Moving to another country is one of those life changing experiences which leaves you a jumbled mix of excitement and a million questions on your mind - whether you're leaving for a new job, further education, or just looking to start fresh and have a clean slate.

So, you're moving overseas & I'm guessing you'll probably be wondering how the whole international moving circus works, right? What's going to be the cost, what documents do you need and most importantly, how do you even make sure all your belongings make it to your new home in one piece?

This guide is just for the Indian families and professionals who are planning an international move - we've put it together with you in mind. We've broken down the whole relocation process into manageable steps - and let's face it, less overwhelming ones. With the help of a trusted name like Pikkol, before you know it what feels like a huge hassle now will be a relatively smooth, totally transparent and a whole lot less stressful experience.

What's the Deal with Moving Internationally from India?

International Moving Company - as you might expect - is a whole different kettle of fish to just shifting house across town. It's got a load of moving parts (no pun) & requires careful planning and coordination across borders as well as getting to grips with all the various regulations that come into play. Generally, an international move involves:

• Shipping your stuff across the border by air or sea
• Getting your belongings professionally packed so they don't fall to bits on the long journey
• Clearing customs in India and in your destination country
• Making sure you're not forgetting to comply with all the specific rules & restrictions of the countries involved
• Factoring in longer transit times because, let's be honest, there's more that can go wrong on a long haul

If you don't have a solid plan in place - & a decent relocation partner to work with - even the smallest mistakes can lead to delays, damage to your belongings or a nasty surprise on your bill. That's why getting a structured approach & the right partner on board is essential.

Guide to an International Move That Won't Drive You Mad

1. Planning Your Move (Get a Head Start - 2 to 3 Months in Advance)

A successful international move all starts with a solid plan. First off, you need to nail down a move date, get the lowdown on the import rules in your destination country, work out a budget and start looking for a good international mover. The sooner you get your planning underway, the less likely you are to be stressing about it at the last minute and the more control you'll have over your costs and timeline.

2. Finding the Right Relocation Partner

Your mover is going to be a huge part of how smoothly your move goes. A top-notch company like Pikkol does way more than just haul your stuff from one place to another - we handle the whole relocation process from start to finish.

Our dedicated move managers and packing teams do a first-rate job, and our quoting system is super transparent, so you know exactly what to expect. It all gets simplified for you, and you get a clear view of every stage of the move.

3. The Lowdown on a Home Survey and Quotation

Once you give us some details, Pikkol's instant quote engine kicks in and gives you a personal estimate in no time. Then we send someone to do a thorough home survey to make sure we don't miss anything, and that results in a completely transparent breakdown of what you'll get:

• Packing materials and the labour to use them
• International transport - wherever you need to go
• Getting all the necessary customs documentation sorted
• Insurance to cover your precious stuff
• Door to door delivery - no fuss or surprises

That way you won't get any last minute shocks or surprises.

Packing for an International Move: Tips & Tricks to Get it Right

Packing is the backbone of a safe international move. At Pikkol, our pros use top quality packing materials like:

• Double-walled cartons, bubble wrap and all the other essentials
• Good quality corrugated sheets and stretch films that do the job
• Special wooden crates for your delicate or heavy items

Packing Tips for Each Room - Start with the Basics

First off, here are a few general tips:

• Living Room: We wrap up your good stuff and pad your furniture or take it apart if we need to
• Kitchen: We pack your glassware with extra care and avoid packing any perishable food
• Bedroom: We get all your clothes packed up in vacuum bags and give your mattress a protective cover

With professional packing, you can rest easy knowing your precious belongings are way safer during the long trip.

First Time International Move - It's Okay to be a Little Anxious

Moving to a new country for the first time can be a pretty intimidating experience. A lot of other people have had the same fears and doubts - will everything get to its destination in one piece? Are we gonna get grilled by customs officials? Are we going to run out of cash before it's all over? These kinds of concerns are normal - and they can be managed.

A few things to bear in mind:

• Give yourself heaps of time to sort everything out before things get crazy
• Get rid of the clutter before you even start packing - you'll be glad you did
• Make sure you know where all your important papers are stashed - you don't want to be frantically searching for them at the last minute
• If you've got a question - ask it! Don't be too proud to seek out some extra info if you need it

And the good news is that with Pikkol, we can take care of all that stress for you. As a first-time mover, you get to tap into our step-by-step support system that makes the whole thing a lot more predictable and less overwhelming.

What Does it Cost to Move Internationally?

The cost of moving internationally is influenced by a few key factors:

• How much stuff you have to move, and how heavy it all is
• Where are you moving to
• How are you getting your stuff from A to B (by air or by sea?)
• Do you need some help with packing or do you want to insure your belongings against loss or damage

Pikkol’s open book pricing model helps you see exactly what you are paying for - and without any hidden extras

Air Freight vs Sea Freight - What`s the Difference?

If you've got something that really needs to arrive in a hurry, then air freight might be the way to go. It's a bit more expensive than sea freight, but you'll get your stuff a lot quicker.

Sea freight on the other hand is a better option if you're doing a full household move . It's a bit cheaper, and it won't take as long to get to where you are going

Getting Your Documents in Order - a Job Best Done Before You Move

When the time comes to make a move, the to-do list can be endless. Sorting your documents out beforehand is one of those tasks that you shouldn't leave until the last minute - trust us, you'll be kicking yourself if you do. There are several things to make sure you've got in hand:

• A couple of copies of your passport and visa (if you're one of the lucky ones who needs one)
• A super detailed list of everything you're packing - you don't want to turn up on moving day and discover you've left the kettle behind
• Insurance documents (if you're planning on insuring your belongings - a good idea, if you ask us)
• Some customs declarations forms - we're happy to lend a hand with these, just say the word
• Any permits you might need for where you're heading - better safe than sorry on this one

We've got the expertise to help guide you through all of this - and make sure you don't get held up at customs on moving day - our team will be there to help you every step of the way

Insurance - What Do You Need to Know?

Even if you've got a team of professional packers on the job, there is still a risk that something could go wrong when you are shipping your belongings internationally. That's where transit insurance comes in - it's a way of protecting your belongings against loss or damage, and it's something that we highly recommend.

So Why Choose Pikkol for Your International Move?

We've been in the business since 2015, and were proud of what we've achieved since then. We were founded by two chaps who met while doing their MBA at IIM, and we've always been passionate about making the relocation process as smooth and stress free as possible for our customers.

So what makes us different?

• Instant quotes, generated by some clever AI software
• End to end move management - that means we will take care of everything from packing to customs clearance
• A global network of relocation professionals, who can help you with anything from packing to storing your belongings
• We've got a team of professional packers and movers who are trained to the highest standards
• The #HappyMoving promise - that means we will do everything in our power to make sure that your move is stress free and enjoyable

Last Minute Checklist Before You Move...

• Double check your inventory lists to make sure everything is accounted for
• Make sure you have all your documents in order
• Confirm your insurance coverage
• Pack a bag with everything you need to keep you going for a few days
• Give your move manager a ring and let them know you are all set to go

Start Your New Chapter with Confidence

International moving isn’t just about transporting belongings-it’s about beginning a new phase of life. With the right preparation, accurate information, and a trusted partner like Pikkol, your transition can be smooth and worry-free.

Ready to move?
Let Pikkol handle the complexities while you focus on the excitement ahead.

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