Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you are moving abroad to a new country, far from your usual routine. From finding a suitable home to handling essential documentation for your international move, there’s a lot to consider. You’ll also need to decide what to pack and which belongings are worth taking with you.
As your trusted moving company, we specialize in door-to-door moving services, helping you navigate every step of the moving process. With our expert guidance, you can enjoy a stress-free relocation, whether it’s a local move or a long-distance international move. From packing tips to a complete moving checklist, we ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Let us make your home moving experience simple, efficient, and worry-free.
Plan Your International Moving Budget Wisely
The first thing to know is that moving internationally can come at a significant cost, so it’s definitely not cheap. You’ll need to carefully evaluate whether relocating your belongings abroad is worth it, or if it would be more practical to sell your items locally and purchase new ones in your new home – especially if your current goods don’t hold much value.
When you request a quotation from a moving company, the service is usually offered as door-to-door relocation. This typically includes the supply of new and high-quality packing materials, professional packing services, transportation to the port of loading, export customs clearance, and ocean freight to the port of destination.
At destination, the door-to-door moving service usually covers import customs clearance, delivery to your new residence, and unpacking services. What’s often excluded are transit insurance and import duties or taxes, if applicable in your destination country.
It would also be wise to set aside a spare budget for unforeseen relocation expenses, such as duties, taxes, or additional moving insurance. Proper planning and budgeting are key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free international relocation experience.
Create Your Moving Inventory List
As mentioned above, it’s important to ask yourself whether relocating your goods is truly worth it – do your belongings hold enough monetary or sentimental value to justify the international shipping costs? A good approach is to go room by room and make an inventory list of what would be essential in your new home, as well as which items are valuable or meaningful enough to relocate.
Assigning a value to each item would also be great and would serve two purposes:
- First, it helps you decide whether the item is worth shipping abroad.
- Second, it will be extremely helpful when arranging transit insurance, as you’ll already have a clear idea of the replacement value for each item.
A detailed inventory list is also useful for moving companies, as it helps them accurately estimate the total volume of your shipment. The volume plays a major role in determining the moving cost. The lower the volume, the more cost-effective your relocation will be. Taking the time to plan and organize this list carefully will help you save both time and money during your international move.
How to Choose the Right International Moving Company
Once you’ve set your moving budget and created a clear inventory list, the next step is to request quotations from moving companies. Choosing the right international mover can be challenging – while pricing often plays a big role, it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. The cheapest quote doesn’t always mean the best service, so here are a few key things to consider:
- Service Inclusions & Exclusions
Some moving companies may have hidden charges, so it’s important to review what is included and excluded before making your decision. At A1 Relocations, we always provide transparent quotations with all costs clearly detailed, except for transit insurance, which remains optional. Anything not included is clearly stated to avoid any misunderstanding or last-minute surprises. - Accreditation
Always check whether the company is accredited. Accreditation ensures that the mover is recognized by leading international relocation networks and has the necessary expertise and compliance standards to provide reliable services. The International Association of Movers (IAM) is one of the industry’s largest and most respected organizations, representing over 2,200 certified moving and forwarding companies in more than 170 countries. Working with IAM-accredited movers ensures access to a global network of trusted partners, competitive rates, and professional handling from start to finish. - Service Quality (Customer Reviews)
Lastly, always check customer reviews and testimonials. Choosing a mover with consistently good reviews will give you peace of mind and help ensure a stress-free moving experience. Reliable feedback is often the best indicator of a company’s service quality and professionalism.
Check the Customs Regulations of Your Destination Country
While your moving company will guide you through this important step, it’s always beneficial to research the customs regulations of your destination country in advance. Understanding what is required for customs clearance can save you time and prevent unnecessary stress later.
The requirements will vary depending on your status: whether you are moving as a citizen, resident, or expatriate and the import conditions applied to each category. You should familiarize yourself with the documents required for importing household goods, such as passport copies, visa or residence permits, packing lists, and proof of address.
It’s also a good idea to check if there are any restricted or prohibited items, such as certain electronics, alcohol, or food products. Knowing these details early allows you to make informed decisions about what to pack and what to leave behind.
Having a basic understanding of customs requirements and import duties will make things much easier when your mover or destination agent provides detailed guidance. The more informed you are, the smoother your international relocation will be.
Why Choose A1 Relocations for Your International Move
A1 Relocations is part of A1 integrated services, we are a trusted moving company specializing in tailored door-to-door services worldwide. With expertise in air, sea, and land transportation, A1 Relocations handle every household moving
Known for our responsive service, clear communication, and seamless coordination, we make international moving simpler, safer, and stress-free for our clients. While our headquarters are in Hong Kong, we have an operational presence in Thailand, where we handle the majority of shipments to and from the country.
As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM) – the largest global trade association in the moving and forwarding industry – we have access to a trusted worldwide network of partners, allowing us to provide professional, reliable, and cost-effective relocation services anywhere in the world.
Contact us: sales@a1relobrokers.com
