What is the Difference Between Local and International Move?

The first thing that springs to mind when we consider different types of relocations is the territory through which relocation will take place. If it is within the city or near your existing city, it is called a local relocation. If it is to another country, then it is called an international relocation. Kingdom International Movers, as the name itself signifies, is one of the oldest international movers in Saudi Arabia. Over the years we have gained expertise in conducting seamless and efficient residential and office relocation to various countries in Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, and Europe.

Through our journey, we met many individuals who were aware of local as well as international relocations. However, they assumed moving to another country was as simple as moving to another city and lacked preparation for the necessities that an international relocation from Riyadh requires. To help people be well prepared for their international relocation from Saudi Arabia’s different cities, Kingdom International Movers has compiled this blog post, where we share the key differences between a local and an international relocation. Do read this blog till the end and share it with friends and family who are planning to move anytime soon.

Let Us Look at Key Differences Between Local and International Move

1. Distance and Scale Of Move

• Local relocation

Relocating inside the same city or region is usually referred to as a local relocation. A few miles to a few hundred kilometers could be covered by it. The procedure is usually finished in a day or two and is really simple. Your new location is still in a familiar geographic area, so you might need to make just minor lifestyle adjustments.

• International Move

An international move requires traveling thousands of kilometers across national borders. With many modes of transportation like air, sea, or a combination of both, it’s far more complicated than a local move suggests some of the leading movers in Riyadh. Dealing with different cultures, languages, and legal systems when moving abroad requires thorough planning and preparation to adapt to the new surroundings.

Here is a list of objects that are likely to get damaged during a relocation.

2. Planning For The Logistics

• Local Move

A local move typically requires hiring a moving company. In some cases, families choose to move locally by themselves with assistance from friends or family. There are usually fewer things involved in packing and moving, and one might not need to consider long-term storage or any specific requirements for carrying local moves. However, even in carrying local moves, it is beneficial to hire movers and packers in Riyadh since movers are familiar with the area and can provide reliable schedules, and professional movers have few logistical obstacles.

• International Move

Careful preparation must be done months in advance for international moves from Saudi Arabia. You must take into consideration things like international transportation (air or sea), rules governing customs and import/export paperwork, facilities for storage if needed, and hiring professional international movers in Riyadh to manage such an extensive relocation. Delays are more likely to occur as a result of border inspections, customs clearance, or logistical difficulties during transportation. Additionally, you must be ready for any problems that may arise with shipping laws and schedules.

3. Documentation and Legal Procedures

• Local Move

Some of the top packers and movers in Saudi Arabia say that there aren’t many legal criteria for a local move. Usually, the procedure is simple and requires updating your address with the appropriate government agencies, banks, and utility companies. Customs, visas, and regulatory constraints are not a concern for you if you are moving locally within the country.

• International Move

Getting the right visas, work permits, and perhaps residency permits are just a few of the legal procedures involved in moving abroad. Both your home country’s and your destination country’s customs laws must be followed. There might be restrictions on some household items, and you will need to provide a thorough inventory of your possessions. More complex paperwork, such as pet quarantine laws or vehicle emissions compliance, may be required when moving vehicles, pets, and some electronic devices to an international destination.

If you are wondering, What are partial moves? How Do Movers in Riyadh Help with It? Read our blog based on it.

4. Safety and Insurance for Relocation

• Local Move

Moving firms frequently offer minimal insurance for local moves to cover the expense of misplaced or damaged belongings. There is less chance of theft or loss, and your home’s or office’s insurance policy might provide extra coverage in many situations.

• International Move

Because long-distance relocation carries a significant risk of damage or loss, insurance is crucial for international moves. Comprehensive insurance is required to cover incidents involving shipping, weather-related damages, misuse, or theft at different transit locations. Moving companies in Saudi Arabia suggest always asking your international mover what insurance they offer and whether you need any further coverage.

5. Cost of Relocation

• Local Move

Moving locally is typically far less expensive as compared to international relocation. The price of renting a truck or movers is the only expense you have to consider. Additionally, prices for tolls and gas and any packing supplies or services related to packaging can also be charges you must pay for. The hourly wage and distance traveled are typically used to calculate local moves, and extra expenses like fuel are generally minimal.

• International Move

The expense of shipping (either by air freight or container cargo) can make an international relocation much more expensive. Imported goods’ taxes, tariffs, and customs fees are other expenses one must factor in. Insurance for valuable goods while they are being transported, extra expenses for things like pet relocation, storage, and possibly vehicle shipment are some other expenses that may not be needed in case of a local move. To handle the complications of the relocation, hiring a moving company in Riyadh can be very useful.

Here are a few tips for choosing a good storage unit in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

Every move, whether local or international, has its advantages and challenges. An international move requires more planning, more expenses, and adjustment to a new environment, but a local move offers a quicker, easier process with fewer logistical challenges. Knowing the main distinctions will help you better prepare for the journey ahead and guarantee a seamless transition into your new location, whether you are relocating across town or continents.