International Moving Resources
Moving across the world is a little more involved than moving across the street. But with these international moving tips and tools, it can still feel just as easy.
International Moving Checklist
If you have an international move on the horizon, it’s time to start planning. Check out our handy agenda that takes you all the way to moving day.
Two to Three Months Before Your Move
- Decide what belongings you’ll keep or leave behind.
- Consider a small shipment of essentials that you would need upon arrival.
- Gather information on the new country of residence by visiting government websites and online expat forums.
- Consider a visit prior to the move to find housing and schools.
- If traveling with pets, make sure to check with the consulate or embassy of the host country to determine pet entry allowances and requirements.
- Review any items that may be regulated by customs in your destination, note restrictions, and prepare accordingly.
- Contact your Atlas® International Relocation Coordinator (IRC) for pre-move planning, pricing, and booking your shipment.
One Month Before Your Move
- File a change of address with the post office.
- Stop/transfer subscriptions.
- Cancel/change insurance policies.
- Purchase plug adapters and converters for electronic items.
- If shipping large appliances, have them examined and include all manuals.
- Obtain all medical records and necessary vaccinations.
- Find out if your current bank has an overseas branch.
Two Weeks Before Your Move
- Send out notifications of change of address.
- Arrange bank account transfers, traveler’s checks, and foreign currency to have on hand.
- Check your pets’ immunizations and obtain travel documents from the vet.
- Take care of final bills, investments, and insurance.
One Week Before Your Move
- Finish separating and/or packing belongings.
- Complete an inventory and send it to your Atlas ® International Relocation Coordinator (IRC).
- Arrange for a babysitter for young children while packing/moving is happening.
- Return any borrowed items, pick up any loaned-out items.
Two Days Before Your Move
- Last-minute laundry, cleaning, and organizing.
- If packing any personal items yourself, leave cartons open for inspection and notation on origin inventories.
- Pick up dry cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an international moving quote?
Getting a fast, free estimate from Atlas® International is easy. Call us at 1-888-669-6031 (U.S. only) or +1-206-526-1137 or click over to our online form to start your no-obligation quote now.
How do I prepare for my international move?
Establishing a timeline for your move is an important step. Take into consideration all family members and develop a travel plan. Often, preparation determines the success of the move. Atlas® International is ready to be your relocation partner. We help over 7,000 families go new places® each year.
What are the steps for an international move?
An international relocation will require more steps than a domestic relocation. That’s why we’re here. When you work with Atlas, it is our responsibility to follow the proper international moving steps.
How do you ship my belongings overseas?
Your international movers will load your belongings into wooden shipping containers, move them to their port of departure, and then ship them by ocean or air to their new home.
How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
All U.S. Agents charge by dollars, and all overseas agents charge by volume, so both are taken into consideration. Rates are based on what you pack/load in the shipping containers at pack/load origin. Every move we make is unique to the individual, so the total cost of your move will be dependent upon the origin, destination, shipment method, and container size.
Do you provide insurance for my international move?
Yes! Atlas® International offers a comprehensive set of protection plans designed specifically for your unique move. Our plans range from full-value protection at a minimal cost to limited coverage that is included with every international move. Once you’ve submitted a quote request and connected with your International Relocation Coordinator, they can help you decide which plan is best for you.
How do I track my international shipment?
Your Atlas® International Relocation Coordinator (IRC) will provide tracking information and updates throughout the process.
When is the best time to move internationally?
Typically, the best time to move overseas is when you are ready! However, there are certain times of the year when demand is lower such as the fall and winter months. Consider where you are moving from and where you are moving to when deciding on a moving date or contact us to speak to an expert who can provide more information.
How do I file a claim?
In the rare event your items are damaged or lost during the moving process, filing a claim with Atlas® International is simple. Please visit our Claims page to locate the appropriate forms for your move.
Is there anything I can’t move to another country?
To view the most current list of prohibited items, please view this downloadable PDF.
How do I know if my international movers are certified?
Atlas® International actively promotes and improves the international relocation industry through involvement in prominent industry organizations. Our accreditations in internationally recognized certification programs such as FIDI and C-TPAT assure you of excellence when choosing an international moving company.
What documents do I need to move internationally?
Passports, visas, work permits, and more may be required for your international move, and the requirements vary based on your destination country. Please check with the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs for more detailed information or contact Atlas® if you have further questions.
What if I need to put my items in storage?
If you need to store your belongings for a period before you settle into your new international home, Atlas® International offers several storage options that can hold your items until you are ready for delivery.
How do I move my car overseas?
From your personal car transport to managing the time-sensitive move of a complete fleet, Atlas® and our partners have done it all. How does Atlas ship cars? Based on your unique requirements, your Atlas® International relocation expert can begin the correct process.
What to do when moving internationally?
When it’s time to begin the move process for overseas moving, there’s a lot to consider and plan for. Atlas® International offers a full international checklist to get you started with everything you’ll need to know—from three months before all the way to moving day.
If you have detailed questions specific to your move including our company offerings, international shipping, or anything else you might need, please contact us or get started on your free quote to get the move process started.
What is the cost of international moving?
It depends. The national average cost of international moving runs anywhere between $3,000 to $15,000+, but there’s no one-size-fits-all dollar amount to your unique move cost. Factors that will determine your final costs are the amount and weight of your household goods, travel requirements for you and/or your family, and the origin and destination of your global move.
The best thing to better understand what your international move will cost is to get an international moving quote. Get started with your free estimate right now from Atlas® International.
What are international shipping companies for moving?
International shipping companies move your household goods by sea or air from your origin location to an international destination when work or life takes you abroad. It’s important to work with a reputable, experienced moving company like Atlas® International to ensure your belongings arrive safely where they need to be.
To learn more about our international shipping for overseas moving, contact us today or get started on your free online quote.
What do I need for customs clearance?
Each country has its own respective customs and regulations. It is crucial you gather as much information as possible about the country you wish to move to. Being prepared can help ease the process. When you are prepared to move, ensure you have your Visa and Passport on hand. Partnering with a reliable mover who has extensive knowledge of customs and regulations, like Atlas International, can help put your mind at ease.
Are you ready to get your international moving journey underway? Get your free moving quote or contact one of our moving experts today.
What moving companies do the military use?
The United States Armed Forces does not always directly handle the moves of its service members. At times, service members handle their own Personally Procured Move (PPM) and the U.S. Department of Defense will reimburse travel and relocation expenses for military members and their families when they are assigned with a permanent change of station (PCS) that requires international long-distance moves.
That’s why it’s important to choose a full-service mover with international moving experience specific to the military, like Atlas® International.
What is the best moving company for international relocation?
The best moving company for internationally relocating military personnel is the company that has years of experience moving our nation’s service members—Atlas® International. We understand that moving your life overseas is a complex undertaking. That’s why we are committed to serving you every step of the way during your long-distance move, whether it’s overseas or back home again, with our trusted partners who specialize in military relocation.
Contact us today to learn more about our military moving services and affiliates.
Will the military pay to move my stuff?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Defense has programs in place to cover the expenses of its service members and their families who are moving overseas for a permanent change of station (PCS) that requires a long-distance move.
To get more information about what your military move will look like with Atlas® International, contact us today or start your free quote.
What is a corporate relocation company?
Corporate relocation companies help manage global relocation services for corporations and organizations who have employees moving for international assignments or opportunities. Whether you are bringing talent to your headquarters or relocating them to an international location, Atlas® International can work within your existing relocation programs or offer full-service management to take your teams where they need to go.
Contact us today to learn more about our full suite of global mobility services.
What is international relocation?
International relocation is an exciting opportunity for any corporate employee. Depending on the role, some companies may send domestic employees overseas to international assignments or bring international employees to the United States to fulfill necessary roles within their organizations. Atlas® International has years of experience being a provider for successful international relocation and can even help employees who are repatriating back to their country of origin after completing their employment tenures with their companies.
To get more information about our international relocation services for companies or individuals, contact us today or start your free quote.
Do companies pay for international corporate relocation?
It is determined by your specific organization’s policy whether they will cover the costs of your international relocation. While it is not a requirement, it is common for many companies to cover or reimburse their employees when relocating after being hired or promoted to a new position that requires international relocation with a lump sum benefit. Check with your company’s human resources department for more information.
If you have an international relocation coming up and are required to either cover the costs yourself or manage your own move with a lump sum benefit, get a free online quote now from Atlas® International for an easier relocation experience.
How do I plan an international move?
International relocation has a lot of working parts that start moving early. For more information on how to start the planning process for your international move including a detailed itinerary, helpful tools and links, moving guides, and frequently asked questions, visit our Atlas® International Resources page.
The first step is to get a moving quote and determine your moving costs. Take that step now and begin your free quote or contact us to learn more about our international moving services for residential moves.
How do I move my family abroad?
Atlas® International moves 7,000 families each year, so you can trust that we have the international relocation you and your loved ones need to feel secure and confident in your move. With each move, you’ll be assigned a dedicated International Relocation Coordinator who will help walk you through every step of your move abroad.
To learn more about how we can help you move, contact us or get started on your free quote
Do moving companies handle customs?
When you move with Atlas® International, our International Relocation Coordinators will work with you to make sure that your international relocation and customs process is as seamless as possible.
Passports, visas, work permits, and more may be required for your international move, and the requirements will vary based upon your destination country. Please check with the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs or contact us for more information.
How do I relocate my household items overseas?
Our professional international movers will prepare your belongings for international shipping by loading them into wooden shipping containers or directly into ocean shipping containers, move them to their port of departure, and then ship them by sea or air to your new home.
To learn more about our international moving services, get started on your free quote.
What moving companies relocate government employees overseas?
Atlas® International does. We are an approved service provider for the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Centralized Household Goods Traffic Management Program (CHAMP) and proudly provides management services for federal employee relocation across the different branches of government.
To learn more about our international moving services for government employees, contact us today.
How do government employees move internationally?
The moving process for government employees relocating to an international duty station follows similar patters as non-government employees regarding the move itself. And you can expect Atlas® International to give you the peace of mind that you’ll be given a seamless experience. However, depending on your role within the federal government, the process should be discussed with your department’s administration prior to planning your move.
To learn more about our international moving services for government employees, contact us today.
What is the best company for international relocation?
With over 60 years of experience moving individuals and families from the United States to over 150 countries and back again, we have proof that Atlas® International is the best company in the international relocation business. Global moving is what we do, and our teams will work with you every step of your journey to ensure your move from one home to your next is a smooth one.
Take your first step now and begin your free international moving quote or contact us to learn more about our moving process, moving costs, and more.
How do I choose an international mover?
Just as moving overseas takes preparation, you should put in prep work when choosing a reputable international moving company. A few tips are to research a company’s reputation, look for reliable experience in international relocation, inquire about familiarity with customs clearance and assistance, and always get an estimate.
Atlas® International is an expert in global moving and is ready to help you get started by answering your questions about the moving process. Contact us today or get started on your free quote now.