Getting ready for a move can be anxiety-filled enough when you're moving across the city or to another state--but planning for an international move from Atlanta can take your anxiety to the next level! Luckily, if an international move is on your horizon, a little bit of planning and forethought can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition in your move from Atlanta. Need help? We have got a few recommendations to help you begin.
Examine Documentation Requirements
One of the more arduous and likely time-consuming aspects of planning an international move is examining all of the documentation that is necessary. You'll need to figure out, for instance, whether you will need a passport, a visa, or another type of documentation to legally relocate. Remember that applying and getting approved for a passport or visa can take more than a couple weeks, so this is not something you'll want to put on the back burner.
As soon as you've arrived in your destination, you will want to have previously done your homework on the steps you will need to take in order to get a driver's license, legal identification, or other vital documentation sooner rather than later.
Pare Down Your Possessions in Atlanta
Shipping your things from here to there is commonly the most adept (and economical) option when it comes to an international move. Likewise, as you can imagine, international shipping of bulkly items (such as furniture) is not inexpensive. This is why it is recommended to downsize your possessions as much as possible prior to setting out on your international move.
One viable option to think about in the months or weeks ahead of your move is conducting a garage sale to sell off some of the things you don't plan on relocating with you. This can be a great way to acquire some extra money (which can be used to offset those international shipping costs) and scale down the total amount of "stuff" you will need to have moved.
Certainly, if you plan on your international move not being permanent, you might also want to consider putting the bulk of your possessions into storage until you return to Atlanta.
Consult with a Financial Advisor
Taxes may be the last thing on your mind when you are planning an international move, but listen up. Your tax circumstances will undoubtedly become more complex when you move across borders; there's really no avoiding it, so the best thing you can do is to plan ahead by consulting with a tax or financial counselor ahead of your move. He or she will be able to aid you in figuring out vital facets of your new-found tax circumtances, such as where your fiscal residency will be and what special actions you could need to take when it comes time to file your taxes for the current year.
Set up Your Moving Services
Last but not least, don't forget to schedule your international moving services as far in advance as possible. Setting up an in-home estimate is the preferred way to get an accurate quote for your international move while also making sure you discuss the specific services (packing, shipping, delivery, unpacking, etc.) that you need.
Planning an international move from Atlanta can be fun, but it can also be a bit of a logistical mess--so make sure you plan in advance and find the best mover to trust with all your relocation needs!
