Question : Any tips for international relocation moving?
I’m looking for advice from people who have experience with international moving. I will be returning to the US alone after living many years abroad on my own, and need help/tips on starting and getting settled when I get there.
relocation moving

Best answer:

Answer by tunisianbelle
I moved from the US to Tunisia 5+ years ago. Here’s a few tips from my personal experience:

–Computers, tvs, vcrs, and other electronics are not worth the hassle to try to take with you because the power plugs and voltages are not the same. I bought power plug converters, but it still fried my electronics.

–Unless you can find a REALLY great deal, leave your furniture behind and buy new stuff. The cost of shipping furniture overseas is VERY expensive. I personally sold all my stuff and used the money to help buy new furniture when I moved here.

–Ship as much stuff as possible in boxes through your post office (your post office rates will be cheaper than UPS, DHL, or any other carrier). I shipped most of my clothes, books, CDs, shoes, and other small household items. I made an itemized list of what was in each box and made 3 copies for each box: 1 to go inside the box, 1 for the customs sheet on the outside of the box (beats handwriting everything), and 1 for my personal records.

–In your luggage (unless you fly first or business class, and depending on the airline) you are either allowed one piece of check-in luggage at 70lbs, or two pieces at 50 lbs each. You should pack your essentials: toiletries, clothes, and other things you need.

–In your carry-on pack one change of clothes (in case the airline misplaces your luggage), all important papers, work documents, travel documents, laptop, money/travelers checks/credit cards, and other important things you need.

Other things that need to be done before you move:
* Assemble legal papers including mortgage, deed, insurance, tax and survey documents and delivery them to your lawyer.
* Fill out change of address order form for post office.
* Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories.
* Take inventory of your belongings before they’re packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
* Make arrangements for transporting pets (if you have any).
* Inform electric, water, telephone and cable companies of your move.
* Close bank accounts and have your funds transferred to your new bank, or get a bank check to open a new account once you arrive. Before closing accounts, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven’t been processed.
* Collect valuables from safety-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents.
* Check with your insurance agent to ensure you’ll be covered during and after the move.
* Confirm travel reservations.
* Be sure to give a friend or relative you itinerary and all your contact info

Here are two really good ones that covers everything you will need to do starting at 2 months before the move and working you down to the day of the move.

http://www.century21.com/learn/content.aspx?refstr=6.8.7

http://www.upack.com/moving-resources/checklist.asp

This one gives tips for the move it self, and how to make it easier for the other family members, pets, plants, protecting the environment, etc.

http://www.2c.com/wb_hrpages/hr_gen_moving.html

When I moved I made up my own list and did everything myself. I’m a pretty organized person as it is, so nothing got left behind, but one of these lists would have bee helpful. Good luck to you!

I hope this helped! If I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me.