Relocations can get tricky enough when you are moving to just another neighborhood or nearby city. Moving to a completely different country or even continent probably means you will have more than enough on your plate in the next few months. Deciding on an international move is a brave and life-changing decision, most of us thought about at least one in our lives. Relocations are exciting and give you an opportunity to change the course of your career and have a fresh start! In order to keep them fun and avoid any unnecessary stress, you will need to plan and prepare for an international move. 

Daydreaming about your new life must be the best part of preparing for an international relocation. However, there is more that needs to be done besides figuring out your next career step or decorating your new home. Packing, visas, transport, finding a new house… These are just some of the most important things you need to think about in advance if you want to properly prepare for an international move. But don’t worry! there is no need for panic! We got you! In order to help you plan your long-distance move, we have prepared an all you need to know guide.

Plan and prepare for an international move

Every relocation requires a plan. Whether you are moving just a few blocks away or relocating to another country, the best moving tip we can give you is to plan ahead. Therefore, prepare for an international move as soon as possible. The best way to do so is to start planning 6-9 months in advance. Also, an additional thing to keep in mind right from the beginning is the fact that you don’t have to do it on your own. Having professionals to help you will make the whole process much easier. Long distance movers Ontario can help you plan and move in n time!

If you don’t have as much time as we ‘ve suggested, you can just speed up your plan. Also, make sure you stay super organized by following the same few steps:

• Make sure you are familiar with visas and important international regulations.
• Find the best moving company and prepare for an international move.
• Create the list of pre-departure tasks.

Visa regulations and other important information you need to know when planning an international move

Moving to Canada will require a prior research. Also getting to know the visa regulation is crucial. If you are a foreign citizen there are a few visa options you might be eligible for.

• Express Entry – evaluated by CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System).
• Professionals and Skilled Workers Visa.
• Provincial Nomination.
• Canadian Experience Class Immigration Program. 
• Quebec Experience.
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.
• Family Sponsorship.

Even though there are more than a few types of visas, make sure you get to know the conditions well. It might be that, due to your citizenship, you will need to apply for a different visa than you planned. Therefore, if you are not sure how to apply or have any questions the best solution is to contact the Candian Immigration Service and ask for more information on each expat visa program.

Also, make sure you get the detailed information your spouse or children might need. Getting familiar with Canadian laws and regulations in advance will save you a lot of trouble. It will help you with applying for the visa and let you easily prepare for an international move.

Hiring the best movers and preparing for the international relocation

The best way to have an easy and stress-free relocation is to find a reputable and reliable moving company. A professional moving company can provide you with moving services like packing, unpacking, and transport. A reliable mover will also take care of your moving insurance and any other moving regulations.

Moving to Ontario or any other Canadian province will require some time for planning. You will need to make sure you find the right new hometown as well as that your new neighborhood fits your lifestyle. Therefore, give yourself enough time to prepare for an international move by having the professionals to do the heavy lifting for you.

When looking for international movers in Canada avoid any moving scams by researching your mover. Look for their online profiles and websites in order to check their reputation. Also, pay a special attention to their reviews and former clients’ recommendations. Ask your mover to provide you with letters of recommendations and check how long they have been in business. Most of all, trust your instincts. Hire a moving company you can trust.

Few additional moving tips

Finding the best mover is the first but not the only important task. One of the things you will probably be thinking about through the whole process is the costs and your budget. Try lowering your moving costs by packing smart. Make a packing list and think twice before you pack. Create 3 piles and divide your belongings: pack, donate/give away and trash. By packing lightly you will lower the cost and make sure you don’t pack anything you don’t need.

Contact your mover and ask for a quote and plan your budget from there. Also, make sure you have quality packing material to keep your belongings safe during the relocation.

The pre-departure list of tasks

Create a list of task you need to do before you leave. This way you will be able to stay organized and get everything done. Here are a few tasks to keep in mind and add to your own list:

• Inform everyone about the relocation. Your friends, family, business partners, coworkers will appreciate being informed in advance.
• Check the paperwork. Double check everything. Are there any documents missing? Do you children require anything else for transferring to their new school? How about the insurance?
• Book your flights in advance. And check the confirmations and dates.
• Is there anything else you might need? Make sure everything gets written down!
• Throw an amazing goodbye party! And don’t forget to have fun!