Moving abroad? A new country may be calling, or home may be calling you back. Either way, a new chapter is about to begin. Whether you’re leaving the U.S. for the charming avenues of Paris, the bustling streets of Tokyo or returning to the country you call home, an international relocation is an exciting journey with quite a few moving parts.
Moving abroad means moving more than your belongings. If you have kids, pets, fine art, or multiple residences, there can be a lot of moving parts. Understanding the international moving process can help keep everything on track.
Use these international moving tips and our moving abroad checklist to plan ahead and make your international relocation smoother from start to finish.
Research and Book an International Moving Company Early
Experienced international movers can help coordinate packing, transportation, customs and destination services while navigating the logistical challenges of moving your household across borders.
Choosing the right international relocation company is essential to a smooth experience. Look beyond the lowest rate and choose a mover based on reputation, experience, credentials and the services included in your quote.
International Moving Tip: If you’re moving fine art, antiques, designer furnishings or other high-value belongings, ask about specialty packing and custom crating, too.
Understand what Determines the Cost of your International Relocation
Several factors play a role in pricing, such as the distance, the amount of things you’re moving and whether you choose additional services like packing or storage.
For full-service international relocations, there are two common container shipping options:
Full Container Load (FCL): You have exclusive use of a shipping container for your household belongings. This can be a good option for larger households, estates or clients moving a substantial volume of belongings.
Shipping containers typically come in three standard sizes:
- 20-foot container: Ideal for smaller household shipments.
- 40-foot container: Accommodates larger households and more furnishings.
- 40-foot High Cube (HC) container: Offers additional height and space for larger shipments or bulky belongings.
Less than Container Load (LCL): Also known as groupage, your belongings share container space with other shipments headed in the same direction. LCL typically takes longer than an exclusive container but can be a more economical option when your shipment doesn’t require a full container.
For larger estates, high-value collections, or belongings going to multiple destinations, look for international movers that can tailor the move to your needs.
International Moving Tip: Check out our helpful video to get a clear breakdown of what goes into the cost of an international move.
Sort and Declutter: What to Pack, Donate, or Sell Before Moving Abroad
Before embarking on an international relocation, take the time to sort and declutter. Start by categorizing items into what you’ll keep, donate or sell, focusing on essentials and meaningful belongings. Bulky furniture, outdated electronics and duplicates may be easier to replace after you arrive, while artwork, antiques, family heirlooms and favorite furnishings may be worth bringing along.
You may want some of your belongings to go to your home abroad, some to a second residence or secure storage. Creating a destination-specific inventory will simplify packing and delivery.
International Moving Tip: Remember to check if your appliances will need an adapter in your new country.
Gather and Organize Essential Documents
Passports? Check. Visas? Check. Your dog’s paperwork? Don’t forget that one.
Keep passports, visas, medical records, prescriptions, insurance documents and other important records organized and accessible. Verify the specific documentation needed to transfer your children to schools in your destination country. Make physical and digital copies of important documents as a backup (just in case the unexpected happens).
International Moving Tip: Moving with a pet? Start researching your destination country’s pet import requirements early. Vaccinations, health certificates, microchips, import permits, testing and quarantine requirements can take time to complete. As expert international movers, NorthStar Moving partners with Starwood Pet Travel to help clients find the best pet transport options.
Create a Packing Plan and Label Everything
Create a detailed household inventory and clearly label boxes by room, contents and priority. This will make unpacking in your new home much easier and save you time.
Fine art, antiques, sculptures, designer furnishings and other high-value belongings may need specialty packing or custom crating. Photographing and documenting these items before they’re packed can also help keep your records organized.
International Moving Tip: Choose an international moving company that offers packing services tailored to your needs.
Research Customs Regulations
Every country has its own rules about what can enter and what documentation is required. Plants, food, vehicles, alcohol, antiques and other specialty items may be restricted, taxed or require additional paperwork.
Bringing a treasured collection with you? From museum-worthy artwork to family heirlooms collected over generations, high-value and one-of-a-kind belongings may require a little extra homework before crossing borders.
International Moving Tip: Fine art, antiques and collectibles may also require appraisals, proof of ownership, provenance or other documentation depending on the item and destination.
Your international mover can help guide you through shipment requirements, but always check current official customs regulations for your destination country.
Prepare Your Family and Home
Your belongings aren’t the only things making an international transition. Even if you’re returning to a familiar country, your family may still have plenty to coordinate. Plan school enrollment, pet transportation and other family needs early. If household staff will be relocating with you, their travel, housing, employment, travel documents and immigration arrangements will need to be managed too.
You may arrive before your sofa does, so pack enough clothing, medications, work essentials and children’s necessities to comfortably bridge the gap. If you haven’t found your ideal place to live yet, check that your international relocation company offers storage services to safely hold your belongings until you’re ready to settle in.
International Moving Tip: Coordinate access with property managers, building management or security ahead of delivery
Your International Moving Checklist
Use this final checklist to make sure the important details aren’t left behind.
International movers
☐ Research reputable, experienced international moving companies
☐ Check licenses, credentials, reviews and International Association of Movers (IAM) affiliations
☐ Request and review your international moving quote
☐ Confirm origin, destination and customs coordination services
☐ Book your preferred moving dates 8-12 weeks in advance
Your belongings
☐ Decide what to move, sell, donate or store
☐ Create a detailed household inventory
☐ Identify items going to other residences or storage
☐ Document fine art, antiques and other high-value belongings
☐ Arrange specialty packing or custom crating when needed
☐ Separate essentials that will travel with you
Documents & customs
☐ Confirm passports and visas
☐ Gather medical, financial and insurance documents
☐ Review official customs requirements (check restrictions for fine art, antiques, vehicles and other specialty items
☐ Prepare required customs documentation
Family & pets
☐ Gather children’s school and vaccination records
☐ Confirm school enrollment and start dates
☐ Complete pet health and import requirements
☐ Coordinate household staff relocation, if applicable
Your destination
☐ Prepare essentials for the time before your shipment arrives
☐ Confirm access to your new residence
☐ Coordinate property managers, building management or security
☐ Arrange storage if needed
Ready to Move Abroad?
Where is your next chapter taking you? Whether it’s somewhere new or it brings you back home, moving abroad is about much more than moving your belongings. With the right planning, a reliable relocation partner and a checklist that accounts for everything from passports to Picassos, even a complex international relocation can feel beautifully organized.
Ready to start planning? Learn more about NorthStar Moving’s international moving services, from professional packing and storage to door-to-door relocation.