Moving to another country involves dozens of moving parts that can unravel fast if you're not organized. A solid international moving checklist keeps you from missing critical deadlines, losing shipments in customs, or arriving without the documents you need. Here's exactly what to prepare.
Start 3–6 Months Before Your Move
The earlier you begin, the more control you have over costs and logistics. International moves require significantly more lead time than domestic ones.
- Research visa and residency requirements for your destination country. Processing times vary widely — a U.S. citizen moving to Germany may wait 8–12 weeks for a visa, while some countries offer faster digital nomad or retirement visas.
- Get multiple moving quotes. International shipping costs depend on volume (measured in cubic feet or cubic meters), destination port, and service type (shared container vs. full container). A shared 20-foot container to Europe typically runs $2,000–$5,000; full containers can reach $8,000–$15,000 or more.
- Decide on sea freight vs. air freight. Air freight is 4–6 times more expensive but delivers in days rather than 4–12 weeks. Most people ship bulk goods by sea and fly essentials ahead.
- Begin decluttering. Every item you don't ship saves money. Sell, donate, or store furniture that won't fit your new home or would cost more to ship than replace.
Essential Documents to Gather
Missing paperwork is the single most common cause of customs delays. Prepare physical and digital copies of everything.
- Valid passport (check expiration — many countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your move date)
- Visa and residency permit approvals
- Birth certificates, marriage certificate, and adoption papers if applicable
- Medical records and vaccination history (some countries require specific vaccinations for entry)
- School records and transcripts for children
- Driver's license and international driving permit
- Insurance documents (health, auto, renters/homeowners)
- Employment contract or proof of income if required for residency
Store originals in a waterproof folder and upload scans to a secure cloud service before departure.
Understanding Customs Requirements
Every country has different rules about what you can import duty-free as a relocating resident. Skipping this research is expensive.
Household goods relief is available in most countries — meaning your personal belongings can enter duty-free if you've owned them for a certain period (usually 6–12 months) and are establishing residency. You'll typically need to submit a detailed packing inventory, called a household goods (HHG) declaration, to customs.
Restricted and prohibited items vary by country. Common restrictions include:
- Firearms and certain knives
- Fresh food, plants, and soil
- Certain medications (bring a doctor's letter for prescription drugs)
- Vehicles (import duties can reach 30–100% of the vehicle's value in some countries)
- Electronics over a certain quantity may trigger commercial import rules
Check the customs authority website of your destination country directly — not third-party summaries — to get current rules.
Logistics: 6–8 Weeks Before Moving Day
With documents and a mover selected, shift focus to execution.
- Confirm your mover's insurance coverage. Standard international moving insurance covers loss or damage based on weight, not value. Upgrade to an all-risk policy that covers full replacement value — typically 1–3% of total declared value.
- Create a detailed inventory. List every item going into your shipment with a rough estimated value. This is required for customs and for insurance claims.
- Arrange temporary housing. Sea freight takes weeks. Book interim accommodation at your destination for at least 4–6 weeks in case of delays.
- Notify key institutions. Update your address with banks, investment accounts, government agencies (tax authority, social security), and subscription services.
- Set up international banking. Open a local bank account before or immediately after arrival. Services like Wise or Revolut can bridge the gap.
- Ship a survival box by air or carry on. Include medications, chargers, important documents, a few changes of clothes, and adapters for your destination's outlets.
Finding the Right International Moving Company
Not all movers have experience with overseas relocation. Look for companies that are members of FIDI (the global alliance for international movers) or IAM (International Association of Movers), as these memberships require audited quality standards. Ask specifically about their customs broker relationships in your destination country — a good mover coordinates this for you.
Mercoly makes it straightforward to compare and find trusted international movers and overseas relocation providers in one place, so you're not hunting across dozens of websites or relying on word-of-mouth alone.
Confirm these details with any mover before signing:
- Door-to-door vs. port-to-port pricing
- Who handles destination customs clearance
- Estimated transit time and what happens if it runs long
- Claims process and timeline
Use this international moving checklist as your foundation, customize it to your specific destination, and start earlier than you think you need to — the paperwork alone will thank you.
Start comparing international moving companies on Mercoly today.