Are you moving your household goods overseas? Whether you’re moving for work, study, or just a change of scenery, there’s a lot to think about! Here are our top moving tips to help make your transition as smooth as possible:

1. Downsize, Donate and Declutter

OSS has several shipping options. If budget is a concern, it’s maybe more affordable to send fewer items overseas. Downsizing doesn’t have to be as daunting as it can sound. The chances are you’ve accumulated a lot of items over the years that can easily be sorted through and what to think of when moving overseas oss world wide movers 1disposed of correctly. When considering disposing of an item, think, “Will I definitely need this overseas?”. Or “Can it be replaced at a lower cost than it’ll be to bring the item with me?”.  Removing items not being sent also makes the packing process much easier and less stressful on the day of moving.

Moving your household items overseas provides an opportunity to replace bulky older furniture. Items such as bedding and couches, that you may have had for several years. Additionally, if you’re moving overseas to a contrasting climate, it may not be practical to bring all your wardrobe. 

Not everything can and should be thrown away. Secondhand shops like Vinnies and Red Cross often accept items of all sizes. As long as they are in a saleable condition. Contact your local second-hand shop to see if they’re accepting donations of items.

There is also the opportunity to learn a little extra cash by holding a garage sale or placing your items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. In regards to a garage sale, you may be able to organise your neighbours or friends to add any extra items they no longer need to your collection. Popular sites like eBay, Marketplace and Gumtree offer an easy re-sale service for items like bikes, children’s toys, gym equipment and even clothing. These sites offer secure payment options for peace of mind. 

2. Compatibility of Electronics

The power plugs and sockets, as well as standard voltage and frequencies, differ between countries, which may impact the ability of your electrical appliances to work overseas. Due to differing innovation levels between countries, the plugs that are used globally don’t all align. However, there is an easy and immediate solution this problem: an adaptor plug, which is a device that simply allows you to plug an electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket, with several options available depending on your overseas move destination. 

There is also the option to replace the old plug head, but this requires previous electrical experience, so it is best to seek professional advice. 

To view the electrical goods and compliance of most countries when moving overseas, visit our individual country moving guides here. 

3. Making Arrangements For Your Pets

what to think of when moving overseas oss world wide movers 2OSS World Wide Movers provides an international pet transportation service in partnership with Australia’s leading experts in pet transport. However, before moving overseas, it is essential that you’ve made the appropriate arrangements for your pet.

Different countries have different rules and legislations in regard to the types of breeds or species of pet that can be brought into the country. For example, China only allows one pet dog or cat per traveller to be brought across the border. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) bans those dogs that fall under the umbrella term of ‘Pit Bull’ or other ‘fighting breeds’.  Therefore you must research the regulations for moving to a country overseas with your pet. It is important to start the process well in advance of your move date as some countries will have a withholding period for vaccinations which will affect when your pets can be moved.

Moving overseas with a pet also brings the job of making sure your pet is up to date with its vaccinations. Again, it depends on the country you’re moving to what the laws are relating to vaccination types and durations. Not all international countries require quarantine periods upon entry. However locations such as New Zealand are known for their strict bio-security laws, warranting mandatory pet quarantine. 

4. Medical Prescriptions

Moving internationally also includes the bonus of changing doctors and medical procedures. Before you move, make sure you have an adequate supply of prescription medication or medication that is hard to find or limited. 

Another option is to research the most accessible or potential doctor in your country of destination before moving and arrange for the transfer of scripts or collection of medication.

5. Mail Redirection and Updating Address

Updating your address for all services and subscriptions is an important step in finalising your move, and includes, but is not limited to, the following:what-to-think-of-when-moving-overseas-oss-world-wide-movers

  • Government Agencies (e.g. Australian Electronic Commission, Australian Taxation Office)
  • Charities
  • Pet Microchip
  • Insurances
  • Banking and Related
  • Subscriptions (e.g. Magazine Subscriptions)

You may still be waiting for that final parcel to arrive by the time your moving date comes around, so it’s important to set up a mail forwarding system to still get any mail that may be sent post updating your address. Visit your local post office to set up a mail redirection service. For example, Australia’s AusPost offers 4 different pricing options depending on the duration of your move and location.