Moving home is regularly cited as one of the most stressful activities we undertake in our lifetime. Even moving within the same town requires extensive planning and coordination, so moving abroad can sometimes feel like an insurmountable and Herculean task!
Of course, you needn’t tackle your international removal alone. Many removals companies specialise in overseas removals, and have a number of processes in place to help ensure that your relocation – whether you’re retiring to France or moving to Australia for six months – goes without a hitch.
Should you be moving to the US, there are a number of vital steps that you must take prior to your move, some of which are outlined below.
Let People Know
Obviously, family and friends will already know that you’re leaving, and will probably be planning a party to see you off, but it’s also important to inform relevant organisations and Government bodies that you’re relocating.
Government departments such as the Inland Revenue and the Department of Work and Pensions will need to know your plans, not only for tax reasons, but also if you’re saving towards a pension or claim any benefits. It’s also important to inform your utility, phone and internet providers, as well as your bank, and you should cancel any Direct Debits you may have set up.
Passport
Your passport and other travel documents, such as plane tickets, driving licenses and any other tickets for transport to and from the airport, should be kept in a safe place – preferably somewhere you’ll remember them! You’ll also need your birth certificate and, if you have one, your marriage certificate, as they will be processed as part of your visa application. All important documents and papers should be kept with you in your hand luggage.
Of course, your passport also needs to be valid, so don’t leave checking it until the last minute. Renewing your passport will take time, so you’ll need to ensure that it’s in date well before your moving day. After all, the last thing you’ll want to do in the midst of organising your relocation is have a mad dash to the passport office!
Organise your Visa
This is a key part of your move, and the USA has very stringent guidelines when it comes to applying for and being granted a visa. You must comply with US visa immigration laws, and follow all of the specific procedures that are in place for the application process.
Due to this, a visa application is often a complicated and time-consuming process, so be sure to allow plenty of time before your move to complete the application – with time to spare for any issues that may occur.
Packing
When it comes to packing, it’s always a good idea to organise your belongings into essential and non-essential items, and get quotes for moving those essential items to your new home. An inventory is useful, as it enables you to keep track of what you’ve brought with you when you reach your new destination, and will help you when unpacking.
Don’t be tempted to take everything with you when you move abroad. Be strict and consider the space you’ll have in both your shipping container and your new home. We all own items that hold a lot of sentimental value, and you may add these to your essential list. But any other items could be given away or sold. Perhaps friends and relatives could give some of your best-loved furniture and items a new home? And storage is always available for those items you can’t bear to part with, but you’re not able to take with you.
Whatever you decide to take, make sure you organise suitable insurance!
Choose the Best Removals Company
Choosing the most suitable removals company shouldn’t be based purely on price comparisons, but on a range of different factors. For instance, is the company registered by a recognised association, such as the British Association of Removers (BAR)? Do they have experience when it comes to providing an overseas relocation service?
It’s also worth bearing in mind whether they can help with your packing. Many removals companies offer a packing service as part of their relocation packages, and it’s always a good idea to take advantage of this as not only will it ensure that your items are safely packaged ready for moving, but it could also help when your belongings reach customs.
Be sure to get a quote for your belongings, and find out whether the company you choose offer insurance.
Barnes of Lincoln
At Barnes of Lincoln, we have over 30 years of experience when it comes to moving our clients abroad – including to America. That means we have the resources and procedures in place, including our highly trained team, to ensure that your belongings are safely and securely transported to your new home.
We have an international network set up that allows us to work with similar companies in other countries to make sure that your items are handled with the utmost care and respect, and our team have the expertise to offer you peerless advice on the shipment process.
If you’re moving to America and would like to discuss the options available with a removal company with over 5 generations of experience, why not get in touch today?
