Preparing for a move can be stressful enough when you're moving locally or to another state--but planning for an international move from Wichita Falls can take your nervousness to the next level! Luckily, if an international move is on your horizon, some planning and foresight will go a long way in making sure you have a smooth transition in your move from Wichita Falls. Not sure where to begin? We have got some thoughts to help you commence.
Research Documentation Requirements
One of the most complicated and likely time-consuming aspects of planning an international move is examining all of the documentation required. You'll need to understand, for example, if you will need a passport, a visa, or another form of documentation to legally relocate. Don’t forget that applying and getting approved for a passport or visa can take more than a couple weeks, so this is not an item you'll want to procrastinate about.
Even after you've dropped anchor in your new country, you will want to have previously finished your research on the steps you'll need to take in order to get a driver's license, legal identification, or other vital documentation quickly.
Pare Down Your Possessions in Wichita Falls
Shipping your things from point A to point B is commonly the most efficient (and economical) choice for an international move. Additionally, as you can imagine, international shipping of big items (such as furniture) is not cheap. This is why it is best to purge your things as much as you can before you embark on your international move.
One recommended option to consider in the time ahead of your move is conducting a garage sale to sell off some of the things you don't plan on taking with you. This can be a wonderful way to earn some extra cash (which can be used to pay a part of those international shipping costs) and reduce the total amount of "stuff" you must have shipped.
Obviously, if you plan on your international move not being permanent, you will also want to consider putting some of your possessions into storage until you come back to Wichita Falls.
Consult with a Financial Advisor
Taxes may be in the back of your mind when you are planning an international move, but heed our advice. Your tax scenario will automatically become complicated when you move across borders; there is really no skirting it, so the best thing you can do is to think ahead by consulting with a tax or financial expert prior to your move. He or she should be able to aid you in figuring out important aspects of your new-found tax circumtances, such as where your fiscal residency will be and what special steps you may need to take when it is time to file your taxes for the current year.
Set up Your Moving Services
Last but definitely not least, do not forget to set up your international moving services as far in advance as possible. Scheduling an in-home estimate is the preferred way to get an correct 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 Wichita Falls can be fun, but it can also be stressful--so make sure you plan early and find the right professional mover to trust with all your relocation needs!
