American culture is relaxed about a gentle pat on the back in conversation, while Middle Eastern cultures have very strict limitations.

• Getting documents in order can be a long, tedious process, so start early by learning what is required from your current country and your new one.

• Then, apply, request copies, and follow up. Packing and moving will be challenging enough, so make sure you aren’t hung up by lacking the right piece of paper.

• Keep extra copies of everything back home.

• Here is a partial list of documents you’ll need:

– visa and passport forms for your current country of residence and your intended one;

– legal documents like your will, a power of attorney, and ownership records.

• List prescriptions that you or family members will need. Order extras, but first, check on the maximum limits to bringing prescription drugs into the country.

• Determine required shots and bring proof of vaccinations.

• Review current health insurance policies to learn what is covered overseas. Investigate short-term insurance for at least your first year to help with out-of-pocket costs (covered costs could take months to be reimbursed).

• Bring extra contact lenses and eyeglasses.

• Never simple for most of us, handling finances and keeping track of cash flow is a bigger challenge when living abroad.

• Establish in-country banking in your new location, which will require research and study before making a choice, and open an account before your move, if possible.

• How will you pay bills from abroad? Check for added fees and be aware of exchange rates, plus the cost for paying with dollars versus local currency. Bring a combination of traveler’s checks and credit cards for travel needs.

• You may be moving to paradise, but remember the two things you can always count on in life (one of them is taxes). Prepare to submit your annual tax documents back home, and learn which forms you are expected to file in your new country.

Deciding what to bring vs. place in storage is more complicated internationally. Your choice depends on the destination country, and on how reliant you are on your own furnishings and car.

Check the availability of specific items there, such as:

• Cars - shipping a car could be more costly than storing one here. European cars are a better choice as they are small and suited to getting around in old European cities. Check on U.S. Customs requirements and guidelines for shipping cars overseas, along with possible port duties at the other end.

• Furnishings - a furnished rental could meet your needs and simplify establishing a new household. Costs might be higher than renting unfurnished, but remember to add the cost of storage at home.

• The complexities of relocating people, furniture, cars, and whole lives between countries could be a nightmare, or an exciting adventure. A lot depends on the vendor you choose to rely on for the crucial steps of packing, crating, and unpacking your precious belongings.

• Check that your mover has deep experience and knowledge of your destination country, and can advise you on:

– shipping methods, like air, sea, or ground options;

– customs requirements;

– insurance for your belongings while in transit and storage.

• Finally, ask for referrals from past clients who have successfully moved to your new location.

Shleppers has served New York, the Eastern seaboard, and now, the entire U.S. with long-distance and international moves since 1978. Meet with a

Shleppers consultant to plan a safe, timely international delivery.

We offer complete packing and preparation services, air, sea or ground options, and help with customs planning and clearance.

Contact us at http://www.shleppers.com/ or call today at 1-800-769-9337.

SOURCES

1. http://www.shleppers.com/

2. http://home.howstuffworks.com/real-estate/moving-tips/5-things-you-should-do-before-you-move-abroad.htm#page=2

3. http://moving.about.com/od/internationalmoves/bb/overseas_howto.htm

4. http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html