This is a guest post by a contributing writer.
Importing your belongings into another country takes time and attention to detail as well as patience and organization. When you’re planning a relocation to the Balkans, thorough preparation is the best way to ensure that the move goes smoothly. Of course, you’ll want to hire a reputable international moving company to help you get your belongings from the US to the Balkans, which will ease a lot of the responsibility on your behalf.
To lawfully move your belongings to another nation, you must abide by the import laws they have set in place. These laws may change frequently, so to ensure that you’re up to date with the latest restrictions and regulations, contact the embassy of the country you’re moving to within the Balkan region. They’ll give you all the information you need regarding what is and isn’t allowed into the country as well as the current duty and tariff rates.
Preparing for an International Move
Preparing for an international move is important. The process of preparation should begin months in advance. Not only will it take time to sort through your stuff and pack it up according to standard procedures but it takes time to appease Customs by gathering the necessary forms of proof to gain the certificate of import approval. Your movers will be there to guide you through this process and even help you gain the proof required. However, to stay on top of everything, it is in your best interest to create a checklist of all that you must complete before the day for relocation arrives.
Checklist for Overseas Relocation
- Find the right moving company to help you with your move to Balkans. Make sure they have a great reputation, experience and impressive credentials. Websites such as a1autotransport.com overseas moving will let you compare prices before you book your order.
- Complete job and school transfers. Contact utility companies to have electric, gas and water shut off. Cancel any subscriptions.
- Make sure you and all the members of your family have valid passports.
- Contact the embassy of the nation you’re moving to and make sure you’re aware of all import policies and current tax rates. Collect all proof needed, including proof of paid duties and tariffs.
- Look into what the driving requirements are in Balkans. If you can get a valid license for the nation you’re moving to, do so. It’ll save you a ton of time later on.
- Make sure you and your family have received any vaccinations required by the nation and retrieve your family’s medical records. Pets will also need vaccinations and certificates of good health.
- Sort through all your things and get rid of anything you either cannot bring into Balkans or that you won’t have a need for after your relocation. Hold a garage sale, donate items or throw them away. Getting rid of your things will help you save money and even possibly help you to gain some extra cash too.
- Make sure your visas are organized and that you have all the documentation you’ll need while in the Balkans. Keep these important documents with you during the move. If you are moving to Croatia, Bulgaria or Romania, visa policies are more strict as they are all in the European Union. Montenegro will also most-likely be joining the EU soon, so be sure to stay up-to-date with their increasingly tough visa policies. If you are moving to Serbia however, visa policies are typically more lenient and less regulated.
- Tell your bank about the upcoming move and see what you must do according to their policies, such as address changes and internet banking. You’ll also need to set up all direct debits. If you are moving to Serbia, it might be advisable to look into maintaining the bank account of your country of origin. Banks in Serbia, and other Balkan countries, can often have limited services
- Start packing your belongings at least a month ahead of time. Use all the proper packaging materials and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. Keep a list of inventory so you can keep track of your stuff, making sure it all arrives in the Balkans.
- Have all personal, valuable and important items with you on the plane. Let children pack separate bags including any of their favorite toys or ways to stay entertained.
Keeping a checklist is the greatest way to stay organized during an international move to Balkans. To simplify more of the preparation process, you can purchase full service moving. This means that the movers will even come into your home to package all your belongings up for the move. This will save you invaluable time and effort and some movers even offer storage solutions to anyone who might be interested.
I hope this post was helpful to you if you are planning to move to Croatia, Serbia, or anywhere else in the Balkans. Let me in the comments if you are, and if you have any questions.
