There is no point in sugar-coating – every international move is emotionally and physically challenging. Your greatest wish during this period will be for it to end as soon as possible. While there is little you can do to speed it up, some smart moving tips can help you reduce the relocation stress you’ll experience. We gathered some ingenious hacks – learn them all if your ultimate goal is a fuss-free move.
What Is the Best Method for Moving? Making a Strategy for Moving Overseas Is a Must
Not all moves are identical, and that is especially true when you’re relocating across the world. For example, it’s not the same whether you’re relocating to the United Kingdom or planning to move to Greece. Different countries demand different relocation budgets, documents, or even chosen relocation services. Not to mention that these people don’t even speak the same language! Each international move must have a strategy of its own – we are here just to provide a framework for it.
Use a Checklist to Make the Whole Process More Organized
Before you start running left and right to prepare everything you’ll need, be sure you create a relocation abroad checklist. It should contain everything you have to do before the relocation date comes, as well as the timeframe in which these tasks must be completed. Once the list is made, all you have to do is follow your plan and check the items off as you finish them. The more organized you get, the fewer relocation mistakes will appear.
Creating a Moving Budget Is Another Necessity With an International Move
Another essential task that must be done before you dive into the preparation is defining your relocation budget. In some cases, it can even dictate the way your relocation will look like.
What does it mean? For example, there is no denying that international moves will cost you a pretty penny, making relocation on a low budget hard to achieve. Therefore, If you want to save on relocation costs, it’s expected you’ll choose to move by sea, as a more affordable option. Can you see yet how determining the budget can affect your relocation strategy? Additionally, assessing your relocation budget in a timely manner will provide you with the necessary time to save up a bit, if needed.
Research the Country You’re Relocating To – And Do It Thoroughly
When you want to live abroad, you will undoubtedly have to deal with culture shock. Of course, it won’t be the same if you relocate to Canada, which is culturally similar to the States, or decide to move to Turkey, a country with significantly different customs. Therefore, be sure you research the culture inherent to the country you’re relocating to.
However, you must also pay attention to the more practical side of life and get informed about all other aspects important for your future well-being, such as the country’s:
- Cost of living,
- Housing options,
- Job market.
- Laws and safety,
- Healthcare and education system,
- Dominant weather.
Aside from it, you must also find out more about documents needed to travel abroad and possible restrictions related to coronavirus if you’re traveling abroad during COVID-19. Also, try hard to get in touch with different expat communities in the new place – no one will provide you with better advice about relocating to another country than people who have already gone through it.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself Emotionally and Mentally
While researching the culture will help you adjust to a new country faster, it can all be in vain if you’re not emotionally and mentally prepared for such a significant step. There can be numerous benefits or relocating halfway around the world, but remember that your feelings must be on board with your mind.
Try focusing on all the positive aspects of the movie, find a way to keep in touch with friends and family, and spend as much time with them as possible. The international move will put a significant physical distance between you and your loved ones and place you in entirely new and unfamiliar surroundings. Although your support network will be hundreds of miles away, it’s essential to realize that that will remain to be just that – your support.
If you want more advice about how to prepare mentally and what to expect when relocating abroad, watch the following video:
Make Sure Your International Moving Company Is Reliable and Trustworthy
Getting assistance from an overseas moving company is necessary when relocating abroad. International movers will take care of logistics, proper documentation, customs clearance, and other complicated tasks that must be completed when you plan on moving internationally. Therefore, while getting an overseas shipping company will help you move efficiently, not hiring one when you want to relocate abroad is going to make the process nearly impossible.
When choosing the right team, ensure you read as many reviews and recommendations as possible, especially those on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Don’t forget to ask for several different estimates to determine the top offer. In the end, remember to ask for the company’s USDOT number to check if it is licensed and insured before you make a deal.
Get as Much Professional Assistance as Possible
Even if you’re relocating to some of the best countries to live in, experiencing a certain amount of relocation stress is possible. However, the more professional help you decide to get, the easier the move will get.
Getting packing services, as well as professional overseas vehicle shipping, will lift a heavy burden off your shoulders – both literally and figuratively. Not to mention additional moving insurance that will put your mind at ease. Therefore, if your current financial situation allows it, get full service and let your relocation team worry about some of the most complicated tasks.
Ultimate Packing Tips for Shipping Overseas
As we mentioned before, an international move never comes cheap. However, keep in mind that the more you decide to bring, the more money you will spend. That is why your first task when the boxing-up period comes is to decide what to pack. Here are a few valuable pointers:
- Avoid bringing heavy objects – carry only the absolute essentials when it comes to furniture, appliances, and other large and bulky stuff,
- Look for goods you aren’t allowed to import and export – objects that can endanger movers are always prohibited, but you must also check if your future country has some specific bans,
- Check the climate – it’s vital when you’re deciding which clothes to box up,
- Reduce the number of packed boxes – create an inventory list of your household goods and determine which of the goods are actual essentials,
- Pack belongings that bring you joy – don’t bring any of those things you feel compelled to keep but do not like (that’s what storage services are for, after all),
- Digitize whatever you can – by doing so, all of your sentimental items can be kept without taking much space or costing a lot of money to ship,
- Don’t box up damaged stuff – if you haven’t fixed them up until now, you definitely won’t fix them in another country.
Where to Get Boxes and Other Necessary Supplies When Moving Abroad?
Before starting the boxing up process, you have to gather all the material you’ll use for wrapping, padding, and packing. Depending on the level of protection you want to achieve, you can buy unused supplies or utilize ones you already have in your home.
When you need to pack fragile items and other delicate and valuable belongings, it’s always better to get new boxes as well as bubble wrap, relocation blankets, and packing paper that will provide excellent protection. However, when it’s time to box up your clothes, books, beddings, and other items that can’t be easily damaged, you can save up a bit by using recycled cardboard that you can find in your house or local stores.
On the other hand, old linens, rugs, and newspapers are good solutions for cost-effective wrapping and padding material. Don’t forget about the additional supplies, such as markers (for labeling), scissors, or tape – if you don’t have them in your home, ensure you get them before boxing up starts.
How Long Before a Move Should I Start Packing?
The hours needed to finish all of the boxing up chores will vary depending on how many items you decide to bring. Bringing fewer belongings will not only save you money but time and energy as well. However, boxing up should start at least three weeks before the relocation day. Provide enough days to sort your belongings, sell (or gift and donate) those that can still be used and protect those you’ll bring.
How to Wrap and Pack the Belongings in Boxes?
Start with storage spaces, such as garages and basements. They are usually the most challenging rooms to declutter. Then, progress toward rooms you use the most, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, which contain many relocation essentials that should be packed last.
As for wrapping and packing techniques, they will differ depending on the type of object you’re dealing with. While you’ll use new cardboard and bubble wrap for your dishes, lamps, and mirrors, your clothes can be protected with old linens or even plastic garbage bags.
But what about those things that don’t fit into boxes? You can utilize either homemade supplies or relocation blankets for furniture and appliances, but try to protect edges better by using small cardboard pieces. Also, ensure the tape doesn’t come in contact with wood or leather because it can severely damage it.
Moving Tips You’ll Need for the Relocation Day
When the relocation date comes, you’ll most likely be on pins and needles all day, making sure that everything goes without a hitch. However, remember that you need a good night’s sleep in order to function properly. Give your mind and body room to rest and avoid making relocation mistakes out of mental and physical exhaustion.
So you don’t stumble upon serious problems, create a checklist with all tasks that must be completed before the relocation team leaves. Remember to:
- Box up relocation essentials – What should be moved first when moving? Things like the change of clothes, toiletries, medication, and documents will be necessary from the moment you leave your old home, so they are the first things you should move into a new place.
- Get cash for tipping the team – just like other workers in the service field, your team should get tips if they excel at their job.
- Go through the bill of lading before signing it – don’t put your signature before you are familiar with every word in the contract.
- Hire sitters for your kids and pets – they have to be completely safe before your house gets filled with relocation professionals.
- Get obstacles out of the way – pictures, chandeliers, plants, or children’s toys must be moved from the pathway so movers and your belongings can stay safe.
- Provide food and drinks – everyone needs to stay hydrated and fed to maintain the energy required for challenging relocation work.
Prepare Your Home for the Move
Part of the relocation day preparation is also polishing your house or apartment – but what does it include? If your lease is ending or you want to sell the home you own, you must leave it in impeccable condition. Therefore, deep cleaning is also one of the relocation tasks, which you can do by yourself or simply hire a professional cleaning service.
Follow Our Best Tips for Moving for Completely Successful International Move
Opting to live in another country is not an easy decision, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Organizing the whole process and going through it is a challenge that leaves many wondering – How can I make moving easier? Many (unnecessary) difficulties can be overcome by following the hacks we presented. The more of them you combine, the easier the move will get. They are your ultimate solution to making your international move run smoothly and without a fuss.
