How to Prepare for an International Move: 6 Steps to a Smoother Relocation
Preparing for an international move doesn’t start with boxes — it starts with a plan. The sooner you begin, the more confident and in control you’ll feel when moving day arrives.
Most experts recommend starting preparations three to six months before your desired departure. That gives you time to handle everything from visa paperwork and international housing to booking the right moving company and organizing your home.
Start by outlining the basics:
- Where are you moving, and why?
- What’s your target move date?
- Do you already have housing abroad, or will you need temporary accommodations?
Next, check immigration and residency requirements for your destination. Some countries require extensive documentation — including proof of income, health records, or background checks — which can take weeks (or months) to obtain. If you’re moving with pets, children, or a vehicle, those timelines could extend even further.
It’s also important to think about school enrollment, healthcare access, banking needs, and how long it might take to settle in once you arrive. This is where a well-structured moving timeline makes all the difference.
At SDC, we help clients build this timeline step by step — and we adjust it based on your destination country, household size, and shipping method. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. You just need a solid starting point, and the right partner to guide you.
Choose a Reputable International Moving Company
Not all movers are created equal — and when you’re relocating overseas, the stakes are higher than ever. You’re not just moving furniture. You’re moving your memories, your comforts, your essentials — everything that makes up your daily life.
That’s why choosing a trusted, fully licensed international moving company is one of the most important steps in your preparation process.
Here’s what to look for:
- A mover that is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for ocean freight shipping.
- Experience with customs documentation and destination-specific regulations.
- In-house packing teams trained for international standards, not just domestic moves.
- A clear explanation of insurance coverage, transit timelines, and service levels.
- Transparent pricing — and no surprise fees.
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve been helping clients move to and from the U.S. for decades. We don’t subcontract to random carriers or leave you guessing about what comes next. From your first consultation to your final delivery overseas, we provide door-to-door support and real human guidance every step of the way.
So before you box up a single item, make sure you’ve chosen a partner who knows the road ahead — and knows how to make it smooth.
Declutter and Take Inventory
Once you’ve selected your moving company and mapped out your timeline, it’s time to make one of the most practical — and freeing — decisions of the entire process: what to bring, and what to leave behind.
International moving is typically priced based on volume, which means every box, chair, and kitchen appliance adds to the cost. So this is your chance to lighten your load — and your shipping invoice.
Start by walking through your home room by room. Set aside items you:
- Use regularly and will need abroad
- Truly value — emotionally or financially
- Can’t replace easily in your destination country
Everything else? Consider selling, donating, storing, or gifting. Large, inexpensive furniture often costs more to ship than to replace. Clothing that doesn’t suit your new climate can be donated now instead of packed and unpacked later. Outdated electronics or heavy books might not be worth the weight.
As you sort through your belongings, begin creating a master inventory of what’s going with you. This isn’t just useful for planning — it’s essential for:
- Insurance coverage
- Customs documentation
- Claims processing in the rare case of damage or loss
SDC can help guide this process and ensure your inventory is formatted correctly and categorized in a way that meets international standards.
Decluttering may feel like a chore, but for most people, it’s one of the most liberating parts of preparing for a move abroad. You’re not just packing — you’re streamlining your life.
Understand Customs and Documentation Requirements
One of the most misunderstood — and most critical — parts of international moving is customs.
Every country has its own import regulations, paperwork requirements, and prohibited item lists. Some allow duty-free entry of household goods if you’re establishing residency. Others impose strict timelines on when your items must arrive in relation to your visa or residency status.
That’s why preparing for customs isn’t something you want to “figure out later.”
Here are a few things you may need depending on your destination:
- A valid passport and visa
- A signed packing list or valued inventory
- A declaration of household goods
- Proof of residency or employment abroad
- Permits for shipping certain items (like alcohol, electronics, or vehicles)
If that sounds like a lot — it is. But you don’t have to handle it alone.
At SDC, we walk you through the exact customs requirements for your destination. We help you gather and complete the necessary forms and ensure everything is submitted on time and in the correct format. That way, your belongings don’t get held up at the port — and you don’t get stuck with avoidable delays or fees.
When it comes to moving across borders, paperwork matters. And we’re here to make sure it’s done right.
How 2025 Trends Are Shaping the Way People Move Abroad
Every year brings new dynamics to international relocation — and 2025 is no exception. Whether you’re moving for work, lifestyle, retirement, or family, it’s important to consider how today’s global landscape may affect your plans.
Here are a few trends we’re seeing that could impact your move:
Remote Work is Reshaping Global Mobility
More U.S. professionals are relocating abroad while keeping their jobs stateside. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece continue to offer digital nomad visas — and new ones are emerging across Latin America and Asia. If you’re planning to work remotely overseas, your move might involve additional documentation or residency requirements — especially related to income and taxation.
Cost of Living and Inflation Concerns
Economic pressures at home are encouraging more people to explore more affordable living abroad. From Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia, expats are prioritizing destinations where rent, food, and healthcare costs are significantly lower. Planning your move with this in mind may influence what you bring, what you sell, and whether you opt for temporary vs. long-term relocation.
Global Conflicts and Shipping Delays
Geopolitical events in parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have had ripple effects on international shipping timelines and port access. At SDC, we’re constantly monitoring route changes, port availability, and customs updates so we can proactively adjust logistics and avoid delays. In 2025, choosing a mover with real-time global awareness is more important than ever.
Changing Customs Requirements
Some countries have tightened import rules around electronics, used vehicles, and personal effects. It’s critical to stay ahead of these changes, especially if you’re moving household goods or specialized equipment.
At SDC, we work closely with our destination partners and logistics experts to stay on top of shifting regulations, so your move isn’t disrupted by changes you didn’t see coming.
Plan for Packing and Insurance
Packing for an international move is a lot more than putting things in boxes — it’s about protecting your belongings for a journey that may include shipping containers, air freight, customs inspections, and local delivery in a completely new country.
The best way to protect your items (and your peace of mind) is to work with a mover who offers professional international packing services. At SDC, our packing crews use materials designed specifically for long-haul transit, including double-walled boxes, moisture-resistant wrapping, custom wood crating for fragile items, and strategic labeling for inventory and customs clearance.
If you’re tempted to pack things yourself to save money, be careful: most international insurance policies only apply to items that are packed by professionals. Self-packed boxes can actually void your protection in the event of damage.
That’s why SDC clients not only receive expert packing but also guidance on how to declare the value of their items, how to structure their insurance, and how to make the claims process as smooth as possible — just in case it’s ever needed.
From cherished furniture to fragile artwork, we help you plan your packing strategy, protect high-value items, and ensure nothing is left to chance.
Prepare for Arrival and Settling In
The final leg of your move — arrival and delivery — is where many people start to feel overwhelmed. You’re navigating jet lag, cultural adjustments, possibly new schools or jobs… and your container is arriving in a few days.
That’s why we always recommend preparing a settling-in checklist before you leave.
Think about what you’ll need for your first few days abroad:
- Temporary housing or hotel reservations
- Access to essentials: clothing, medications, toiletries
- Copies of your packing list and shipping documents
- Local SIM card, Wi-Fi setup, and key contact numbers
It also helps to review your delivery expectations. With SDC, we coordinate local delivery in advance — working with customs officials, port agents, and destination crews to ensure your items arrive on time, cleared, and handled professionally.
And if your new home isn’t quite ready yet? No problem. We offer secure short-term and long-term storage options in many countries, giving you time to settle in before receiving everything.
Our door-to-door support doesn’t stop at the border. From unpacking to furniture setup to removing debris, we help make your new house feel like home — so you can focus on building your new life, not sorting out delivery issues.
Conclusion: Every Great Move Starts With a Plan
Relocating to another country isn’t just a move — it’s a transformation. It’s exciting, yes. But it’s also filled with uncertainty, paperwork, and dozens of decisions that can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s why the best international moves don’t start with packing tape — they start with a plan. A clear roadmap. A knowledgeable guide.
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve helped thousands of individuals and families move their lives abroad with structure, confidence, and a sense of calm. We don’t expect you to know every regulation or detail — that’s our job. Your job is to dream big and decide what your next chapter looks like. We’ll help you get there, step by step.
✅ Planning
✅ Packing
✅ Paperwork
✅ Delivery
✅ Support on both sides of the ocean
🌍 Ready to begin your move the right way?
👉 Request your international moving quote today and let’s start building your plan together.
