Organizing a move can be anxiety-filled enough when you are moving across the city or to another state--but planning for an international move from Dallas can take your stress to the next level! Luckily, if an international move is on your horizon, some organizing and foresight can go a long way in guaranteeing a smooth transition in your move from Dallas. Not sure where to begin? We've got a couple recommendations to help you begin.
Examine Documentation Requirements
One of the more perplexing and possibly time-consuming aspects of planning an international move is investigating all of the documentation required. You will need to figure out, for example, whether you will need a passport, a visa, or some other type of documentation to legally relocate. Remember that applying and getting approved for a passport or visa can take weeks or even months, so this is not an item you will want to procrastinate about.
Even once you've reached your new country, you will want to have already done your homework on the steps you'll need to take to obtain a driver's license, legal identification, or other important documentation sooner rather than later.
Reduce Your Possessions in Dallas
Shipping your belongings from here to there is commonly the most efficient (and economical) choice for an international move. At the same time, as you might imagine, international shipping of large items (such as furniture) isn't low-priced. Therefore, it is recommended to purge your things as much as practically possible before you embark on your international move.
One viable option to ponder in the months or weeks prior to your move is having a garage sale to sell off some of the belongings you do not plan on moving with you. This can be a good way to get some extra cash (which can be used to help with those international shipping costs) and scale down the total amount of "stuff" you need to have relocated.
Of course, if you plan on your international move being temporary, you might also want to consider putting most of your things into storage until you come back to Dallas.
Consult with a Financial Advisor
Taxes may be in the back of your mind when you're planning an international move, but listen up. Your tax scenario will undoubtedly become complicated when you move across borders; there is really no avoiding it, so the best thing you can do is to think ahead by consulting with a tax or financial counselor prior to your move. He or she should be able to aid you in figuring out vital elements of your new-found tax circumtances, such as where your fiscal residency will be and what special steps you could need to take when it comes time to file your taxes for the present year.
Set up Your Moving Services
Last but definitely not least, remember to set up your international moving services as much in advance as possible. Setting up an in-home estimate is a great way to get an accurate estimate for your international move while also making sure you discuss the exact services (packing, shipping, delivery, unpacking, etc.) that you need.
Planning an international move from Dallas can be exciting, but it can also be stressful--so make sure you plan ahead and locate the right professional mover to trust with all your moving needs!
