Moving your stuff
An international move is more than just transporting your belongings—it’s about relocating your life. From practical arrangements to emotional adjustments, moving abroad comes with many challenges. Whether it’s your first relocation or one of many, careful planning and preparation can make the transition smoother and less stressful. Here are the key things to consider before, during, and after your move.
Planning and Timeline
Your destination is chosen, the departure date is set, and it’s time to start preparing. What is the new destination, what to expect, what is a life for an expat going to look like? Good planning and a clear timeline will help make your move smoother and less stressful. One of the biggest questions is what to take with you and what to leave behind. Prepare a clear check list before and after arrival or ask me for one!
Research your new destination
Before moving, take time to learn about your new destination. Connect with people already living there, join expat groups, read blogs and forums, and ask practical questions. Which neighborhoods are best? How are the schools? Is the area safe? What products and services are available locally, and what should you bring with you? Get practical guidence from locals before arrival and avoid burning your electric appliances, for example :)
What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
An international move is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Sort through your belongings and decide what is worth taking, storing, selling, donating, or discarding. Start early and create a plan for organizing, selling, or giving away items you no longer need. The less you move, the easier—and often cheaper—the relocation process will be. On time, select and sell or donate via GARAGE SALE at your home and publish things online.
Drink your wine while you still can
My husband received for his birthday a vintage bottle of wine from 1990 . Rather than opening it, we carefully transported it in containers to two international moves. The opening moment finally arrived in 2026.
Guess what happened next?
Renting Out Your Home
Many expatriates choose to keep their home in their country of origin, either as an investment or as a place to return to one day. Others decide to rent it out while abroad. Before making a decision, consider your long-term plans, financial situation, and future housing needs.
If you decide to rent out your property, document its condition carefully before you leave. Take photographs, prepare a detailed inventory, and complete a property condition report (etait de lieu) to avoid potential disputes later.
Get help - Relocation services
Hiring professional relocation company has many advantages to properly plan your move and get best advice to avoid problems and stress later. Recolation companies will discuss with you before arrival what type of container you need, what documentations you need for customs clearances, what you are alove to take and transport, what is best not to bring, how to prepare and plan till the last day of your move.
Moving Vehicles & Pets
Vehicles
Before deciding to bring your vehicle, carefully assess whether it is worth importing or whether purchasing a new vehicle at your destination would be more practical and cost-effective.
Consider factors such as registration requirements, import duties, vehicle age, technical standards, emissions regulations, and potential modifications. Differences in lighting systems, emissions standards, software compatibility, and safety requirements may require costly adjustments before the vehicle can be legally registered.
For example, importing a car or motorcycle from the United States to Slovenia often involves more time, expense, and paperwork than expected. Most US vehicles do not fully comply with EU standards and must undergo homologation and, in some cases, technical modifications before registration. Many decide to sell the car than importing it.
Importing a Car
We wanted to bring our car to our new destination, but just two weeks before shipping it, we discovered that left-hand-drive vehicles couldn't be registered there. With only a week to spare, we found a second-hand replacement and somehow managed to sell our old car before departure.
No last minute stress right? 🙂
Pats
If you are relocating with pets, start planning early. Check the import requirements of your destination country, including vaccination schedules, microchipping, health certificates, and any quarantine rules that may apply.
Many countries, including those within the European Union, as well as Australia, Canada, the United States, and Hong Kong, have established pet travel schemes that allow pets meeting specific requirements to travel without quarantine.
Journey of our two cats
My two adopted street cats were moved from Azerbaijan to the Netherlands. The preparations took months (to avoid quaranteen), blood serum sent via DHL to the EU lab, microchipping, vacinations,etc. Just one day before departure day, we were nervously waiting for the Vet to arrive and issue fit-for-travel paperwork. The most emotional moment, however, was at the boarding gate. After handing my cats over at check-in, I stood there asking the flight attendant if the pilot of Ukraine Airlines knew two cats were in the cargo hold to properly pressurise it. I couldn't stop worrying about them. Then we were off—by plane, car, train, and boat. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and we all arrived safely and settled into our new home.
Arrival & Adaptation
Settling in
Once your belongings arrive, unpacking will be much easier if you have labeled your boxes and prepared a packing inventory. The sooner you unpack and organize your home, the sooner your new place will start to feel familiar and comfortable.
Focus on the essentials first: complete your registration and administrative procedures, arrange insurance and schooling, locate key services and supermarkets, and start exploring your new neighborhood. Small steps, such as displaying family photos and meeting your neighbors, can help create a sense of belonging.
Moving with Kids
Moving can be particularly challenging for children, as it disrupts their routines, friendships, and familiar surroundings. Depending on their age, they may need extra support during the transition.
Involve children in the moving process by letting them pack a special box with their favorite toys, books, and personal items. Try to maintain familiar routines where possible and allow them time to adjust to their new environment.
The first weeks can be especially difficult as children navigate a new school, language, and social circle. Consider asking a family member or friend to help during the initial period, giving you time to settle administrative matters while providing additional support and stability for your children.
What can I do for you?
Preparation Phase – Before the Move
Move Planning & Organization
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Destination information and relocation advice
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Personalized planning, timeline and checklists
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Garage sale organization and online item sales
Household Goods Relocation
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Assessment of goods for shipment
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Coordination with trusted international movers
Vehicle Import Assessment
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Verification of import and registration eligibility
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Advice on whether importing your vehicle is worthwhile
Pet Relocation
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Guidance on international pet relocation requirements
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Assistance with EU certifications and documentation