Overseas Moving Checklist

SEFCO knows from experience that advance planning is the key to trouble-free moving abroad.

As international movers to every country in the world, we provide our customers with safe, economical and responsible door-to-door service. Based on our experience, we have some specific suggestions so that you, the shipper, can become better organized for your move abroad. Of course, the way that you plan will depend on the foreign country to which you are moving, and the length of your stay.

That's what this Overseas Moving Checklist is all about...
Our site helps you make the first steps in arranging your overseas move.


.....Getting Ready to Move

.....Go through your household to inventory those items which you plan to ship abroad, store or discard. Make a detailed list under each of these three headings and review it with your SEFCO/overseas moving representative. Based on his (or her) experience, we may recommend changes. Keep the following facts in mind when drawing up your list.

.....If you plan to ship or store appliances, have them serviced by a qualified repairman prior to the move. Be sure to have an operator's manual for each appliance, so that future servicing abroad will be easier. We'll consider the problems of converting appliances later.

.....For your new kitchen, consider a water purifier or filter, and if there are small children in the family, a milk pasteurizer. A pressure cooker can be worthwhile for certain meats and vegetables. Be sure to take your favorite kitchen utensils, since they may not be available overseas. Conversion charts are also useful, as the metric system and Centigrade thermometers are used in most countries.

.....Obtain specific information about the climate and accepted clothing styles of your new destination before deciding what clothes to ship. Note too, that American-type shoes are often difficult to find overseas. High quality American-made mattresses also seem to be quite popular abroad.

.....Rugs, drapes and curtains should be cleaned prior to moving.

.....Find out before the overseas mover arrives on pick-up day what the total cost of your move will be from door-to-door. A firm price should include all charges with the exception of insurance and customs duties.

.....Make sure SEFCO has your itemized insurance list in our possession prior to or on the day of pickup. Fax details to: 718-732-2863 or Email: info@sefco-export.com

.....Regarding insurance, inquire about an all-risk, door-to-door policy without a deductible clause. If goods are PBO-packed by owner, then fpa-loss marine insurance is available.

.....Ask about how and when payment must be made.

.....Your SEFCO mover/surveyor will tell you how to organize your household prior to the day you actually move. Specifically he or she will inform you how to prepare dishes for shipment; whether or not to leave beds assembled; how to handle spillables or breakables that are in your drawers and cabinets; what to do with rugs and carpeting; whether or not to remove mirrors, paintings and fixtures prior to packing.

.....Make sure you have enough of the appropriate clothing and personal necessities for travel to your new destination and for any side trips you plan to take before receiving your shipment abroad. Be sure to keep in mind seasonal weather changes.

.....Give SEFCO your new destination address, and, most important, a contact address abroad of a friend, relative or business affiliate so that our agent can reach you the moment your shipment arrives.

.....Personal Affairs

.....Notify utilities, professional services, insurance agencies, government and public offices, publications and local stores and vendors that you are planning to move. The US Postal Service has special Notice Cards to make this job easier.

.....Close those credit card accounts that are not valid overseas and ask your insurance agent which of your personal policies can be transferred.

.....Get medical and dental checkups and eyeglasses if you need them. Have complete medical histories (shots, prescriptions, etc.) prepared to take with you.

.....Check with local tax assessors to be sure that your tax obligations are up-to-date prior to your leaving the country. Arrange for a foreign bank account and become familiar with the new currency of your new country.

.....Income you earn abroad can be subject to either U.S. or foreign government tax. Check with your accountant or the Internal Revenue Service about your status and the possibility of exemptions based on your establishing permanent residence overseas.

.....Collect personal records such as W-2 Forms and Social Security information. Bring your address book up to date.

.....Before moving to your new location, investigate schooling for your children and make sure you have a complete copy of their school records.

.....Cars and Personal Effects

.....Weigh the advantages of taking your car overseas and consider these factors: customs duties, local insurance rates, drivers license requirements, local highway systems adaptable to your car, availability of tires and repair parts, gas costs, and possible re-sale value abroad.

.....Consider the alternative cost of renting or purchasing a new car and arranging to pick it up overseas.

.....Service your automobile completely if you decide to take it.

.....Plan to carry jewelry and other valuables with you.

.....Find out if family pets are admitted at your new location and check any health and quarantine requirements.

.....Check restrictions at your new location regarding importing of guns and ammunition.

....Household Goods and Appliances

.....Most countries have 220-volt, 5-cycle alternating current. Some countries have 110-volt, 60 cycle A.C. Some countries, such as France, have both in different locations. Find out if your appliance will need modification, and how much that will cost. Inquire about U.S. appliance dealers who have units already designed for overseas use.

.....Pay special attention to the cost of converting television sets, automatic washing machines, and stereo equipment, since it might be more economical to purchase them new.

....If you buy appliances for overseas use or adapt your present models, keep the bills for purchase or repair so that you can prove prior possession and avoid paying duty upon return to the U.S.

.....Household plants are not permitted, so plan to dispose of them.

.....Documents

Much of the pre-planning for overseas moving involves having all of the necessary documents completed, updated and accessible. Here are some of the papers you will need.

.....Passports: One for each member of the family. These must be applied for in person if more than ten years since last application. Bring proof of citizenship, personal identification, two passport photos, and check or money order for passport fees.

.....Certificates of Registration: Any foreign-made articles should be registered with Customs to prove prior possession when you re-enter the U.S.

.....Visas: Check with the Consulate of your new foreign residence to determine whether a visa is required and whether it must be obtained before your departure. Some destinations require that the packing list be legalized by the consulate at the place of origin. It is your responsibility to check up on current requirements.

.....Residence and Work Permits: Some countries may require a Residence Permit for an extended stay and a Work Permit before you can accept employment.

.....Police Records: You may be required to furnish a letter of good standing from a local law enforcement agency before obtaining a Work Permit.

.....Business Recommendation: A similar letter of good standing may be needed when applying for a visa. A letter from a bank, business organization, or public official should support your financial stability and personal reputation.

.....Immunization Certificates: The International Certifications of Vaccination should record all necessary immunizations against smallpox and other diseases.

.....Medical Records: A special letter from your own physician may be required in addition to international health forms. Some countries require a medical examination by designated U.S. physicians.

.....Customs Entry Forms: Thee are required for bringing household goods into some foreign countries and are available from the Consul of the country where residence will be established.

.....International Driver's License: If your current license is not valid abroad, a new one can be obtained at nominal cost by mail with a copy of your current license and two passport photos.

.....Overseas Moving Records: Your SEFCO mover will provide you with a letter or e-mail confirming price, an order confirmation detailing the terms and conditions of your shipment, a pick-up order, an inventory list of your shipment, and overseas notification of shipping information.

.....When You Arrive Overseas .....Contact the destination agent immediately, since you must be available when your shipment arrives in order to avoid unnecessary customs duties and additional port and container charges.

.....Register with local authorities and notify the
U.S. Embassy or Consulate of your arrival.

.....Check your shipment against your inventory sheet once it is unpacked.

.....And Please Note...

.....The information center at Sefco Export can provide you with specific information. This free service also provides names and locations of agencies and organizations you can contact for assistance.

.....We hope this checklist is useful to you.

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