A move is a move, right? You might think it doesn’t matter where you’re going as long as your stuff gets there in one piece. Well, that’s actually not true at all. Moving domestically (from one place to another within the same country) is quite different than moving internationally. Knowing the differences between the two will save you a lot of headaches and stress during the moving process.
International Moves Require More Planning
Moving within the same country, even if you’re moving to a different coast, is less difficult than moving to a different country (even if you’re moving from Buffalo, NY to Toronto for example). Why is that the case?
Many international moves require shipping your belongings by boat. That journey can take weeks and weeks. So, it’s not a matter of loading up a truck or a car and simply driving to your destination.
Even if you are moving from Buffalo to Toronto, your shipment still has to clear customs, and you’ll have to pay taxes on it. There are also limits on what you can bring across the border for personal consumption. For example, your wine collection might need to be trimmed down, because there’s a restriction on how much you can bring into Canada.
International Moves May Require Paring down Belongings
If you’re moving across the ocean, you won’t be able to bring the entire contents of your home with you. You’ll have to decide what you’re keeping and what you’re leaving behind.
Furniture is expensive to ship overseas, which is why many people decide to sell it or donate it before they move. Furthermore, you’ll discover that you’ve accumulated a great deal of other stuff over the years. Not all of it needs to come with you to your new home.
International Moves Require Experts
If you needed a photographer for your wedding, you wouldn’t give the responsibility to your friend with the top-of-the-line smartphone. You’d choose a professional who had many clients to recommend his or her work.
The same goes for international moves. You don’t want to trust your belongings to a company which has never handled this type of move before. You want to hire a company that has moved many customers across the globe and who is familiar with regulations, documentations and the situation at individual ports (some ports are prone to workers going on strike frequently). Also, experienced international movers can tell you what to expect and give you useful tips on how to prepare for your big move.
Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd.: Trust Us with Your International Move
Are you planning an international move? Contact Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd. at 416-661-4228 today. Orbit International Moving has been in business for over a decade. Our professional, courteous staff is always ready to help our customers with whatever they need to make their moves go smoothly and hassle-free. We know how difficult international moves can be, which is why transporting your belongings safely is our top priority. Discover the Orbit difference today.
By Adi Shaked
