How to prepare your budget for moving internationally
So, you’ve decided it’s time to settle somewhere abroad? In that case, one thing’s for sure – it’s gonna cost you a fortune. Okay, maybe not that much but international moves can be pretty expensive. You can’t even imagine it if, of course, you haven’t moved internationally in the past. Those who’ve gone through it know what’s up. You’ll need to calculate all the costs of the move and see where you can cut corners. Unless you’re a billionaire. Since you’re reading this there’s a pretty good chance you aren’t one. Who could’ve guessed? Anyway, read the article below for some tips on how to prepare your budget for moving internationally.
Rule number one: make a spreadsheet
It’s time to use your magnificent Microsoft Excel skills. If Excel’s not your pick, we’re sorry to assume it’s the other way around. Anyway, creating a spreadsheet will make you more efficient. You’ll have a clear view of what lays ahead of you. As the main categories add the titles of the paragraphs below.
Moving company services
We’ll take a guess and say you’re probably going to need the assistance of a moving company while relocating internationally. Get moving quotes from a couple of providers. Add the estimated price of the moving company fee to your spreadsheet. Include tips for movers at both ends of the move and the price of an exclusive shipping container, if you’re gonna need one. Also, you’ll need to pay for extra insurance which is highly recommendable for international moves. You can pack DIY or you can leave it to the professionals, which is also recommended.
Door-to-door shipping
This one’s getting more and more popular among regular folks. It’s certainly one of the best delivery options and the best way to ensure your stuff gets safely transported to the address of your new ex-pat home. You can sit back and relax without thinking about picking your containers from the port they’re being shipped to. Also, you won’t have to worry about the customs paperwork or something, the moving company does it all for you. That stands for both the country you’re leaving and the country you’re moving to.
Travel expenses
Once you finish with writing down moving company expenses next category on your spreadsheet should be travel expenses. That includes flight tickets you should buy in advance (that way you’ll get them cheaper), taxi fare to and from the airport, additional customs fees, and so on. Also, check if your passports are up to date. Although it has nothing to do with money, it’s probably good we mention it here.
A quick sum up (literally)
So, there you have it. Just put those two main categories together and figure out what the approximate price of your international move is. Hopefully, it will help you prepare your budget for moving internationally. Best of luck.