Your Guide to International Moving: What to Know Before You Go

International moves take longer to plan than local ones. Ideally, give yourself 3–6 months. You'll need that time to: Check visa and immigration requirements; Decide what to bring, store, or sell; Book your international movers and shipping; Handle travel docs, banking, and any needed shots.

Not every moving company is built for international jobs — and not all that say they are actually do it well. Look for movers with: Experience in your destination country; Certifications (like FMC or FIDI); Transparent pricing and customs knowledge. Tip: Services like TrueConsumer can match you with trustworthy international movers who actually know what they're doing.

Each country has its own list of things you can't or shouldn't bring in. Make sure to look up: Banned items (weapons, certain foods, etc.); Things that might get taxed (like electronics or luxury goods); What paperwork you'll need. Your mover should help walk you through this — but it's always smart to double-check.

Since your stuff will be in transit longer (and possibly handled more), good packing is key: Use strong boxes and proper packing materials; Label everything clearly; Create a detailed inventory; Keep personal items (passports, meds, jewelry) with you. For fragile items, ask your mover about custom crating.

Before you land, try to sort out your living situation: Research the housing market in your new country; Set up utilities and Wi-Fi if possible; If you're using short-term housing, see if your movers offer storage.

Moving abroad isn't just a physical move—it's a lifestyle change. To help ease the transition: Learn a few key words or phrases in the local language; Look into how healthcare, public transport, and daily life works; Find online expat groups to connect with people who've been there.

An international move can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the right prep, the right team, and a little flexibility, you'll be setting yourself up for a smooth landing — wherever life is taking you.