Moving home is one of the most stressful experiences, yet many people even in the UK choose to move abroad for work or lifestyle reasons. This can be a very exciting time, but it’s also crucial for you to take the right steps when moving, so you don’t get caught out by hidden costs or by signing contracts with unreliable partners.
Here, we list the 5 things that can go wrong when moving abroad and some tips you can follow to prepare for these circumstances and prevent them from happening.
1. Falling behind schedule
Lack of planning and organisation can lead you to fall behind schedule. With international relocations, you must conduct proper research and planning so that everything is in order by the time you have to move. Not planning for your relocation doesn’t just leave you scrambling to be on schedule. It can also lead to costly moves, much more than you’ve initially anticipated.
To avoid these issues and save you some trouble, proper planning is key. Make a checklist of what you need to do before, during and after your move. Prepare a timetable of when you need to get these things done and make sure that you stick to the schedule. For a smooth and optimal moving process, ensure that you have at least 3 months to prepare for your move. It’s also beneficial to have backup plans in place in case of emergencies and other unforeseen events that can cause a delay in your relocation.
And of course, it’s essential to make a checklist of the steps you have to take before moving to another country. For instance, if you’re moving from the UK to Spain, you have to think about registering for your NIE (Spanish identification number), setting up a bank account and obtaining your social security number.
2. Items getting damaged during the move
Damaged items are a nightmare for everyone looking to move, whether domestically or internationally. It’s then vital to pack your belongings properly so that you can minimise the risk of them breaking or getting damaged during the moving process.
Pack your stuff by going through one room at a time. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you going to bring these items to your new home? Will it be costly? Or will it be much more cost-efficient if you buy new items—furniture, for instance—at your new location? If you prefer bringing your furniture with you, try to seek international furniture carriers that can safely move them to your new home.
After identifying which stuff you’re going to bring with you, start packing the items you don’t frequently use, and store them in the appropriate boxes. Make an inventory of your items, and don’t forget to label the boxes so that it’s easier for you to unpack them once when you arrive in your new home.
However, packing your belongings can also be overwhelming, particularly if you don’t have the time to sort through all your stuff or the materials needed in packing. In this case, you can opt to hire a company with reliable removals services. A company with expert services can help you pack your various belongings, whether they’re fragile, nonfragile, furniture, high-value items or items that require special packaging and care.
3. Missing important documents and items
During an international move, it’s also possible to lose items on the way. This is a situation that, while you may not be able to fully prevent, you can still prepare for with the right planning. If a valuable item is small enough, like jewellery given by a beloved relative, consider storing it in your bag. This way, you can carry it with you even during the move. However, if you’re moving a high-value item and it’s too large to personally carry, you can consider getting insurance for it. If it goes missing, you’ll have a safety net that can cover the cost of your valued item. Ask your removals company about the insurance options they offer, and go with one that’s best for your moving needs.
Similarly, don’t forget to pack your important documents, such as your passport, visa and identification cards, in an essentials bag. An essentials bag is something that you carry while you travel. Other things to include in your essentials bag are toiletries, your gadgets, a set of clothes you can change into and a first aid kit.
4. Getting charged with unanticipated costs
Avoid signing contracts before thoroughly scanning them or asking a removal company about any hidden costs and extra charges. If you’re looking for international removals, determine your budget first, and then look for reliable companies within your set budget. Look through their customer reviews, and see if the majority of the ratings are negative or positive.
Meanwhile, it’s a good idea to create a budget that’s detailed enough and covers anticipated and unanticipated costs. So even if unexpected events happen, they won’t throw you for a loop, and you’ll still have some funds left for them.
5. Facing issues due to an unreliable team
After planning for your international relocation, packing your stuff and going through your checklists, the next task is to move your belongings. But sometimes things go awry because of hiring the wrong team for the job. Unreliability can come in the form of late arrivals and bringing the wrong van for transporting your items, which can lead to more trips needed for the move and, consequently, more costs. To avoid getting charged more for these kinds of issues, it’s essential to partner with a reputable company. Look for credentials and feedback from previous clients, so you can gauge whether a company is the best one for your needs.
Plan ahead and ensure a smooth relocation that’s free from hassle and stress. With more than 40 years of experience, Cotswold Carriers offers expert domestic and commercial removal services.
Contact Cotswold Carriers now by emailing enquiries@cotswold-carriers.co.uk or calling 01608 730 500. Or you can also get a free, no-obligation quote from us.