If you’re at this part of your relocation process, you must be deep into the whole mess of dealing with paperwork, expenses, closing accounts, deactivating services; we don’t have to spell it out for you. It’s enough that moving from an area to another is a pretty daunting process; one can only imagine how disorienting it is to be going overseas. To relieve you from some of that stress, and to make sure you’re not missing out on anything, here are six tips you’ll want to keep in mind when moving your furniture abroad.

1. Do Your Research

Before you take any other big steps towards moving, you will need to research the country where you’re headed. Some requirements differ from a country to another, such as the import documents and inspections needed for the move, as well as the specifications of the objects you intend to send their way. Before you carry on, you will need to be aware of all the permits and documents needed, especially because there might be certain additional fees you will need to avoid any financial troubles.

2. Plan Your Budget

This is basic information regarding any life decision, but you’ll be surprised to know how many people end up struggling during a move because they didn’t have a solid budget plan for their move. Scheduling a survey with an international moving company will help you get the financial estimates you need. Keep in mind that they differ according to what you intend on transporting, the destination, and whether or not your destination requires a fee to get your furniture through customs.

3. Schedule A Survey

Other than its benefits for planning a budget, getting your furniture surveyed by a professional moving company is essential for anyone planning a move. A logical step after you’ve decided on moving overseas is to bring in someone to look at your would-be shipment. Through their experience, they can tell you if you’re going to face any trouble moving certain items, provide you with cost estimates, time estimates, and much more. Not to mention, knowing what they’re about to ship will help your company estimate the material they will need when it comes to packing.

4. Keep A Detailed Inventory

Before you or your hired moving crew starts packing, you should prepare an inventory of all that is to be moved. In fact, it’s best if you have that list prepared before the crew arrives, then you’d be able to keep track of the fragile and high-priority items you need extra padding for. Besides, a detailed list will guarantee that nothing was lost, broken, or damaged in the move. All in all, it’s a great way to keep everything in order, especially during such a process with many moving parts.

5. Keep Track Of Your Shipment

Any reliable moving company usually has an application, a website, or a number through which you can monitor your shipment’s journey. While faith is always nice to have, don’t let that sway you from regularly checking on your shipment, especially on the dates when it is estimated to pass through customs. Such vigilance can help you prepare your next move when your shipment arrives, and not only that, but in certain countries where customs are trickier than usual, it can save you a lot of time and trouble.

6. At Your Destination

Before the shipment has arrived at your destination, you need to have arranged for it to be transferred from the sea/airport to your address in the country. Not only that, but through your prior research, you should have also decided if it is essential for you to be present during custom inspections or not. If that’s the case, you need to arrive there on time and with all of your documents prepared to clear your shipment.

If you keep those six tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to have a smooth, successful move. As you have seen, the process isn’t at all difficult. It only requires great attention to detail and the ability to stay organized. As long as you’ve got that, you’ll be fine, but before you go, here are a couple of things you will need to keep in mind. First, make sure that your destination agent or the person handling the customs at your destination is of a good reputation. The last thing you need is to get into trouble because someone chose to cut corners. Second, don’t forget to consider whether you need to have your furniture insured for the trip. Good luck!