The first out of a three posts series about relocating
Relocating to a new country is a big deal. While excitement is initially high over the anticipated overseas adventure or the promise a new life halfway around the world, reality soon hits home and you find yourself facing a myriad of questions, an endless list of thing to do, and not enough time or answers to allow you to breathe easy.
If the prospect of moving is getting you down, cheer up, because help is on the way! To help you prepare for relocation, we have put together a great list of tips, tricks, and expert advice on how to ensure that your move goes off without a hitch. To rest assured that all your ducks are in a row as Moving Day approaches, follow these great relocation tips.
It’s Never Too Early to Start Organizing
The process of moving begins well before Moving Day arrives. Preparation is the key to relocation success, so pay close attention to the following guidelines:
Make detailed to-do lists of everything that needs to be done
Allocate age-appropriate tasks to family members who are old enough to help out
You can never have too many boxes, so start collecting clean, durable boxes early on from neighbors, friends, businesses, or stores.
Avoid grocery store boxes with spills in them.
Going room by room, decide what to take, what to throw out, and what to donate; if time allows, host a Garage Sale for items that won’t be making the move with you
Help in Relocating: Packing
Pack infrequently used items first, such as wall hangings, knick-knacks, extra linens, out-of-season clothing, extra pairs of shoes/boots, holiday decorations, old toys/games, etc.
Check that boxes are not over-packed or too heavy to be lifted and carried
Carefully label each box, indicating what’s inside and where it goes in your new home Keep a master list of all boxes and their contents; if something goes missing, you’ll know what to look for and where to look for it.
If packing is not your strong suit, call in the pros to help! Today’s moving/shipping companies will send their professionals to your home to help you pack and to answer of all your relocation questions
Creative Packing Ideas
To cut down on relocation expenses and to save precious space, follow these creative packing ideas:
- To save money on pricey bubble wrap, pack fragile items in old newspapers or in clothing, blankets, sheets, and coats
- Cushion glassware with towels or place rolled-up socks inside of glassware for protection
- Double-up on storage by packing smaller items inside of dresser drawers, dryers, suitcases, and large cookware
Moving Furniture and Appliances
To protect your furniture and appliances en route, follow these expert guidelines:
- Bubble-wrap appliance doors shut or secure them with heavy tape or rope
- Remove drawers or securely tape them shut
- Protect furniture with packing materials or padding and blankets
- Unplug, defrost, clean, and dry your refrigerator at least two days before moving
- Pack computers/electronics in their original packaging or cushion them carefully with thick blankets or moving pads
Moving with Children
Be sure to give your kids plenty of time to get used to the idea of relocating. Remember that their world is about to be turned upside down so be prepared to deal with the full range of emotions – fear, anger, excitement, feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and more. In most cases, if you maintain a positive, upbeat attitude about the move, your kids will eventually come around.
For more advice on how to help prepare children for moving, visit this page, where you can read great tips on how to include kids in the moving process, why summertime is ideal for family relocation, and what children’s documents you’ll need to have on hand.
Pet Care
Amidst all of the mayhem, don’t forget to take care of your furry friends:
- Take your pet for a thorough veterinarian checkup before you move
- Be sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and that they have the correct tags and licenses for your destination country
- Purchase an appropriate cage or traveling unit
- Provide food, water, and sufficient air for your pet en route
Moving Day Bonus Tips
Finally, here are some great ideas for the Big Day itself:
- Prepare a simple breakfast on-the-go for the whole family
- Prepare snacks or sandwiches for the trip
- In a separate handbag, pack toiletries, pajamas and other essentials needed for your first night
- Until your kitchen is up and running, order takeout on the first night/nights in your new home
- Host a fun pizza party for everyone who helped make your relocation a smooth-sailing success