Five Things to Do When Moving Abroad
February 2026
So, you’ve decided to relocate to a new country. Perhaps you are moving to take a new job, or a new role within your current organization. Or you are off on new adventure with your family abroad or to fulfill a long-held dream of retiring to another country. Regardless, there are certain steps you must take to ensure that your relocation goes as smoothly as possible.
We asked our international relocation experts here at King Relocation & Logistics for tips on moving
internationally and here are five things they shared with us:
- Create a budget. Once you have decided to move to another country, the first thing you must do is
create a budget. Even if some or all the move is subsidized by your employer, you will still need to
know how much you can spend on the move. Having a budget in place will also help you determine
where you can afford to live in your new city of residence. In addition to relocation costs, you must take
into account the cost of required visas and permits; transportation costs for you and your family during
the move; the cost of purchasing a vehicle or other transportation once you relocate; and the cost of
living for groceries, utilities and other necessities.
- Research travel requirements and regulations. It’s important to find out well in advance of the move
if you’ll need any special visas or permits to reside in your new country. In most cases a visa is required
for U.S. citizens planning to stay longer than three months in a foreign country. For more information on
visa and travel requirements for U.S. citizens, visit the U.S. State Department website at:
https://www.usa.gov/travel-abroad.
- Secure housing. Before scheduling resources for your move, including a moving company, it is
important to secure housing in your desired location and within your budget. If you are moving with your
job, your company has resources to assist with housing. If you’ve chosen to relocate for personal
reasons, such as retirement, most major real estate brands have international divisions that can assist
with house hunting in many regions around the globe.
- Create an inventory of your household goods. Once you have identified housing, it’s time to figure
out what you will be taking with you to your new home. Depending on where you are relocating to and
for how long, you may want to purchase new furnishings for the home, or perhaps it comes furnished.
Or, if you anticipate this being a permanent move, you may take most of your furniture and keepsakes
with you. Having an inventory will help determine the relocation resources that will be required.
- Choose your international relocation resources. Once you know what items you are going to move,
you need to line up resources. Get several estimates from different firms. Additionally, select a firm that
is licensed for international relocations. Reputable international household goods movers will be
licensed by the FMC as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary, or OTI. Keep in mind that different
licensing is needed for cross-border relocations to Canada and Mexico, so ask your relocation firm for
verification of licensing status. Also, don’t forget to ask about insurance. When relocating
internationally, protecting your property becomes more important than ever. When vetting relocation
firms, be sure you ask about insurance and what to plan for in the event of loss or damage to your
personal property. Many firms will offer special insurance and protection plans for international moves.
In partnership with United Van Lines, King Relocation & Logistics can help you create an international moving plan that is customized to meet your individual needs and budget. If you or someone you know has an international relocation in their future, we hope that you will consider King Relocation & Logistics and United
Van Lines.
