The Complete International Moving Checklist from Allied International Experts

Relocating overseas is one of the most exciting (and most complicated) transitions a person or family can make. Between visas, customs paperwork, moving logistics, and saying goodbye to the life you’ve built, an international move involves dozens of moving parts that a domestic relocation simply doesn’t. That’s why having a clear, step-by-step checklist matters so much.

As one of the most established Chicago international movers, Allied International has guided thousands of households and businesses through the process of relocating abroad. We’ve put together this comprehensive checklist based on over 100 years of hands-on experience, so you know exactly what to expect and when to expect it, from the moment you decide to move to the day you unpack in your new home overseas.

Why International Moves Require a Different Kind of Planning

A cross-country move might take a few weeks of preparation. An international move typically takes several months, sometimes longer, depending on your destination country’s customs regulations, moving schedules, and documentation requirements. Ocean freight transit alone can take four to twelve weeks depending on the destination, and that’s before accounting for customs clearance on the other end.

This is why working with experienced international movers Chicago families trust makes such a difference. A company that specializes in international relocations understands the customs paperwork, the moving documentation, the insurance considerations, and the country-specific restrictions that can trip up an otherwise well-planned move. Below, we break the process down into manageable phases.

8-12 Months Before Your Move

International moves benefit enormously from early planning. If you know your move date is on the horizon, start here.

• Research your destination country’s import regulations: Every country has different rules about what you can and cannot bring into the country, and some items (certain electronics, plants, food products, firearms, even some furniture depending on materials) may be restricted or require special permits. Research this early so you’re not scrambling later.
• Begin the visa and documentation process: Work permits, residency visas, and related paperwork can take months to process. Some countries also require specific documentation for moving household goods, including detailed inventories and proof of residency.
• Get a comprehensive moving quote: Reach out to a few Chicago international moving companies and request in-home or virtual surveys. A reputable company will walk through your home, assess your inventory, and give you a detailed, itemized estimate rather than a vague ballpark figure. This is also the time to ask about their experience with your specific destination country, since customs requirements vary widely.
• Start a decluttering process: International moving is priced by volume or weight, so the less you ship, the more you save. Begin sorting belongings into categories: ship, sell, donate, and discard.

 

6-8 Months Before Your Move

• Book your mover: Once you’ve compared quotes and vetted a few companies, lock in your moving date. The best international moving companies Chicago has to offer often book up months in advance during peak relocation seasons (typically late spring through summer), so don’t wait too long.
• Research housing and schools at your destination: If you have children, start researching international or local schools and their enrollment timelines, which can be lengthy for expat families.
• Handle pet relocation logistics: If you’re bringing pets, many countries require vaccinations, microchipping, and quarantine periods that must be scheduled well in advance. Some countries have strict import windows tied to specific health certifications.
• Sort out your finances: Open any necessary international bank accounts, notify your current bank of the move, and research the tax implications of establishing residency abroad. Speak with a tax professional familiar with expatriate filings if your situation is complex.

 

3-4 Months Before Your Move

• Create a detailed home inventory: Your mover will likely help with this, but having your own itemized list (including photos of valuable items) protects you in case of loss or damage claims and helps with customs declarations.
• Sort out insurance: Ask your mover about valuation coverage for your shipment. Standard carrier liability is often minimal, so many families opt for additional coverage given the value of the goods being shipped overseas.
• Begin the “sell, donate, discard” purge in earnest: This is the point where many people start hosting garage sales, listing furniture online, or donating to local charities. Remember that anything you’re not moving still needs a plan.
• Arrange for storage if needed: If there’s a gap between your move-out date and your arrival date abroad, ask your mover about short- or long-term storage solutions, including whether they offer secure, climate-controlled warehousing.

 

6-8 Weeks Before Your Move

• Confirm your moving method: Most international shipments move by ocean freight in either a shared or dedicated moving container, though air freight is available for smaller, time-sensitive shipments at a higher cost. Confirm with your mover which method fits your timeline and budget.
• Finalize customs paperwork: Your moving company should help prepare the documentation required by your destination country’s customs authority, which often includes a detailed inventory, passport copies, visas, and sometimes a letter of employment or residency permit.
• Notify important parties of your move: This includes your employer, utility companies, subscription services, healthcare providers, and the post office. Set up mail forwarding if available.
• Start using up perishables and consumables: Most international shipments cannot include food items, opened liquids, aerosols, or flammable materials, so plan your pantry and cleaning supply usage accordingly.

 

2-4 Weeks Before Your Move

• Confirm final shipment details with your moving company: Double-check the pickup date, delivery window (understanding that international delivery dates are typically estimated ranges, not fixed days), and payment schedule.
• Pack a “first night” and “first month” bag: Since your shipment may take weeks to arrive at your new home, pack a separate suitcase or two with essentials: important documents, medications, a change of clothes, chargers, and anything else you’ll need before your household goods arrive.
• Gather essential documents in one place: Passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical and vaccination records, school records, and financial documents should travel with you, never in your shipped goods.
• Disassemble and prep large furniture (or arrange for the movers to do so): Most professional international movers include disassembly and reassembly as part of their service, but confirm this is included in your contract.

 

Moving Week

• Do a final walkthrough with your movers: Confirm exactly what’s being shipped, what’s being stored, and what’s staying behind.
• Take photos of high-value items before they’re packed: This documentation is valuable if you ever need to file a claim.
• Keep your essentials bag with you at all times, not in the shipment.
• Confirm delivery contact information at your destination, including a local contact person if you won’t be at the destination address right when the shipment clears customs.

 

After You Arrive: Settling In

• Track your shipment: Reputable international movers provide shipment tracking so you know where your goods are throughout transit.
• Be prepared for customs clearance procedures: Depending on the country, you (or your mover’s destination agent) may need to be present, or provide additional documentation, before your goods are released.
• Inspect your shipment upon delivery: Note any damage immediately and document it with photos before movers leave, in case you need to file a claim.
• Register with local authorities as required: Many countries require new residents to register their address, obtain a residency card, or complete other formalities within a set number of days after arrival.

Choosing the Right Chicago International Moving Company

Not all movers are equipped to handle the complexity of an overseas relocation. When evaluating Chicago international moving companies, look for:

• Experience with your specific destination: Customs requirements, documentation, and moving logistics vary significantly by country. A mover with direct experience moving to your destination will anticipate issues before they become problems.
• Transparent, detailed quotes: Avoid movers who give vague estimates over the phone without an in-home or virtual survey. International moves have too many variables for accurate pricing without a proper assessment.
• Proper licensing and affiliations: Look for membership in industry organizations such as FIDI (International Federation of International Movers) or affiliation with an established van line network, which typically indicates a higher standard of accountability and service quality.
• Clear communication about timelines: International moving timelines are estimates, not guarantees, due to ocean freight schedules and customs processing. A trustworthy mover will be upfront about this rather than overpromising.
• Comprehensive services: The best international movers Chicago residents rely on typically offer full-service packing, customs documentation assistance, storage options, and destination-side support.

 

Final Thoughts

An international move is a major life transition, and the logistics behind it can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. That’s exactly why working with experienced Chicago international movers matters. The right team will help you navigate the entire process with confidence.

Allied International has spent over a century helping Chicago-area families and businesses relocate to destinations around the world. If you’re planning an overseas move, our team is ready to walk you through every step of this checklist, from your first quote to the moment you unpack in your new home. Reach out today to start planning your international relocation with a partner who’s done this thousands of times before.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book an international mover?

Ideally, 8-12 weeks minimum, though 3-6 months is better for complex moves or peak season relocations.

How long does international moving typically take?

Ocean freight generally takes 4-12 weeks depending on the destination, plus additional time for customs clearance. Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive and usually reserved for smaller shipments.

What items can’t be shipped internationally?

Most countries restrict or prohibit firearms, flammable materials, perishable food, plants, and certain electronics. Requirements vary by country, so always confirm with your mover and destination country’s customs authority.

Do I need special insurance for an international move?

Standard carrier liability coverage is often minimal relative to the value of a full household shipment. Most families opt for additional valuation coverage, which your mover can help arrange.

Can international movers help with customs paperwork?

Yes, reputable international moving companies like Allied International typically assist with preparing the documentation required for customs clearance, though the specific requirements depend on your destination country.

What happens if my shipment is delayed?

Ocean freight schedules can shift due to weather, port congestion, or customs processing. This is why packing an essentials bag with enough supplies for several weeks is so important.