International Moving Guide

What to Consider for an International Move
Regardless of the reasons taking you overseas, you are about to embark on a new way of life. What will it take to get there from here? Are you ready to uproot and try out new cultures and styles of doing business? Do you know enough about the country you're headed for? What will your everyday life be like? How long will your assignment last and where will you go next?

You'll also be facing long lists of things to do as you prepare for your move: the key to success will be to be well-prepared and organized. The practical considerations should be tools to success not obstacles in the way of this exciting new path you have chosen to follow.

Here are just a few of the issues you will want to consider:

Family issues:

• how will everyone adjust to the new country and its culture?
• What special considerations should be made for the children?
• What about the family pet?

Personal paperwork:

• time to start getting all your personal, financial, legal and tax affairs in order.

Finding a place to live:

• how to go about home-searching and how to decide whether to rent or buy.

Schools:

• some tips on how to go about choosing a school suitable for your children's needs.

What to take:

• how to decide what to take with you and what to leave behind.
• How well do computers and electronics travel, and will what you have now be suitable for the destination?
• Should you take your car and will you need an International Driving Permit?

Health and insurance:

• what to expect of the health services where you're headed and what insurance arrangements need to be made for medical and other coverage.