As a full-service local and international moving company, Able Moving & Storage is your overseas relocation partner. Residents of the Washington Metropolitan area, including Falls Church, VA, turn to our team for efficient packing and delivery services regardless of destination. Customer satisfaction is at the top of our priority list in everything we do. Receive a free quote for your international move by calling (703) 330-3772 or visiting us online today.

Below, we answer frequently asked questions about international moves:

How Far in Advance Should I Start Planning?

Like so many things in life, the sooner you begin planning an international move, the smoother it will go. Indeed, we suggest you start planning at least 6 months in advance if you know about a move at that time. Doing so provides ample time to research your destination and prepare your home.

You should allow yourself 7-10 weeks before your move to downsize your belongings, gather travel forms, and coordinate with your international movers and packers. As the adage goes, if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.

What Items Am I Prohibited from Shipping Overseas? 

When moving internationally with Able, your Relocation Coordinator can provide extensive details on what you can and cannot pack (determined by your destination). Yet, for a brief overview, always avoid the following: 

• Perishable items: Food and other perishable goods are strictly regulated by customs and often not allowed. Additionally, packing such goods creates a high risk of spoilage during transport.

• Hazardous materials: Able (and most international shipping companies) prohibit flammable liquids, aerosols, and other dangerous materials. Either dispose of or store these items responsibly before your move.

How Long Will It Take for My Shipment to Arrive?

Transit times vary depending on destination and shipping method. International moves can encompass travel by air, sea, and land, and each has different time frame expectations. Your Able Relocation Coordinator can help you decide which shipping method is most appropriate for your timeline and track items as they pass through customs. They will update you on the progress of your shipments throughout their journey. 

Who Will Unpack My Belongings? 

As a member of the FIDI Global Alliance, Able’s worldwide network includes some of the best international movers available. These local moving associates will deliver and unpack your belongings with the same care they received state-side. Moreover, our international colleagues are U.S. Embassy-approved, FIDI-approved, IAM-Trusted, or LACMA-certified.

Can I Store Items in the US?

In addition to our local and international moving services, Able maintains industry-leading storage facilities. Whether you need short-term, long-term, or fluctuating storage solutions, our secure warehouse ensures your belongings are safe until you return. Furthermore, we can easily pack your goods for international travel and route them to your destination as needed.

International Movers in the Washington Metropolitan Area, Including Falls Church, VA

When moving to another country, reliable international movers are your greatest asset. At Able Moving & Storage, we strive to provide the best moving and storage solutions in the Washington Metropolitan area, including Falls Church, VA. For more information on our international moving process, please email us at international@ablemoving.com.

A full-service, locally owned moving and storage company, Able Moving & Storage helps individuals and families move to and from the Washington DC Metropolitan area, including Ashburn, VA. Indeed, we provide the same efficient packing and delivery services for our national accounts and government relocations as we do for personal relocations. As a comprehensive overseas moving company, Able moves homes and businesses wherever they need to go. Call (703) 330-3772 today for a free quote on our international relocation services!

Below, we discuss how experienced international movers carry out successful relocations:

Initial Consultation 

Weeks or months before any belongings are packed or shipped, an Able representative will meet with you to discuss your move. Our team members will take stock of your belongings, note potential challenges, and get a rough sense of your timeline. This initial consultation develops into clients discussing destination details and other specific needs with a professional. 

After the initial assessment, Able will provide a transparent quote that includes shipping costs, customs duty taxes, and delivery fees. 

Planning and Preparation

Once they decide to book Able’s services, clients are assigned to an Able Relocation Coordinator. These professionals act as resources who guide customers through moving processes, including downsizing, planning, and scheduling. Your Relocation Coordinator will be available to assist and support you at every stage of your move.

As you prepare for your move, ensure you obtain the necessary travel forms, such as shipping instructions, customs documents, policies, and insurance. Your Relocation Coordinator is happy to help you get ahold of and complete these documents. 

Packing and Shipping

In the days before your move, Able will pack your belongings. We protect your items for the duration of the journey by storing them in international crates or air containers when necessary. Items that clear customs travel by sea, ground, or air, depending on your destination.

You can secure any items that customs regulations forbid from international shipping in Able’s Storage facilities. Our high-quality storage services keep your belongings safe until you return state-side.  

Delivery and Unpacking 

After clearing customs and the import/export process, Able’s worldwide partners will transport your belongings to your new home. All our international moving associates are U.S. Embassy-approved, FIDI-approved, IAM-Trusted, or LACMA-certified. Thanks to these vetting processes, our team can guarantee your belongings will be unpacked with the same care and attention they received at home.

Residents of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area including Ashburn, VA, Can Rely on Our International Moving Company! 

Moving abroad can feel stressful, risky, and complex. Therefore, you need an international moving company that understands how critical attention to detail is for a successful overseas move. Washington DC Metropolitan area and Ashburn, VA, residents can feel confident in Able Moving & Storage’s services thanks to our expertise. Request a free quote for your international move by visiting our website or calling (703) 330-3772 today!

Able Moving & Storage helps residents in and around Tysons, VA, with international moves. Since 2009, we’ve been a trusted service provider for local, commercial, and international moves. Our excellent service has earned us membership to the FIDI Global Alliance, which puts us in touch with outstanding moving services around the globe. To request a free moving quote, contact us at (703) 330-3772.

Below, we discuss the 5 essential preparations before you relocate overseas:

1. Make Lists

Organization is your best tool for an international move. In this vein, create a list of things you need to finish at home before your big move: canceling utilities or insurance, giving your landlord notice, or informing tax authorities of your plans.

Also, list the tasks you need to complete in your new country. These items might include identifying accommodations for arrival, navigating public transport, opening a new bank account, and filling out paperwork with your company.

An international move checklist can help you with all these concerns, clearing your mind and ensuring you miss nothing.

2. Sort Out Paperwork

International moves require a great deal of paperwork. For instance, most countries have a visa application system for individuals who desire long-term residence and employment. Check with your employer about how they can help and what you must handle alone.

Moreover, check your health insurance information, living accommodations, tax liabilities, and driver’s license requirements (as applicable). Make copies of your vaccination records, birth and marriage certificates, and passport.

3. Determine Your Moving Plan

Hiring a moving and storage company will ease your stress levels, allowing professionals to handle the heavy lifting. Yet an international move demands reliable, certified movers who will treat your belongings with care.

Able Moving & Storage’s international movers will handle every aspect of your move from the initial planning to completion. Furthermore, our experienced moving team can provide you with guidance. You need not attempt an international move by yourself.

4. Educate Yourself on the Culture

Lastly, acclimate yourself to the culture of your destination country. That new culture will probably be much different than your home country, and you must learn about new social norms, food, transportation, and history in addition to your new workplace culture.

If the population in your destination country speaks another language, start studying basic phrases to get yourself through everyday interactions with locals. Conversation classes and language learning apps are helpful, widely available, and adaptable.

5. Reserve Storage Space

Whether you plan to stay overseas for months or years, reserve secure storage space with Able Moving. Travelers on short trips can keep furniture and items restricted overseas in storage rather than clutter a friend or loved one’s home. Anyone heading for long-term stays may use storage to protect their valuables while settling into a new home and then ship them overseas later.

No matter how long you need storage space, Able’s warehouses provide safe solutions. While stored, your items will remain untouched to prevent damage and jostling. We can even pack them in international crates to ship out at a moment’s notice.

A Close-Knit Team of International Movers in Tysons, VA

Able Moving & Storage has a strong, close-knit company culture built on exceeding customer expectations. We ensure our clients in Tysons, VA, are satisfied with our moving and storage protocols and customer service. Plus, our team of international movers works hand-in-hand with global partners to create seamless relocation experiences. To learn more about our international moving services, contact us at (703) 330-3772.

Able Moving & Storage has delivered trustworthy moving services to homeowners in Manassas, VA, for over 30 years. We provide local, international, residential, and office relocation services alongside storage solutions. Our tight-knit culture and efficient practices distinguish us from our competition. To schedule your international move, contact us at (703) 330-3772 or visit our website.

Below, we discuss the top 5 destinations for Americans moving abroad:

Canada

Canada has an international reputation as one of the safest countries. Not only does it enjoy low unemployment rates and universal healthcare, but it also boasts a variety of immigration options.

In addition to friendly locals, Canada has gorgeous scenery, such as Abraham Lake and Jasper National Park. Plus, immigrants from America have no language barrier to overcome—unless they decide to live in Quebec, a prominent French-Canadian province.

Japan

If its mouth-watering food and strong economy don’t attract you to Japan, maybe its team-centered work environment will! Japan ranks second as one of the best places to move globally.

Compared to the US, Japanese companies encourage teamwork and relationship-building to a far greater degree. While learning the language requires time and patience, Japan is an excellent place for adventure, delicious food, and a healthy atmosphere.

Spain

Over the past few decades, Spain has risen in international rankings for work/life balance, healthcare, safety, and quality of life. The Spanish have a strong reputation for communal living and familial bonds, so new arrivals are welcomed with open arms!

Moreover, its year-round warm climate and property opportunities mean that finding a place to live is easier than ever. If you’ve always dreamed of living close to the coast, consider Spain. Contact your local international moving company to discuss your international moving options and questions.

Germany

Another fabulous destination in Europe, Germany offers virtually anything newcomers could want. The country enjoys fantastic public transport run by a transport association that integrates all forms of transportation into a single, efficient network.

Like other European countries and Canada, Germany provides universal healthcare, a thriving economy, low crime rates, and an environmentally conscious approach. Their welfare system and cultural attractions attract people from across the globe.

Qatar

Anyone looking for comfort in moving abroad outside Europe will find Qatar’s high salaries and low taxes appealing. The country’s modern conveniences complement an exuberant atmosphere with luxurious taste. Indeed, Middle Eastern immigrants prefer moving to Qatar over anywhere else. 

While international moves can be stressful, a professional moving company smooths out the process. Able Moving & Storage can assist you with preparations and then handle shipping your belongings overseas. As a member of the FIDI Global Alliance, we work with overseas partners to ensure customers arrive safely and comfortably. Only the finest moving companies belong to this outstanding network.

Reliable International Movers at Able Moving & Storage in Manassas, VA

If you want an affordable, efficient, and professional move overseas, look no further than Able Moving & Storage. Our reliable international movers assist homeowners in Manassas, VA, with services they can trust. Able enjoys a plethora of 5-star ratings on Google, showcasing how much we prioritize the needs of our customers. Contact us today at (703) 330-3772 or visit our website to schedule your international move.

Thankfully, one local moving group can answer your questions and needs. If you live in Great Falls or Northern Virginia and require international moving services, contact Able Moving & Storage. Our services abroad constitute much more than a frill in our business; we are a trusted service provider for the US Department of State and have been since 2009. Plus, as a member of the FIDI Global Alliance, we work with a worldwide network of reliable moving companies. Our membership ensures that you and your family receive seamless service no matter where you land.

14 crucial steps when preparing for your overseas move:

1. First and foremost, you should check your new home’s requisites for immigration. We have outlined the procedures for an international move to New Zealand already. But every nation’s conditions for travel and residence differ.
2. You should secure the means of travel as well as seek suitable housing.
3. Also, check the required documentation for the country in question. You can safely expect to need birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, medical forms, and social security cards.
4. Bringing in pets also requires paperwork. It depends on your destination, but you can expect to send immunization records and health certificates.
5. Reach out to the US Postal Service, your bank, the US Embassy, the Social Security Admin, tax agencies abroad, and your utility companies should be notified of your impending move.
6. Tax obligations, in particular, require careful attention. If you remain a US citizen or permanent resident, you will still pay US taxes abroad.
7. You should also apply for a passport if you don’t have one and a visa.
8. Consider a private insurance plan as well as other insurance (travel, life). Healthcare, for instance, works much differently overseas than in the US.
9. Look into schools if you or a family member will attend one overseas.
10. Subscriptions and services that you cannot use abroad, such as your cable television, should be canceled. Likewise, insurance policies that will not apply overseas can be canceled.
11. Ensure that the IRS and the Postal Service have your new address to send along your mail.
12. Check if your bank operates out of your destination country. If not, you will need a replacement.
13. Research whether any goods or items are restricted. Can you bring food, medicines, plants, and/or vehicles? Many countries limit such items and may even confiscate certain materials that do not follow their regulations.
14. Work with your movers. We understand that, in both the days before and the moving day(s), you and your family will feel a great deal of stress. That is why our Able Moving team is committed to reliable and friendly service. We treat moving customers like our own family so that everyone gets the care and attention they deserve.

As mentioned above, Able is part of the FIDI Global Alliance, an international moving organization. Around the world, our partner companies receive rigorous testing and must meet several criteria. Thus, they provide certified quality moving services everywhere. In addition, look at Able’s instructions for completing Customs forms and get a quote from us for our stress-free moving services.

Reliable International Moving Services are Available in Great Falls, VA!

Whether you are pursuing a new career or just looking for a change of pace, your move abroad demands outstanding service. Turn to Able Moving & Storage: our international moving services are trusted by the US Department of State as well as people in Great Falls and throughout Northern Virginia. Interested in getting a free international moving quote? Call us today at (703) 330-3772 or fill out our online form!

But a move overseas is both riskier and more complex than a local or cross country move in the US. If you are earnestly thinking about it, you should expect to face both tough decisions and COVID-19 hurdles. Yet careful planning with Able Moving & Storage’s trusted experts will ensure that you have a safe and efficient trip. We have helped folks move into, around, and out of the country since 1987. Then, in 2009, we became a trusted service provider for the US Department of State. We proudly continue to offer safe international moving services to folks in Arlington, VA and throughout the DC Metro region.

So while you ponder a move to New Zealand, let’s review some key concerns as well as Able Moving & Storage’s health and safety guidelines for COVID-19:

Getting Ready

How soon should you start planning? What needs to be moved? What should you prepare? Anyone that has ever moved knows just how stressful it can get, and the obstacles are multiplied when one goes overseas. Planning, then, becomes crucial.

For a move to New Zealand, you should first acquaint yourself with the online Biosecurity advice from their Ministry for Primary Industries. This website outlines the procedures for importing goods (including household products, food, and motor vehicles) into the country. Details on restricted items are listed as well.

Also, certain official documents are required: work visas, permits, international driving license, etc. A list of these materials are located on New Zealand’s Customs website. And, as you sweep through these tasks, try to educate yourself on the culture and neighborhood you are moving to, which will ensure a seamless transition.

Some Key Decisions

During these preparations, you’ll need to make some vital decisions. You must decide what to pack and what to let go of, but keep in mind: by getting rid of something, it lessens the clutter of your move.

If you own a car and/or boat, you’ll need to decide whether to import or give them up. Although it’s certainly allowed, importing vehicles involves a number of documents and steps. You must also need to consider pets and plants. New Zealand’s CITES program restricts certain species from entering the country.

We suggest creating a moving checklist to keep track of these steps. While you’re pulling that together, be sure to add a note for medicine importation. All medical substances, including prescriptions, must be approved by the government.

Hire Able Moving & Storage and Move With Confidence

Clearly, an overseas move puts a lot on your plate. That’s all the more reason to hire Able Moving & Storage for support. With years of experience under our belt, we can guide you through the complexities of an international move and ensure your safety.

Able Moving & Storage  works with folks around the globe, all of whom help us to facilitate international moves. These relationships are one reason why we’ve provided moving services for the Department of State since 2009.

Plus, Able Moving & Storage’s current safety protocols help us to maintain the health of our employees and our clients. We offer virtual consultations so that you aren’t forced to meet with strangers. In addition, we run temperature checks in our facilities and require our movers to wear gloves and masks.

Moving Overseas? Able Moving & Storage’s International Moving Experts Can Take You Anywhere!

Currently, New Zealand’s pandemic measures restrict travel and acceptance of new residents. But when the time is right, Able Moving & Storage’s International team will be ready to move you anywhere and make it home. With partners around the world, we are confident that your move overseas need not be any more hectic or stressful than can be helped. Our renowned international moving services are available to folks throughout the DC Metro region. If you’re interested in learning more, call us at (703) 775-1251 or fill out our online form today.