Preparing for a move can be stressful enough when you are moving across the city or to another state--but planning for an international move from Austin can take your stress to the next level! Luckily, if an international move is on your horizon, a little bit of preparation and foresight will go a long way in making sure you have a smooth transition in your move from Austin. Need help? We have got a couple suggestions to help you get started.
Examine Documentation Requirements
One of the more complicated and potentially time-consuming tasks of planning an international move is examining all of the documentation that is necessary. You'll need to figure out, for instance, if you'll need a passport, a visa, or a different form of documentation to legally relocate. Keep in mind that applying and getting approved for a passport or visa can take some time, so this is not something you'll want to put off until the last minute.
Even after you have arrived in your new country, you'll want to have already completed your homework on the steps you will need to take to acquire a driver's license, legal identification, or other vital documentation quickly.
Reduce Your Possessions in Austin
Shipping your possessions from point A to point B is commonly the most adept (and cost-effective) choice for an international move. Additionally, as you may imagine, international shipping of bulkly items (such as furniture) isn't inexpensive. This is why it's best to purge your belongings as much as possible prior to setting out on your international move.
One popular option to consider in the time prior to your move is having a garage sale to get rid of some of the things you do not plan on moving with you. This can be a good way to get some extra dough (which can be used to help with those international shipping costs) and scale down the total amount of "stuff" you will need to have shipped.
Of course, if you plan on your international move being temporary, you might also want to ponder putting the bulk of your belongings into storage until you return to Austin.
Talk with a Financial Advisor
Taxes may be in the back of your mind when you're planning an international move, but heed our advice. Your tax circumstances will undoubtedly become more complex when you move across borders; there is really no skirting it, so the best thing you can do is to think ahead by consulting with a tax or financial counselor prior to your move. He or she will be able to aid you in figuring out vital facets of your new-found tax scenario, such as where your fiscal residency will be and what special measures you might need to take when it comes time to file your taxes for the current year.
Schedule Your Moving Services
Last but definitely not least, remember to schedule your international moving services as much in advance as possible. Setting up an in-home estimate is a great way to get an correct estimate for your international move while also making sure you end up with the specific services (packing, shipping, delivery, unpacking, etc.) to suit your unique needs.
Planning an international move from Austin can be thrilling, but it can also be an anxious time--so make sure you plan ahead and find the right moving company to trust with all your moving needs!
