Moving from the United States to Romania

Six months to prepare for Bucharest

My decision to move came about as a career decision I had been thinking over for about two years. After receiving a job offer in January, I had about six months to plan and prepare for the move from Selah to Bucharest.

That sounds like a reasonable amount of time, but I was working more than full time, so adequate planning was challenging. I was also preparing for a major cultural and lifestyle change.

I was ready for a cultural change, healthier food options, a healthier lifestyle, and a more reasonable cost of living. I was also hoping for a more realistic work schedule and a healthier work/life balance.

Choosing Expat Shipping when other quotes were too high

I believe I came across comparisons on Sirelo after AI recommended it to me. I also used AI to compare recommendations further.

Expat Shipping was not very well known in the results I found, which caused me some pause. I reached out to most, if not all, of the suggested shipping companies, then narrowed things down based on which companies got back to me and provided quotes.

Unfortunately, the prices from many companies were so significant that they were not viable or even possible for me. Multiple companies did not respond to my inquiry at all. Because of the price, Expat Shipping seemed to be my only option for shipping, so I took the risk. I’m glad I did.

Packing, weighing, and building the crate

There was a lot more to prepare than simply deciding what I wanted to bring.

I had to think about packing and weighing, estimating costs, figuring out quantities, and assembling the crate itself. Getting heavy items into the crate was another concern.

Looking back, I would have taken much more time for this part of the process. From packing and weighing to estimating costs, I underestimated how much time and attention everything would require. I also would have planned for more of a time cushion.

I was working so much during the months before the move that preparation became difficult to manage alongside everything else.

Managing the crate, customs, and arrival help

I was nervous about the FedEx pickup and about whether I would have the help and resources to receive and unload the shipment virtually by myself.

There were many unknowns. I did not know whether my new apartment would have an elevator or whether the landlord would be put out by the fact that I had shipped such a big crate. I worried about being in the way of other tenants while moving everything in.

I looked into Romanian moving companies and even thought about paying for a friend or family member’s flight so someone could assist me once the shipment arrived.

Customs was another source of uncertainty. I was nervous about the cost of releasing my household items, figuring out weights and quantities, and estimating prices.

At the same time, I was also thinking about the personal side of the move and whether I would fit in with a new group of people. It was quite the process.

What went well

• I look back positively on the move overall.
• Expat Shipping’s team communicated with me throughout the process.
• My employer’s HR department went above and beyond to help, including with situations where speaking the language made a difference.
• I had assistance with things I could not have managed entirely by myself.
• In the end, everything worked out.

What didn’t go as expected

• Adequate planning was difficult while I was working more than full time.
• Several shipping companies did not respond to my inquiries.
• Many of the shipping quotes I received were not financially viable for me.
• I did not leave myself as much time as I would have liked for packing, weighing, and estimating costs.
• I had a lot of uncertainty around unloading, customs, the apartment, and how much help I would have after arrival.

Arriving in Bucharest with some culture shock

My first impression of Bucharest involved a bit of culture shock, but I also developed a large appreciation for the architecture, culture, and city.

To me, it seems peaceful, safe, welcoming, and vibrant. I have found many places within walking distance, and public transportation is accessible.

After all the uncertainty surrounding the shipment and the move itself, arriving meant beginning an entirely different part of the experience.

Bucharest is starting to feel like home

The city is starting to feel like home, and I am settling in well.

Meeting colleagues has helped, as has beginning my work orientation. Those connections have made a difference as I adjust to a new place and a new routine.

I still have some unpacking to do before I feel completely settled, but I am getting there.

What I would plan earlier for an international move

If I were approaching a similar move again, I would give more attention to the financial planning, packing, and practical help needed at both ends of the shipment.

• I would plan carefully for the financial side of the move.
• I would look into a bank with free international ATM withdrawals.
• I would plan the quantities, weights, and estimated costs of the household items being shipped.
• I would connect with colleagues and travel early.
• I would hire help at home for packing or enlist family and friends.
• I would communicate and plan ahead for unloading and unpacking help in the arrival country, depending on the size of the shipment.

Looking back on a chaotic move that worked out

Looking back, the word that comes to mind is relief. The move involved a chaotic overload of planning, costs, packing, uncertainty about customs, questions about unloading, and the personal challenge of starting over with a new group of people.

I would give myself much more time if I were doing it again, especially for packing, weighing, estimating costs, and creating a time cushion.

At the same time, I have a lot of gratitude for the assistance I received from Expat Shipping’s team and from my employer’s HR department. There were many parts I could not have handled alone, but with that outside help, everything worked out, and Bucharest is now starting to feel like home.