Moving overseas

If you are moving abroad for the first time, you will know one thing for sure: You need to find a way to move your belongings that is both safe and cost effective. In this blog we look at the various avenues available to you, depending on how much stuff you are moving and how far away you are moving.

Moving abroad with only a few things

If you are only taking a few things with you, such as clothing or personal effects, then boxing them up and shipping those via courier may the cheapest option available to you. It's strongly advised, however, that you check with the courier first to ensure that the items you are taking with you are not prohibited or restricted for transport or for import into the destination country. If you are moving to a country outside the EU, then you also need to be aware that you may have to pay import duty and tax upon customs clearance at the other end. In some countries however, duty and tax concessions are available for importing personal effects if you fulfill specific criteria outlined by the customs officials, and it's important that you check with your courier service provider in advance so they can assist you with any relevant documentation you may need. Usually if concessions are in place for importing personal effects, then to qualify for these concessions you must have owned the goods for at least 6 months prior to import.

Moving household furniture, including white goods

If you are moving household furniture and white goods (such as washing machines) then you can't use a courier. White goods and household furniture such as beds, wardrobes and chest of drawers are too large for a normal courier to ship, and you will require the services of a freight company or a relocation company instead, especially if you are moving outside the EU.

It is usually advised that you start the administration side of moving 12 weeks before your actual moving date, and you should aim to have your relocation company or freight company organised at least 8 week prior to your moving date.

Some freight and relocation companies will let you share a shipping container with another customer going to the same destination however this is usually only available for the most popular destinations abroad.

You will need to provide a full inventory list of your household goods, and if you are moving to a non EU country you may still have to pay import duty and tax upon customs clearance in your new country of residence; however most relocation companies and freight companies will help you with providing the relevant customs documentation and customs clearance, but make sure you check this in advance.

Other useful information

Sorting out your bills out and getting your tax right before moving is very important. Make sure you re-direct your mail and take a meter reading before you move, and remember to inform all relevant parties of the date you are moving abroad, including your bank, Inland Revenue office and local council  (make sure that you have provided them with your forwarding address too). You may also need to complete and submit a P85 form to the Inland Revenue office prior to leaving the UK.

Redirecting your mail can take up to 10 days to get set up, but you should ideally aim to have organised all administrative aspects of the move and notified all relevant parties 6 weeks prior to your moving date.

Your still are allowed to vote in UK General Elections and European Union Elections for up to 15 years after moving abroad if you are a British National, but you will need to register as an overseas voter by contacting the Electoral Registration Commission in the UK before you move.

If you are taking your pets with you, then you must organised their transport separately, as you cannot use a courier, freight company or relocation service for this! Moving can be more stressful for your pet than for you, and organizing their transport through a safe and professional pet relocation service is the only way forward.

Moving abroad can be a very complex task, so remember to take your time and don't leave anything to the last minute. If you do, you are only likely to incur delays or encounter problems with your move.