Moving overseas and don’t want to sell your hard-earned things? MI-BOX long-term storage unit rentals are the answer.
Leaving Canada and moving internationally is probably one of the most exciting life changes. Stepping into a new world and potentially a new language is both exhilarating and nerve-racking.
You’ll have plenty to learn and worry about once you reach your new home, so needless to say, there is a lot that could go wrong.
So, how do you minimize the chances of your stomach dropping to the floor followed by a facepalm? This beginner’s checklist will help you develop a foolproof plan prior to your move that will make the transition a little more exciting and a little less terrifying.
Research Your New Home To Be
First thing, you need to know where you are going. There are many reasons why one would move, including job relocation, new job opportunities, soul searching, being a supportive friend or partner, etc.
No matter what the reason may be, google searching the country, region, city/town, and locals is going to give you a better understanding of how you will need to prepare. Our way of life here in Canada is very different compared to other countries.
It’s especially important to be well acquainted with new/different laws, social customs, culture and so on. The last thing you want to do is offend your new countrymen, be completely lost, or accidentally break any laws while you’re there.
Here are some other things you can google search:
- Embassy
- Police station
- Safety Tips
- Transit routes
- Shopping centres
- Food and entertainment culture (especially tipping)
- Weekend getaways
- Places to avoid
- Do’s and Don’ts as a newcomer
- Animal bylaws (especially for those with restricted breeds)
If you don’t have much travel experience, your actions can be the difference between integrating seamlessly or severely struggling, maybe even from a legal standpoint. Research, respect (even if you don’t agree), and apply what you’ve learned.
Human Documents
Now that you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into, it’s time to research and collect (well in advance) all the necessary documents needed to make the move a reality.
If you’re relocating for work, be sure to cross-reference the internal support received with external resources. Misinformation can come from any place, so be sure to ask as many questions as possible
Here’s a list that can help get you started:
- Birth Certificate(s)
- Healthcare Card
- Driving License(s)
- Passport(s)
- Social Insurance Card(s)
- Medical Records
- Financial Records
- Insurance Records
- Living Will
- Power of Attorney
- School/University Records
- Marriage Certificate
- Adoption Paper(s)
- Child Custody Papers
- Tax Records
- Divorce Papers
- Travel Visa(s)
- Work Permit
If you aren’t too sure what you will need, contact the consulate of the country you are moving to. Remember to cross-reference all the information you are given.
Be sure to keep plenty of physical copies in a safe place on your person, as well as copies in a drive at all times during your travels.
Do not ship in cargo, or you may run into issues if you need to supply documentation. Once you’ve reached your destination, keep them safe and secure.
Pet Documents
We can’t forget our furry family members. Depending on the type of pet, there may be regulations, restrictions and travel requirements you must abide by. The best way to get started is by contacting the consulate to ensure you aren’t breaking any laws.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) would be the next best resource to ensure you are abiding by air regulations when transporting a live animal. For example, all pets will need to travel in an IATA-approved carrier, but some breeds require special/heavy-duty IATA-compatible transportation containers.
Get a second opinion by calling the airport and double-checking the information you’ve received.
Don’t forget to contact your veterinarian to ensure your pet is cleared for travel, get an international health certificate, and get physical and digital copies of your furry friend’s medical records.
Move Your Stuff, Start New, or MI-BOX (storage unit rental)
You’ve come a long way in your planning and preparation. Now you need to decide whether it’s worth contacting an international moving company or selling everything you own and starting anew.
Move Your Stuff
Moving all your belongings overseas is costly. Interprovincial moves start in the thousands, so the chances of an overseas move being much more expensive is guaranteed.
Start New
On the other hand, selling everything makes things a lot easier and stress-free, and often cheaper than transporting all your things.
However, we all know that sometimes things change after the move. From not being able to acclimate to medical or family emergencies, Sometimes hopping back on a plane homeward bound is inevitable.
MI-BOX
MI-BOX allows you to cost-effectively store your belongings long-term to test the waters (no pun intended) so you don’t have to spend a small fortune transporting your belongings. Furthermore, you won’t need to rebuy all your goods if things don’t work out abroad.
Here’s how it works! You won’t need to come to us; we go to you and drop off one of our portable storage unit rentals using our state-of-the-art lift technology. We will place the desired-sized container on your driveway and level it for a perfect step-in height.
Our storage units come in 3 convenient sizes, so you’ll be sure to get the perfect container or even mix and match them as needed.
- Small: 8ft – perfect for small apartments
- Medium: 16ft – an excellent choice for larger apartments and small homes
- Large: 20ft – your best bet for large homes
You can work at your very own pace with 24-hour access. Your storage unit is secure from harsh elements and sneaky people with malicious intent. The materials used are durable and will keep your driveway safe from staining, and you get to keep the mobile unit as long as you need while you pack.
Once you’re done clearing out your home, just give us a call, and we’ll pick up your portable unit rental and store it in our clean and secure storage facility until you come home.
No matter what direction you want to take, there are plenty of options that will accommodate what you have planned and unexpected surprises.
Time to Break the News
The next step in your journey will be to notify your friends and family, of course. There are also service providers and other organizations that will need to know of your departure.
Here are a few to consider:
- The CRA
- Provincial and Municipal Governments
- Provincial Healthcare
- Insurance Providers
- Post Office
- The Registry
- Credit Bureau(s)
- Banking Institutions
- Lenders
- School, clubs, college/university
- Landlord/Realtor
- Utilities
- Family Doctor/Specialists
- Veterinarian
- Subscription Services
1 Week Till Take Off!
Your big day is almost here, and you’ve worked so hard to get everything perfectly ready. Now is a good time to go over your checklist and take care of any last-minute arrangements.
Here is another list to help you finalize:
- If you hired movers, contact them to finalize
- Pack your cargo luggage. A tracker device is helpful
- Pack emergency items in your carry-on bags in case luggage is lost
- Withdraw cash in the currency of layover countries and final destination
- Contact banking institutions to remind them of your move
- Confirm all appointments
- Spend time with family and friends for a proper goodbye
You want to enjoy the last week in your home country and not stress out needlessly. The more prepared you are, the less scrambling you’ll have to do. Getting the ball rolling early is key.
T- 1 Day
Less than 24 hours to go before you start your new adventure! At this point, you’ll have quite a few checklists, but you’ll need this one to make sure you travel comfortably and carefree.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Confirm flights and make sure you have your travel documents
- Contact the airline to see if you can check-in early
- Pack extra charger and make sure devices are charged
- Books and games for entertainment
- Headphones, earplugs, sleeping masks
- PJs, socks, underwear, dental care, eye care, skincare, hair care (travel size)
- Daily medications
- Make sure cash and cards are ready to go
- Make sure luggage and carry-ons are tagged and ready to go
- Ensure transportation to the airport and/or hotels are confirmed
When you’re ready to leave the house the next day, all you need to do is grab your things, enjoy the trip, and fall in love with your new home.
MI-BOX Has Got Your Back; Here, There, Anywhere
If moving abroad is on your bucket list or a confirmed part of your future, we hope these checklists help you get organized for a smooth transition.
If you choose to use our reliable storage until rental for your belongings, just in case, or for when you eventually come home to Canada, we are here to help you feel more secure in your decision.
We’ll keep your home furnishings and memorable items safe and secure until you return to your ‘home in native land’.
Click here to learn more!
