When 'Moving Day' Means Crossing Oceans: A Guide to International Relocation

Afternoon coffee break in Dinan, FR. Not pictured- the freezing temperatures!

Think moving across state lines is stressful? Try moving internationally! While the core process is similar, international relocations introduce new variables: visa applications, work authorizations, longer shipping times, and cultural adjustments. These elements require careful planning even before you start packing your first box.

During my most recent project, a move to France, I helped a client get everything situated and organized at their new home. I ended up flying with them because they had a few small pets that they wanted to bring in the cabin with them.

Once we got to the new location, the settling project began. Like any new place, we had to find out when the trash and recycling day would be, where the stores with all the essentials are, and what we needed to buy until the shipment arrives. Setting up appointments for Internet, donations, and whatever else came up in your typical “how things work” finding mission.

For example, we were kicked out of the store because it was lunchtime, and they were closing for the next two hours, 😊 which never happens in the U.S.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when moving internationally:

1.   Have a general plan (but keep it flexible)

   Contrary to my usual detailed planning advice, international moves require a different approach. The likelihood of something not going according to plan is virtually guaranteed when crossing borders.

   In the self-help world there is a saying – you can only control how you react to the external circumstances.

   So, with that in mind, think of the ways you tackle challenges and stressful situations. What helps you to keep your cool, what are the strategies you usually implement when things are not going according to your plan. Be ready to act quickly and have a backup plan!

   What’s included in the general plan?

   Things like moving out day, donation pick-up day, visa deadlines, tickets for flights and/or trains, rental cars, hotels, admin appointments at the new location, admin appointments in your current location, etc.
   

2. Set realistic expectations
   Yes, it’s a cliché but it is one for a reason. When you move across an ocean, there are MANY variables that are out of your control. So be prepared for that and be ready to pivot. Case in point, delay with the container shipment. Four weeks’ door-to-door delivery sounds a bit too good to be true, and it was!

   It’s been almost two months since the movers loaded the truck and then the container, and that looks like a more realistic time frame. However! That gave time for my client to go through everything in the house they bought, decide what they wanted to do with spaces, repair, paint, clean out, whatever was needed and wanted BEFORE the arrival of their own possessions.
   

3. Preparation is everything
   Thorough preparation can make or break your international relocation. Without proper prep work, you risk costly delays, unnecessary expenses, and added stress during an already challenging transition

   Like any move, you need to start decluttering, or like one client calls it – “debulking”, before packing. And even before that, think about if it is worth shipping it to where you are going? Can you buy this item there or does it have a sentimental value? You don’t want to trash it or donate it – great! Is there someone in your family who would really appreciate and enjoy this item, so that it stays in the family, and you’ll feel better?

   I will be honest; doing the research is a big part of the preparation. Give yourself a few months, like three to five months, for this stage - do your research, go through everything, sell things online if you want to (usually that takes longer than you think), schedule appointments, and so on. I cannot stress enough how important it is to leave some breathing room, just in case.

4. Be Flexible
   As you settle into your new routine and life at your new location, it is safe to say that you will encounter things you didn’t think of. Or you knew about, but didn’t think they will be an issue.

   Surprise!!

   Something will always require you to do a 180 and move forward.

   Case in point: We arrived in France, and my client wanted to get a French phone number, naturally, since she’ll be living there. Well, her phone was too advanced to have two numbers (a US and French one), and the carrier couldn’t do anything about it other than sell her a new device, so she had to downgrade. Anyone who has had to transfer information to a new device knows how tedious and annoying that process is, but there was no way around it.

   Or when we had to book a last-minute hotel room because we realized the place we were going to stay was not big enough for three animals and three adults.

5. Get help!!!

   If you think moving to a new apartment or a house in the next town over is stressful, this will be on another level.

   I implore you to get help - friends, family, neighbors, hired help - to make your life easier.

Moving internationally transforms your life in ways both expected and surprising. While the journey comes with challenges, proper planning, realistic expectations, thorough preparation, flexibility, and the right support system make all the difference. Remember that even the most seasoned international movers encounter surprises - it's how you adapt that matters. With the right mindset, your international move can become the adventure of a lifetime rather than an overwhelming ordeal.

As always, if you don’t know where to start with your move or relocation, book your 20 min Free call!

~ Pavlina