International Moves: How to Plan a Relocation Abroad

Relocating to another country is one of life’s biggest adventures. It’s exciting, but the details can stack up fast: paperwork, shipping, housing, and new routines all compete for your attention. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel scattered, and even a little overwhelmed or anxious. Anything from passport issues to picking the wrong moving company could set you back, so what can you do to protect yourself as you venture to a new place? 

Thankfully, with the right steps, you can move abroad with confidence and set yourself up for a smoother transition. At National Van Lines, we’ve guided families, businesses, and even military service members through international moves for decades. That experience means we know where challenges usually pop up, and more importantly, how to help you prepare for them. In this article, you will learn:

• A high-level view of international moving 
• The documents you should gather for an international move
• What to take and what to leave behind before you leave the country 
• Who to choose as your international moving partner
• How to plan for your transition period
• Ways to stay adaptable and organized as you plan
• Quick tips for starting fresh in your new home and new country 

A High-Level View of International Moving

An international move has layers of complexity that domestic long distance moves don’t. You’re working across different countries’ regulations, timelines, and logistics, all while planning the personal side of your move.

A few key differences stand out:

• Customs regulations: Every country has its own rules about what can be brought in, how items are declared, and what duties or taxes apply.
  
• Longer delivery timelines: A truck can bring belongings cross-country in a week or two, but international shipping may take several weeks or even months depending on your destination.
  
• Multiple moving parts: Beyond shipping, you may also be scheduling flights, securing visas, arranging temporary housing, or setting up local bank accounts at the same time.

Having this high-level view in mind gives you a clear starting point before diving into the finer details of planning.

What Documents Should I Gather for an International Move? 

One of the biggest surprises during an international move is the amount of paperwork required. It’s more than passports and visas; you’ll need layers of documentation that prove who you are, what you’re bringing, and where you’re going.

Common documents to prepare include: passports valid for at least six months past your arrival, visas or residency permits, customs forms for your shipment, medical and school records, and financial paperwork if you plan to open a bank account abroad.

Getting these lined up early keeps your move on schedule. A missing document can cause delays at customs or even prevent you from boarding your flight.

What Should I Take and What Should I Leave Behind for an International Move? 

When planning an international move, the question isn’t just how to pack. It’s what’s actually worth bringing across the ocean. Shipping is charged by weight and volume, which means every item you keep adds cost and complexity. Thinking through these choices early helps keep your shipment manageable and your budget in check.

Think through these categories carefully:

• Furniture: Shipping bulky items like sofas and beds can be expensive, and sizes may not even fit in homes overseas. Research local furniture costs to see if buying new makes more sense.
  
• Vehicles: Importing a car is possible but often costly. Some countries have strict emissions standards or require modifications before registering a vehicle.
  
• Pets: International pet relocation involves paperwork, vaccinations, and in some cases, quarantine periods. This process takes time, so it’s smart to start early.
  
• Sentimental or high-value items: Consider whether heirlooms, artwork, or collections are safer to store at home or carefully shipped with insurance.
  

Rule of thumb: if an item is easy to replace, it may not be worth the shipping fees.

Which Partner Should I Choose for My International Move? 

International moving involves a network of companies working together, not just the team that loads the truck at your door. The mover you choose should have the right partnerships, experience, and systems in place to handle every stage of the journey.

Look for these signs of a strong mover:

1. Clear knowledge of customs and required paperwork.
   
2. Options for air freight or sea freight with transparent timelines.
   
3. A system for tracking shipments and providing regular updates.
   
4. Trusted overseas partners to handle delivery on the other end.
   
5. Direct, transparent communication about costs and responsibilities.

Taking time to compare moving companies with these criteria in mind can make a major difference in how smooth your relocation feels.

Plan for Your Transition Period

Even the most carefully timed international move usually comes with a gap between when you arrive and when your shipment shows up. Sea freight especially can take weeks. Planning for this transition period helps you stay comfortable while you wait.

Ways to prepare for this stage:

• Research short-term rentals, extended-stay hotels, or furnished apartments in your new city.
  
• Pack enough clothing, toiletries, medications, and documents to last several weeks in your luggage.
  
• Use storage at home for items you aren’t sure about bringing right away.
  
• Budget specifically for meals out, transportation, and housing during this stage.

When you know the transition phase is coming, it feels less like an inconvenience and more like a planned step in the journey.

Stay Organized and Adaptable

International moves can feel like managing a dozen projects at once. The best way to keep control is to stay organized while leaving room for flexibility.

Staying on track looks like this:

• Create a moving checklist with clear deadlines.
  
• Set calendar reminders for important appointments.
  
• Keep all vital paperwork together in one folder or digital file.

But don’t forget flexibility: shipping schedules, customs inspections, or even weather can shift your timeline. Having backup options—like rental furniture or local delivery services—makes these delays easier to handle.

Being both structured and adaptable means you’ll face challenges with more confidence.

Starting Fresh in a New Country

Once your belongings arrive and the boxes are unpacked, the move shifts into something bigger: Building a new daily life. The choices you make in the first few months shape how quickly you feel at home.

Practical ways to adjust include:

• Learning local customs so daily life feels smoother.
  
• Connecting with expat communities for support and advice.
  
• Getting involved locally through classes, clubs, or volunteering.
  
• Establishing small routines (like a morning walk or regular grocery shop)for a sense of stability.

The more you engage with your surroundings, the quicker your new country will start to feel like home.

Ready for What Comes Next

International moves have always come with challenges, but families have been making the leap for decades. Today, you have access to more resources, better communication tools, and moving partners who understand the details of relocating abroad.

Right now, your focus may be on documents, shipping choices, and planning for the weeks between departure and delivery. With each step you take, the move becomes more manageable and the idea of living abroad feels more real.

Looking ahead, preparation will give you the freedom to settle in faster and enjoy the opportunities your new country has to offer. At National Van Lines, we’ve worked with thousands of families relocating to a new country, so we know just how important it is to have every single detail covered properly before you embark on your journey. When you plan carefully and stay flexible, moving abroad isn’t just about logistics— it’s the start of a new chapter in your life.

You’re moving to a new country, and now, you’ve got the tips you need to get started with the planning you’ll need to do. Now, learn about the top 10 ways you can improve your international move.