Moving Internationally: What Items Should You Get Rid Of?

By Stephen Davis
Special to InternationalMovers.com

Moving internationally is completely different experience than moving to another state. With an international move, planning and getting organized is key to a successful move. This also includes packing and determining what you should get rid of. The items that you can take with you to a new country depend on a few factors.

• Distance: How far the new country is from your current home?
• Time: How much time will it take for your things to get to the new country?
• Law: Which of your belongings you cannot take due to import laws?
• Cost: How much will it cost, or rather how much are you prepared to spend?

A typical household contains a lot of bulky furniture, kitchen appliances, carpets, upholstery, vehicles, clothes, books, electronics, art-work and numerous other objects. The first factor that will affect your overseas shipping is the distance. If the new country is easily accessible by road or rail and of there is affordable transport available, you can in theory take all of your stuff.

The next factor is time. How long are you prepared to wait for your items? With international moving you will have to wait - oftentimes this may mean months. In some instances it is easier to purchase new belongings rather than wait for your old ones. Also, before moving you will have to find out whether you are allowed to take certain items in your new country. In some instances, items may not be permitted or you will have taxes charged to your items.

The final deciding factor is the cost. Shipping overseas is expensive, and again, may not be worth the price as opposed to buying new items in your new county.

Items You May Want to Get Rid of:

Furniture: Your move will be very easy if you sell your furniture or place them in a storage facility. Your furniture will be a big burden during the move and when you get to your new home, you may find that it doesn't fit or that you want something different. We suggest buying new furniture or moving into a furnished apartment.

Clothes: Of course you need clothes when moving internationally but the amount you take should be minimal. Consider the seasons when you are packing and don't over pack with items like bulky sweaters or jackets if you are moving somewhere warm. You can also buy most of you items when abroad.

Cars: Transporting a private vehicle abroad is one of the most expensive items to ship internationally. You will also have to pay import tax and worse still, you might find out the brand you've brought doesn't have spare parts in the market or a qualified mechanic. And no one will buy it off you.

Moving to a new country requires at least three months of planning in order to determine what to take and what to sell and/or give away. You will also need time to locate professional international moving companies. Your best bet is to plan ahead to save yourself a headache.