Your Guide to Stress-Free International Moving from India
International moving from one of India is a life-changing experience for everyone. Every year a significant number of Indians move to countries like the UK, the USA, the UAE, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands. If you too are planning to move overseas from India; that’s exciting. But let’s be real. Moving to a foreign land is not as simple as packing up a few bags and boxes and hiring a professional mover to shift your belongings. Whether your international move is for work, education, or personal reasons, it can be challenging and stressful. The whole process can feel like a massive mountain you need to climb.
Cultural, logistical, and emotional challenges involved in the process of an international move can induce stress. But don’t worry; you can ensure a smooth and stress-free overseas relocation with proper planning and expert guidance. If you are not sure about how to start and how to make your move as smooth as possible, this post is exclusively written for you. In this blog post, I have curated some of the best tips on international moving from India. Plus, I am sure you will have a stress-free international moving experience by following the tips and tricks highlighted in this post. So, before you embark on your international journey, take your time to read this blog and learn tips to turn your overseas relocation into a smooth and tension-free experience.
Research and Choose Your Destination
If you have not decided yet where to move from India, it is time to do thorough research about your destination country. Remember that this is the first step towards a successful international move. This is essential because moving to a foreign land is not just about packing your bags. It is all about understanding and preparing for an entirely new environment. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right destination for moving.
Factors to Consider in Research
Cost of Living: When moving abroad from India, the first thing that you need to check out is the cost of living. If you have an idea about the approximate costs of rent, transportation, healthcare, education, and other expenses—you are likely to make a more informed decision.
Visa and Immigration Requirements: This is another factor that you must keep in mind before you move. For example, you need to figure out the visa process and eligibility criteria. Also, you need to know what documents are required for visa application and immigration. So, you must not miss this significant factor so that you can ease the visa process and enjoy a smooth immigration.
Culture and Language: In your destination country, you will find different cultures and customs. People will speak in different languages. This is why you should prepare yourself for this change. It is always better to learn about the local culture and customs in advance so that you do not face trouble adjusting yourself in the near environment. Also, learn the language spoken in your new country.
Climate and Weather: Another significant change you will notice in the new country is climate change. The weather scenario will be different depending on the country you are moving to. So, prepare yourself for any significant climate and weather changes.
If you do this research beforehand, you are likely to be better equipped to handle the challenges involved in an international relocation.
Start Early for Your International Move
You have heard this a thousand times—but this is true. I am repeating this saying because it really matters, especially when it comes to planning for an overseas relocation. The earlier you start, the easier your move will be. Is it okay to plan an international move a month in advance? No, this is not enough, in my opinion. You should give yourself a solid 3 to 4 months before your actual relocation date. It is essential because you need to go through several time-consuming tasks such as documentation, packing, hiring international movers, customs preparation, and so on. Why an early start is essential for an international move—let’s take a look at the top reasons.
Document Preparation
This is a time-consuming process, you know. Obtaining visas, work permits, and passports can take your time for a month. Not only this, arranging documents for these can also take your time. If you have enough time on your hands, you can manage things better. Apart from these immigration requirements, you may also need to collect other documents and certificates. So, it is always a better idea to start preparation for your move as early as possible. Apply for a visa ASAP and double-check the documents as it will take time.
Planning for customs
Moving overseas means dealing with customs rules and regulations which are complicated and stress-inducing. Depending on the destination country, you may have to face a specific set of regulations. So, plan for it in advance and understand what to move and what to not. Trust me, you will never like an incident when customs officials ban your possessions from entering your dream country.
Time to declutter
International moving from India can be expensive, especially if you have lots of belongings to ship. Not only expensive, but the process can also be challenging. Hence, it is always better to understand what items you cannot ship to your new country. Donate or sell those items without hesitation. Plus, donate or sell those items you do not need longer or do not use anymore. Making an informed decision on moving specific items will make your move affordable and easier as well. So, take your time to declutter your home to avoid potential complications.
Find the Right International Movers
Now that you are mentally prepared for your move. Now, your concern is how you can move your possessions from India to the country where you are moving. Whether you want to ship a few boxes or an entire apartment’s belongings—hiring a reliable and experienced international moving company can be the best choice. The right international movers will give you the most appropriate shipping option depending on the volume of your goods. If you want to ship a few boxes, they can ship them via air cargo. On the other hand, they will use the sea cargo option if you have lots of household items and furniture to move from India to a new country.
I understand that finding a reliable moving company that specializes in international shipping requirements can be challenging. The availability of so many companies also creates confusion about which one to choose. Do not worry. I have a few tips and tricks that can help you select the right international movers to make the process a breeze. Here are the top considerations when choosing the right moving service provider.
Experience with International Moves
There are numerous packers and movers companies in different cities of India—it is true. But not all companies specialize in international moves. Most companies have never dealt with shipping goods from one country to another. So, it is always a wise decision to choose the right international movers. Make sure the company is experienced and has a least 5 years of experience in the industry. Remember that only movers with experience in international moves can manage your move efficiently and turn the event into an easygoing and smooth affair.
Reviews and Recommendations
Many people commit mistakes of not checking reviews and obtaining recommendations from their near and dear ones. Not reading reviews, not checking customer ratings, and not getting recommendations can get you in trouble and affect your mental peace. So, you must not commit this mistake if you genuinely want to hire the best movers for safe and secure international moving from India. Facebook, Google, Mouthshut, TrustPilot, and SiteJabber are authentic sources of information where you can check reviews and ratings of potential international movers.
Insurance Coverage
It is one of the main factors to consider when hiring the services of an international moving company. Since the transit time is long, particularly when shipping goods via sea cargo. Due to the long transit time, your goods are also at risk of getting damaged while handing at different ports and making delivery. So, consider hiring a specialized international moving company that offers you insurance options to protect your belongings.
Pro tip: Don’t just settle for the first mover you find. Get quotes from at least 3-5 international packers and movers in your current city in India. Compare prices, services, and the fine print of their contracts. This can help you choose the best option for your budget and needs. You can also rely on Abroad Movers to obtain free quotes from the top 3 pre-screened international movers to compare rates and hire the services.
Get Familiar with Customs and Regulations
You know what—relocating to a different country is not just about packing your belongings. It is all about the rules of the destination country. You must know every country has its own set of rules and regulations. Thus, knowing things like what you can bring into a new country, how much you can bring, and how things should be declared—is essential.
Prohibited items: Some items—like certain foods, plants, or electronics—might be restricted or banned. It’s important to know ahead of time if there’s anything you can’t bring with you. You don’t want your favourite snacks to be confiscated at customs.
Duties and taxes: Depending on your destination country, you may have to pay duties or taxes on certain items you are bringing in. Keep in mind that these fees can vary widely. So, make sure to check with the customs authorities in the country you are moving to.
Declaration forms: Some countries require you to fill out detailed forms about the items you are shipping. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork ready so that there is no hold-up when your goods arrive.
Do not panic though! Most international movers will help guide you through the process of filling out forms and understanding what is allowed. But it does not hurt to get familiar with the basic rules yourself so you are not scrambling at the last minute.
Start Packing and Labeling Like a Pro
Packing for a move is a whole lot another level of stress. It is essentially true if you are moving abroad and dealing with long-distance shipping and customs checks. However, a good preparation can help you manage the stress. Here is how you can make it as easy as possible.
Start with the essentials: The golden rule of packing for a move is not packing everything all at once. Instead, start packing your items that you rarely use. Consider things like seasonal clothes, books you have already read, etc. As you get closer to the move date, manage the more important stuff.
Use quality packing materials: Another important rule for an international move is not to try to save money on packing stuff. You must invest in high-quality packing materials like sturdy boxes, wooden crates, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will ensure your items are well protected throughout the journey and after delivery. If you are not sure about what types of packing supplies you should use to pack your items, ask your moving company for recommendations. They can also offer you professional packing services that will save you from the stress of packing and protect your belongings.
Label EVERYTHING: This is SO important. Make sure you clearly label all boxes with their contents and the room they belong in. For example, “Kitchen – Pots & Pans” or “Living Room – Books”. If you do this, you will find it much easier when unpacking and organizing.
Take inventory: Do not forget to create a list of everything you are shipping. This will help you with insurance claims and will also be useful when you are going through customs.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack an essentials bag for yourself! Things like toiletries, important documents, a change of clothes, and any electronics you will need right away. You do not want to be digging through boxes the second you land.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan for your international move, there can be some obstacles. There can be a few unfortunate incidents that can turn your move into a bitter experience. So, be prepared for the unexpected things so that you can navigate through the challenges with ease.
Some common unexpected problems can include:
Shipping delays: Sometimes customs or transportation issues can delay the arrival of your belongings. Make sure you are mentally prepared for this possibility and have a contingency plan (such as temporary housing or supplies for a few weeks).
Language barriers: Moving to a country where you do not speak the language fluently can cause stress when it comes to handling logistics. While many international moving companies have English-speaking staff, it’s always a good idea to learn a few key phrases to make communication easier.
Emotional challenges: Do not forget the emotional side of moving abroad. Saying goodbye to friends, relatives and your hometown can be very difficult, so make sure you are mentally well-rested during this time. Do not be afraid to ask your loved ones for support if you feel overwhelmed.
Settle Into Your New Home
You have successfully landed in your dream country. Now comes the fun part: settling into your new home. Here is how you can do this without feeling completely stressed:
Create a routine: Establish a daily routine that makes you feel comfortable. Even if it is just a cup of coffee in the morning and a walk around the neighbourhood, a sense of normalcy can go a long way.
Unpack in stages: Take your time unpacking. Do not feel like you have to do everything at once. Start with the essentials (e.g. kitchen and bathroom) and slowly work your way up to the rest.
Get involved: Join local groups, meet people or explore your new neighbourhood. You will feel at home more quickly if you actively participate in your new community.
Final Thoughts: How to Move Overseas Without Stress
Moving to a new country is definitely a lot to handle. It can feel overwhelming, but with some planning, a bit of patience, and help from the right movers, it can be way less stressful. Just take it one step at a time, and before long, you will be all settled in.
Ready for this new chapter? You have got this!