Moving from Phoenix to Europe is both an exhilarating and daunting experience. Whether you’ve just received a transfer letter to a European country,  or you plan to spend your retirement in Europe, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure your relocation is successful. 

You don’t want unexpected surprises simply because you didn’t plan properly or didn’t do enough research. So, here are a few things you should know before moving to Europe. 

Plan Ahead

International moving may sound simple, but it can be really challenging. To minimize disappointments and frustrations during or after your move, take the time to plan ahead.

Prepare a comprehensive checklist and contact moving companies ahead of time. You want to understand the costs and logistics involved as well as the availability of the movers. 

Be sure the company has experience in the moving industry and with international moving specifically. International moving involves a lot of detail and you want to be sure to work with professional movers who are knowledgeable in the international customs process.

Keep in mind that movers are mostly engaged in the summer. So, you might have a hard time finding a date that’s convenient for you if you wait too long.

Related:  Phoenix Moving Tips to Make Life Easy

Do Your Research

Do some research about the place you plan to live before you move. Get to learn about the neighborhood through online research. 

When you have some information about your new neighborhood, you’ll feel less out of place once you get there. If you’re not sure yet where you’ll be staying, research some neighborhoods that suit your needs, lifestyle, and budget. 

The Shipping Process

You want to make sure that the possessions you’re taking with you arrive in Europe in a safe and timely manner. It’s advisable to plan the shipment process early since it can take weeks to months for your belongings to arrive at your new home. Start with deciding what you want to be shipped and then find a reputable international moving company to help you through the process. 

Become a Minimalist

Moving from Phoenix to Europe is quite costly, and the total weight and volume of the items you’re taking with you will add to the cost. 

If your budget allows, you can ship everything you’d like to keep. If you want to cut down on some costs, you’ll need to decide on what to keep and what isn’t worth keeping. Consider donating or selling the stuff you won’t need in Europe.

Get Travel Insurance

Before you move to Europe, consider finding the best travel insurance plan for your needs. Good travel insurance should also cover lost luggage, lost documents, and other problems you may encounter while moving to Europe. Getting a good travel insurance plan is worth the price. 

Take Care of Banking and Taxes

Set up online banking for domestic fixed costs such as mortgages and other loan repayments. Set up local bank accounts for paying utility bills and having cash on hand in your new home. Keep in mind that you’ll be filing taxes in the United States for as long as you’re a U.S. citizen. If you’ll be working in Europe, be sure to familiarize yourself with the local tax requirements.