Essential Tips for Moving Internationally: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving is never easy, but when you are moving internationally, the number of things that you need to consider increases dramatically. Planning ahead is crucial, so here are some essential things to ensure your international move goes smoothly.

1. Ensure Your Visa and Immigration Documents are in Order

The first thing to figure out when planning your international move is your Visa/immigration status. Each country has its own set of visa/immigration rules, depending on the type of visa you have applied for, such as work visas, student visas, or family reunification visas. Check your documents thoroughly and, if needed, reach out to a visa/immigration professional – or you can reach out to us and we’ll put you in touch with the right person!

2. Find the Perfect Place to Stay

The next question is where you’ll stay when you move internationally. Consider whether you are moving alone, with family, or initially alone with family joining later. Research neighborhoods that offer suitable amenities and convenient commutes. 

3. Choosing the Right Moving Company

Moving countries is not easy and, with the many things you’ve collected over the years, the task may seem daunting. But reaching out to the right moving company (like us!) can simplify the process. Professional movers will handle the logistics, ensuring your belongings are transported safely, and will help with customs paperwork to avoid delays. Read more about our moving checklist here.

4. Preparing for Moving Day: Essential Tasks

While you are waiting for moving day, here are some tasks you should not miss out on:

4.1. Collect and Organise Essential Documents

Ensure all your important documents, such as birth certificates, adoption documents, marriage certificates, identification proofs, medical records, and driving licenses, are collected and organised in one place. This helps prevent any last-minute scrambles!

4.2. Notify Necessary Parties of Your Move

Make a list of organisations and individuals that need to be informed about your move, such as your bank, local authorities, and utility providers. Update them before you move to ensure a smooth transition.

4.3. Understand New Country’s Financial and Healthcare Systems

Moving to a new country often involves changes in laws, especially regarding finances and healthcare. Research the tax system and set up necessary accounts in advance. Learn about the new healthcare system to ensure you have the required coverage. Your moving company can provide additional assistance and resources.

Moving internationally is not easy but, with the right partner, your move can be made as painless as possible. For your next move, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – the experience and support you get from using a professional company can be invaluable.

For more information, contact us at www.go-group.com – what might seem like an impossibly tough task to you, is just another day at the office for us!

Moving house, whether locally or to another country, is a significant life event that requires careful planning and execution. As relocation specialists, we are here to guide you through the essential steps involved in the moving process and highlight key things to remember for a smooth transition. Whether you're moving house within your city or relocating to another country, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the journey.

Steps for Relocating Houses

Step 1. Planning and Preparation

a. Research and Hire a Relocation Company:

Start by researching reputable moving companies with experience in both local and international moves. Look for reviews and testimonials to ensure their reliability. Get quotes from multiple companies to compare services and prices.

b. Create a Moving Checklist:

Develop a detailed checklist of tasks to complete before, during, and after the move. This will help you stay organised and ensure nothing is overlooked.

c. Set a Budget:

Establish a budget for your move, accounting for all potential expenses, including packing materials, transportation, insurance, and any additional services.

Step 2. Declutter and Organise

a. Sort Through Your Belongings:

Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will reduce the volume of items to move and help save on costs.

b. Organise Important Documents:

Gather all essential documents, such as passports, visas, medical records, and financial papers. Keep them in a secure and easily accessible place.

Step 3. Notify Relevant Parties

a. Change of Address:

Update your address with the post office, banks, insurance companies, and other relevant institutions. Inform friends and family of your new address.

b. Utilities and Services:

Schedule the disconnection of utilities and services at your old home and arrange for their setup at your new location.

Step 4. Packing and Labelling

a. Gather Packing Supplies:

Obtain high-quality packing materials, including boxes, export wrap, packing paper, and tape. Obviously, if you hire us, we’ll come with these and finish the packing for you!

b. Pack Methodically:

The packing should be done room by room, and each box should be labelled with its content and destination room. 

c. Handle Valuables with Care:

Fragile & valuable items should be packed separately, using extra cushioning to prevent damage.

Step 5. Transportation and Moving Day

a. Local Moves:

For local relocations, the moving company will load your belongings onto the truck and transport them to your new home. Ensure clear communication with the movers regarding any special instructions (mention access to the property, large items for doors, will the truck get to both addresses, flights of stairs/lifts etc)

b. International Moves:

For international relocations, the company will handle shipping logistics, including customs documentation and coordination with carriers. Ensure all items meet the destination country's import regulations. Other than this don’t forget to mention details like access to the property, large items for doors, will the truck get to both addresses, flights of stairs/lifts etc.

Step 6. Unpacking and Settling In

a. Unpack Essentials First:

If you are unpacking on your own, start with essential items, such as toiletries, kitchenware, and bedding. This will help you settle in quickly. 

b. Arrange Furniture and Decor:

The next task would be to place furniture and décor in their designated rooms. Take your time to create a comfortable and organised living space.

Step 7. Post-Move Tasks

a. Inspect Belongings:

Check all items for damage and report any issues to the moving company promptly.

b. Explore Your New Neighbourhood:

Take time to explore your new surroundings, locate essential services, and meet your neighbours.

 

Go Expert Golden Nugget: Timing Matters

One of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of relocating houses is timing. Plan your move during off-peak seasons, such as late autumn or winter, when moving companies are less busy. This not only increases the likelihood of securing your preferred moving dates but can also result in significant cost savings. Additionally, aim to move mid-month or mid-week when demand is lower, further reducing costs and ensuring a smoother relocation process.

Relocating to another country or moving house locally involves numerous steps and careful planning. By following this guide and keeping these key points in mind, you'll be well-prepared to make your move as stress-free and efficient as possible. Happy moving!

This year, Paris is host to the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the world’s largest sporting events. Starting on 26th July 2024, top athletes from around the world will gather in Paris and 16 other cities in France. They will compete in various events and competitions to represent their countries. The games will conclude on 8th September 2024.

How will the Olympics affect my shipping, storage, relocation & moving schedules?

With such a high profile, global event, there is expected to be more than 16 million spectators across the two events. The high number of people in one place at once will create difficulties for movement in and out of the area. Here are a few things to be aware of while planning moving during the Paris Olympics.

Increase in costs:

Expect rates in the area to go up considerably. This can impact anything from rental fees, storage fees, hotel costs, parking fees and many more.

Decrease in availability:

Demand for resources in the area will be under great strain due to the vast increase in people. This means accommodation, transport, storage space, etc. will be hard to come by.

Restricted movements:

There has already been some confirmed restrictions around the area to aid with security and movements for the event. Examples of potential restrictions can be high traffic concentration, lane and road closures, accidents and more. With security ramped up in the Olympic areas, it’s highly likely that we will see specific restrictions come into place across certain locations for vehicles, such as our transport vans and trucks.

Delays:

Due to the extreme demand France will face for the games, delays are almost guaranteed across several areas. Expect delays in visa processes and customs as well as extensive traffic across the involved cities. There will also be a knock-on effect to the logistics areas which will in turn mean delays on deliveries across France.

Which places will be affected?

Although the main affected areas will be the host cities, it is expected that the Olympics and Paralympics will also impact surrounding areas including the rest of France and neighbouring countries such as Spain and the UK. For instance, the UK have already confirmed an increase in security to prevent illegal crossings of the border, so expect potential delays there.

What can I do? 

Book early:

With spaces disappearing fast, if you are looking to move during the Olympic period, we would highly recommend that you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as we are already booking up very quickly.

Avoid Olympic dates:

If possible, consider moving either before May 2024 or after September 2024 to avoid the potential delays and complications that are expected with the Olympics.

Avoid the area:

If you can, avoid impacted areas of Paris 2024. These areas are going to be highly congested, high in demand and expensive as a result. For example, if you’re looking for temporary accommodation in the area, consider locations outside of the city that you can change once the Olympics have concluded.

Go with Go!:

This one should be clear but using Go Group for your potential moving services will save you time and money in both the long and short term. We have years of extensive experience in managing difficult situations such as this and we will ensure that you receive the best quality experience whilst we worry about the technicalities.

What can Go Group do to help?

Storage services:

Our network of storage locations across the region are available for short term storage should you need to temporarily hold your items during the Olympic period.

Moving services:

Our highly-trained professional moving teams have years of experience to help make your move possible. We have a variety of vehicles available to help avoid or ease potential restrictions whilst getting you into your new accommodation without stress.

Concierge services:

Our team are on hand to help you find whatever you need, such as accommodation or education services. We provide a personal service to make your move as simple and hassle-free as possible.

 

The upcoming Paris Olympics & Paralympics 2024 are generating immense excitement globally, eagerly anticipated by millions of fans. By utilizing the proven expertise of Go Group, you can alleviate the challenges and pressures that come with the games, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in one of the most anticipated sporting events worldwide. To read the official list of disruptions, click here.

Whether you are moving house or simply thinking of having a clear out, it can be tough to know what to keep and what to throw away right? Lucky for us that organising guru, Marie Kondo, generously shares her top tips on the art of decluttering. Release your inner neat freak and follow her pointers below for a clutter-free home…

 

1. TACKLE CATEGORIES, NOT ROOMS

For example, sort out your clothes or books together, as this will give you a better perspective on what you love and need.
 

2. DOES IT “SPARK JOY?”

Consider each item and ask yourself “does this spark joy?” If not, then throw it away. Forget the “maybe” pile, it’s probably been around for too long anyway.
 

3. FOLD, DON’T HANG

Organise your drawers with Kondo’s vertical folding technique. Use shoe boxes or drawer dividers to keep clothes standing straight in neat rows.
 

4. LOVE YOUR WARDROBE

Digging through an overpacked closet is painful. Once decluttered, getting dressed in the morning will be a breeze.
 

5. DITCH YOUR PAPERWORK

All your paperwork should fit in one place, in two groups – papers to be saved, and papers to be dealt with. Avoid piles of papers – store them in an upright holder to avoid the collection getting out of hand.
 

6. DISCARD OF ITEMS YOU DON’T NEED BEFORE CREATING MORE STORAGE SPACE

Before starting your big clear out, go through all of your stuff thoroughly and ask yourself ‘do I need this?’. If the answer is no, bin it.
 

7. ENSURE EVERYTHING HAS ITS OWN PLACE

Try to give everything you own a designated space in your home. Okay, your trainers might not go in the same spot everyday, but labelled baskets and boxes will make it a lot easier to locate items.
 

8. TIDY IT ALL IN ONE GO

Organise a day (or two) to sort your house out from top to bottom. Tidying a bit at a time never works and your house will end up even messier than it was before.
 

9. CREATE A 1 YEAR BOX

The best way to throw away any unwanted items is to create a 1 year box. Place any items you are unsure about in there and, once the year is up, throw away any items still in the box that you haven’t used.
 

10. TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER PICS

The best way to feel a sense of accomplishment is by taking before and after shots. This way, it will hopefully encourage you to keep on top of your tidy house in the future.

Feeling ready and raring to go?

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