Moving to a new country is one of life’s biggest adventures, but it can also feel overwhelming without proper planning. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, having a comprehensive moving internationally checklist is essential for success. At Riyadh Warehouse Solutions, as an IAMT Trusted Mover certified company, we have helped countless families and professionals navigate international relocations across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Our comprehensive services include home moving, international relocations, office and commercial moving, storage and warehousing, cargo logistics, and customs clearance. We understand that preparation is key to reducing stress and ensuring nothing important gets overlooked in your international move.
8-12 Weeks Before Your Move
- Look into visa, work permit, and residency rules for your new country.
- Get in touch with the embassy or consulate to understand the paperwork you’ll need.
- Start clearing out your belongings. Decide what to take, what to sell, donate, or put in storage.
- Get quotes from at least three international moving companies.
- Compare what each mover offers, their insurance coverage, and customer reviews.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving
- Tell your employer about your move timeline.
- Arrange for work visa sponsorship if you need it.
- Begin the school transfer process for your children.
- Get school transcripts and vaccination records.
- Look into housing options in your new country.
- Think about booking temporary accommodation for your first few weeks.
- Apply for an international driver’s license if you’ll need one.
4-6 Weeks Before Your Move
- Confirm your chosen moving company and set your packing dates.
- Start using up perishable food items and avoid buying lots of groceries.
- Arrange for your pets to be transported if they’re coming with you.
- Get health certificates for your pets and learn about any quarantine rules.
- Gather important personal documents (like birth and marriage certificates, medical records, and diplomas).
- Get multiple certified copies of these essential documents.
2-4 Weeks Before Moving
- Tell your bank about your international move.
- Ask about international banking services they might offer.
- Cancel or transfer your subscriptions, memberships, and other services.
- Set up mail forwarding with your postal service.
- Schedule any necessary medical and dental checkups.
- Ask for prescription refills to last you through the transition.
- Research international health insurance options.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Move
- Confirm all your travel plans.
- Make sure your passports are valid for at least six months past your move date.
- Pack a “survival kit” with essential items for your first few days. Include medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries.
- Exchange some currency for your destination country.
- Back up computer files and important digital documents to cloud storage.
Moving Week
- Keep important documents, jewelry, and valuable items with you during your travel.
- Take photos of valuable items for insurance purposes.
- Confirm arrival details with your moving company.
- Ensure someone will be available to receive your shipment.
- Do a final walkthrough of your home before leaving.
- Double-check that utilities are scheduled to be disconnected.
After Arrival
- Register with local authorities as required by immigration laws.
- Open a local bank account and transfer funds as needed.
- Register children for school and adults for language classes if needed.
- Find the nearest hospital, pharmacy, and essential services.
- Begin the process of making your new house feel like home.
An international relocation doesn’t have to be stressful when you follow a detailed international moving guide and work with experienced professionals. Riyadh Warehouse Solutions specializes in making international transitions smooth and efficient, handling everything from customs clearance to secure transportation of your belongings. We provide comprehensive shipping services from Saudi Arabia to popular destinations including the USA, Canada, and UK. With proper planning and the right support team, your international move can be the exciting beginning of your next life chapter.