Expat moving and relocation services
International relocations via lump sum
Moving overseas for work?
Expats relocate for work, lifestyle, or retirement. Some destinations stand out due to career opportunities, living standards, and expat-friendly policies. Are you an expat on the move for a diplomatic mission or a professional assignment? Whether for a year or a longer stay, relocating comes with many challenges. A well-organized plan makes the process smoother.
A lump sum relocation allowance is a one-time payment given to help cover the costs of moving to a new location for work or personal reasons. Unlike traditional relocation packages that reimburse specific expenses, this allowance is paid upfront in a single amount, and you can choose how to spend it. You won’t need to submit receipts, but it’s up to you to manage the funds responsibly.
At Gosselin we have expert knowledge of the full moving process through our years of experience. Here you can find dedicated information to your personal situation concerning your destination and size of your household.
I’ve been given a lump sum and I am unsure where to start
Since a lump sum relocation package is a fixed payment, technically, you can use it for any relocation expenses.
Lump sum relocation packages offer benefits to employees and employers alike. For employers, lump sum packages help control costs and simplify administration. At the same time lump packages give you more control over your relocation and allow you to shop around for the most cost-effective relocation options. There are different types of lump sum relocation packages you may want to consider, depending on your family situation and destination.
Cost control
Simplify administration
You're behind the wheel
How to allocate my lump sum allowance?
Consider these four areas when allocating your budget
- Moving services
- Travel expenses
- Accomodation at destination
- Destination services
1. Lump sum and moving services
- Professional packing services for overseas moving
Consider hiring a professional packing team. Self-packed items can't be insured. We use high-quality packing materials and export packing techniques to protect your household goods during transit. - Multi-modal transport of household goods
Long distance moving services use multi-modal transport solutions such as ocean carriers, air transport, and transport via road and rail with costs depending on volume, distance and speed. - Customs clearance
Every country has different regulations. Reliable overseas removal companies will help you navigate custom processes and ensure your belongings arrive without any issues. - Temporary storage
Sometimes the timing isn't perfect and you need to temporarily store your goods. Or you're moving to a smaller house and want to store some furniture for a few years. - Moving insurance
Having moving insurance coverage allows you to focus on the actual removal, rather than worrying about unforeseen complications.
2. Lump sum and travel expenses
- Flights to new assignments
You'll probably have multiple suitcases filled with clothes to start the new assignment. Your lump sum can pay for your flight ticket and a multitude of checked bags. And since you're in control of the budget, it's up to you whether you're flying business or economy - Home visit flights
Everybody misses their family. Therefore, it's wise to allocate some lump sum budget to purchase flight tickets home during essential moments. A birthday, a wedding, Christmas? You can fly back home and spend them with your loved ones - End of assignment flights
Every assignment ends and usually you return home with more possessions than you came with. Use your lump sum to check that extra bag full of new clothing and memorabilia
3. Lump sum and accomodation at destination
- Temporary accommodation
Sometimes your new home isn't ready by the time of your arrival. Your lump sum can help with the cost of a temporary solution until you can move in. - Home search
Buying or renting a house can be stressful enough in your own country, let alone in one you're not familiar with. You can allocate some budget towards a local agency that helps you find your dream accommodation. - Rental deposit
When you rent a house or apartment, the landlord will ask for a rental deposit. This is again something your lump sum can be used for - Departure services
These services are aimed at expats or employees and their families to make the departure process easier. Think about ending your lease, utilities contracts or other subscriptions and a thorough final cleaning of your house or apartment - Furniture rental
Some people opt to rent furniture when they're not staying long enough to warrant a full overseas move of their household goods. Or you might want to shop locally for new furniture. In both cases, your lump sum can help you provide a place to sit in the meantime - Monthly rental
Even with your lease, the lump sum can provide some financial aid.
5 more tips about accomodation for expats on the FIDI website
4. Lump sum and destination services
- Settling in
Does unpacking all those boxes and assembling all your furniture seem a little daunting? No worries, you can hire professionals to help you settle in. - Car rental
If you opted not to move your car overseas, you can rent a car in your country of destination. Either long term or until you've purchased a new one. - Spousal support
When you're divorced, spousal support can become complicated when one partner moves abroad. An expert with knowledge of the international legal frameworks might come in handy. - School search
There's often not enough time to visit different schools. You can rely on assistance to find the best schools in the neighborhood for you to enroll your children in - Cultural support
Moving internationally always implies you'll be confronted with new cultures. To avoid culture shock, you can ask for assitance in learning the local language, finding your way around your new neighborhood, and building a network. - Miscellaneous cost: driving license fees, pet registration, cleaning services, banking and utility set-up costs
Administration, administration, and more administration. Every country has different rules and regulations. Don't get lost in the paperwork and allocate some of your lump sum for some assistance.
Air transport versus sea shipping. What to take into consideration?
There's different options to move your household goods, depending on your destination and personal needs. Air transport is fastest but premium-priced, while sea shipping is more affordable. Reliable moving companies for long distance moves offer both cheap long distance moving and full-service options.
Check all your different options below, both for an international move within Europe as a worldwide one.
Moving within Europe
Shared road transport and groupage solutions
You have a flexible timing and don't mind waiting until the container is full before your household goods are transported. With this formula, you will need to pay less for your moving services. Some relocation companies offer a constant flow between European hotspots, ideal for smaller and bigger moves.
Make sure to pick a relocation company that monitors your shipment and keeps you informed. That way you'll never be left guessing in what phase of the move you are.
Dedicated Road Transport
You have a less flexible timing and want your household goods transported immediately, whether the container is full or not. For this dedicated formula, you will need to allocate more money to the moving services. Make sure to choose a company that offers an affordable all-risk insurance policy that covers your entire shipment.
Don't wait too long, international moving takes time, but it doesn't have to be complicated.
Moving worldwide
Groupage solutions
You have a very flexible timing and don't mind waiting until the container is full before your household goods are transported. This way you only pay for the volume you use. Less budget will have to be allocated to the moving services. Since the journey is longer, it’s important to use strong, moisture-resistant packaging to protect your belongings.
Are you contemplating moving your car overseas as well? You can either do that via container or by roll on/roll off shipping.
Ocean freight and sea containers
You're less flexible in timing and want your household goods transported whether the container is full or not. With this formula, you have your own dedicated container and will need to allocate a bit more budget to the moving services. The price will depend on the weight and size of your household goods. Since the journey is longer, it’s important to use strong, moisture-resistant packaging to protect your belongings.
A good overseas moving company will offer a detailed estimate. This helps prevent unexpected costs when moving overseas.
Air cargo and air freight relocations
Your timing is strict and you need your household goods transported as soon as possible. This formula will require a bigger budget for your moving services. Your items need to be packed securely and compactly due to the fast travel and temperature changes. Air shipments usually arrive within 7 to 14 days, which is significantly faster than ocean freight. Keep in mind that there's several items you cannot move via air cargo.
Sometimes it's interesting to move only a small part of your goods via air cargo. When you're travelling with children for example, there's certain items you can't miss for very long. Consider splitting your goods across different transport options for the most efficient and cost-friendly relocation.
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