Many people dream of retiring abroad to enjoy a change of scenery, better weather, new experiences, access to affordable healthcare and a lower cost of living. Few will actually go through with it, though. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as the desire to stay within an established comfort zone and/or wanting to stay close to friends and family. (See Retirement: U.S. Vs. Abroad.)
Another reason why people don't follow their dreams to retire abroad is fear of the move itself: the packing, the logistics and what happens on the other side when you and your belongings arrive in a new country. If moving logistics are all that's keeping you from retiring abroad, it's helpful to know that there are a number of reputable relocation services that can help make your overseas transition easier and less stressful.
What is a Relocation Service?
If you've ever moved – down the street, across town, across the state or across the country – you know it can be emotionally and financially draining. Moving abroad can be even more overwhelming. Relocation services, such as North American Moving Services and Allied, help simplify the process by taking care of:
Planning – coordinating the logistics of your move
Packing – packing up your household, including disassembly of certain items, wrapping, boxing, bubble-wrapping and blanketing items for secure transport
Loading – moving your belongings from your home to the truck, container or plane that will transport your belongings
Shipping – transporting your belongings by truck, sea or air freight
Delivery – transporting your belongings to your new residence in your new country, or to a temporary storage unit if necessary
Unloading – moving your belongings inside your new residence
Unpacking – setting up your new household, including reassembly of certain items and setting up furniture
Haul away – removal of packing debris and moving supplies
Necessary paperwork – handling the proper paperwork throughout the process, including port-of-arrival and customs clearance (note: it is ultimately your responsibility to provide the correct documentation, so plan on checking well before your move with the embassy or consulate of the country to which you plan to move).
How Does It Work?
Plan on contacting a relocation service at least eight to ten weeks before your intended departure date so it has time to check documentation requirements, pre-book international transportation services and advise the destination agent of the upcoming international shipment. The relocation service will make arrangements for a local agent to visit your home and provide an in-home estimate (which is typically done at no charge). The agent looks at your household goods, determines a plan for packing and transport, and makes recommendations, such as whether your goods should be transported by truck, air and/or container ship.
The agent will also provide an overview of the paperwork that will be required, information about the company that will deliver your possessions overseas and advice on preparing for the move. Soon after this pre-move survey, the agent will contact you with a cost and time estimate for the move, based on the volume and weight of your items, the distance they will be transported, the method of containerization, routing choice, transit time and the level of service you have selected (e.g., a full-unpack will be more expensive than just delivery).
Once arrangements have been made, you have a big task: deciding what you're going to take with you and what you're going to sell, give away, donate, recycle or throw out. In very basic terms, a light shipment traveling a short distance will cost considerably less than a heavy shipment going a long distance. Because everything you take adds to the cost, it's far better to leave things behind than arrive at your new destination, unpack something and decide you don't need it after all.
Of course, if you are in your retirement years, you probably have a house crammed full of items collected over decades, including things stashed away in the basement, garage and attic, not to mention every closet, cabinet, cupboard and drawer. Deciding what to bring – and what to leave behind – typically takes a lot more time and energy than one would hope. Start early, make a plan and work room by room so you're ready when the movers arrive. While each country has a list of prohibited items, in general, you should plan on not bringing:
Corrosives and explosives
Firearms and ammunition
Hazardous materials (aerosol cans, gas canisters or other flammables, matches and paint)
Materials such as wood, bricks, cement, rocks and any type of soil
Plants of any kind
When in doubt, ask your agent to determine whether a questionable item can be transported.
Ready, Set, Go!
On the chosen day, the relocation service will arrive to pack and load your items. Every piece will be inventoried, and you'll be provided with a way to track your shipment and receive real-time status updates of where your shipment is and when it is scheduled to arrive.
Your agent should provide you with a destination contact sheet that explains what to do and whom to contact when you arrive at your destination. Depending on the level of service you selected, the relocation service (or one of its affiliates) will deliver, unload and unpack your belongings, and haul away packing debris and moving supplies.
Depending on your situation, you may require additional help beyond moving your personal items. Some international movers may be able to arrange assistance with tasks such as:
Automobile purchase and transport services
Childcare and school referrals
Cross-cultural training
Driving lessons
Financial and insurance providers
Home purchase and temporary living
Language training
Medical care and prescription replacement
Temporary or long-term storage
Contact your agent or the relocation service to inquire about these options. Some services may not be available in all countries.
Moving Your Pets
Relocating pets involves a different set of state and federal regulations and requirements. Most moving companies will not ship pets, so you'll likely have to make separate arrangements. In some cases, the process for moving your pets can feel more complicated (and stressful) than moving your household goods. Again, plan ahead, do your research and work with a reputable company. Ask your pet's veterinarian for recommendations, or visit PetRelocation.com and the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) website to research pet shipping.
The Bottom Line
Many people fantasize about moving to an exotic location during retirement, but let the unknown of moving a household overseas dissuade them. Moving is always stressful – even more so when it involves an overseas destination – but that's no reason to give up your retirement dreams. An experienced and reputable relocation service can help you plan your move and ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Also important: reviewing regulations and possible taxes on importing household goods into the country of your choice; these can differ widely. For more about planning a move abroad, see Plan Your Retirement Abroad and What Does Retirement Abroad Cost?
