The Struggles No One Tells You When Moving Abroad

Needless to say, moving to a new country is the kind of adventure that’s filled with excitement, possibility, and, let’s be honest, a touch of sheer panic. It’s the stuff dreams are made of, right? But before you get to the good part—exploring new cities, trying new foods, and meeting new people—there’s the moving process itself. 

And trust this, it’s a whole different beast. Moving is already hard, but something about moving to a whole new location in a whole new country (or even continent) is just all the harder.

While yes, there’s more than enough tips on how to move to another country, it’s often fairly generic advice. Sure, it’s really helpful, but you don’t want to deal with any surprises, right? So, what do you need to know? So, with that all here’s what no one really talks about when it comes to uprooting your life and planting it somewhere new.

The Paperwork is Like a Never-Ending Saga

You might think, “I’ve got my visa; what more could there be?” Oh, well, welcome to the labyrinth of paperwork. It’s not just the visa; there are customs declarations, shipping forms, insurance documents, and the list goes on. Every item you own becomes a piece of documentation.

That quirky lamp you love? It now needs to be declared, listed, and sometimes meticulously described down to the wattage of the bulb. Missing a detail might not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to delays, extra fees, or even the horror of losing your stuff in the abyss of international shipping. But of course, it’s not always like this, for example, if you’re only bringing one suitcase with you, then that’s a little bit less paperwork to deal with.

It’s Like a Treasure Hunt for International Movers

As you might have guessed, finding a good moving company is a headache on its own, but finding one that specializes in international moves is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. So, many companies might boast about their experience, but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty details, they fall short. This isn’t just about getting stuff from Point A to Point B; it’s about ensuring that your entire life, packed up in boxes, actually arrives in one piece.

Now, there are companies out there that will try to make the moving process as easy as possible, like Deliver1, because they’re more than familiar with all the complexities that are offered. But just keep in mind that you can’t really DIY an international move, and you’ll need to find a reliable company.

There’s the Real Cost of Moving

Budgeting for a move abroad? Double it. No, seriously. Beyond the obvious expenses like shipping costs and flights, there’s a plethora of hidden costs that will catch you off guard. There’s the last-minute emergency storage unit because your shipping container isn’t big enough.

There are the customs fees that weren’t mentioned in the fine print. And then there’s the insurance. Oh, the insurance. Yeah, this list could go on and on. So, that’s why you need to make sure you’re covered: international shipping can be a gamble, and it’s not cheap.