Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming, one of the most stress-inducing aspects of emigrating can be packing up your home. An international move requires far more planning and preparation than a domestic move including the decision about which relocation service provider you can use to transport your prized possessions to a new country.
Central to ensuring you make the most cost-effective choices for your international move is how you will package and transport your possessions to your new home. How do you decide between taking a cube or a full container load (FCL) which refers to a 20-foot container (6m long) or a 40-foot container (12m long)?
Once you know which country you are moving to start researching the size of homes in your destination country. South African homes tend to be a lot larger than homes in Europe for example so that six-seater L-shaped sofa and your 600-liter double-door fridge are likely to be too big to fit into a standard home abroad eliminating the need for shipping your entire household.
A cube or groupage is the perfect fit if you have decided not to take all your household possessions. Essentially, you will be sharing a container with other people moving to similar international locations using your relocation service provider (each customer’s possessions are packed into separate cubes which are clearly market).
Consolidating several customers’ cubes into one shipping container, means you pay only for the volume you need – far cheaper than airfreight or a direct LCL (less-than-container load service) but with the same level of service, convenience, and security as an FCL.
1. Research your new country’s customs regulations:
Different countries have different customs and regulations when it comes to importing goods. Before you start packing, research what you can and cannot bring into your new country. Some countries may have restrictions on certain items such as food, plants, or electronics.
2. Declutter before you pack:
Get rid of any items you haven’t used or worn in the last six months. This will not only help you with the moving process but also allow you and your family to process the fact that you are moving. It’s difficult to declutter with small children, so do it when the time is right. Decluttering will help you arrive in your new country organized and with only the items you need and cherish.
3. Label boxes and make lists of contents:
There is nothing worse than not being able to find that one particular item you need urgently when you are unpacking. Creating a system of numbering the boxes and then listing all the contents in a document that you can refer to once you start unpacking will make a massive difference in getting organised on the other side.
4. Don’t bring appliances:
Most appliances won’t be compatible with the voltage output in your new country or may be too large. Give them away or sell them, but don’t bring them. In some countries, rental properties include all electrical appliances.
5. Bring your own linen:
Bring the linen you have and love but note that the sizing differs in different countries. If you plan to buy new duvets in your new country, your current duvet covers will not fit correctly. It’s also common to buy sheet sets instead of duvets in some countries.
6. Hindsight is 20/20 vision:
Seek the advice of people who have moved to the country you have chosen to settle in. They will be able to tell you exactly what to take and what not to take.
Research, and being organised and well-prepared are the keys to a less stressful international move, but hiring a professional moving company with the expertise and resources that specialises in international moves ensures that your belongings arrive safely at your new home. With the right mindset and preparation, moving to a new country can be the adventure of a lifetime.
Visit the Crown Relocations website for more information: https://www.crownrelo.com/south-africa/en-za
