With the global economy shrinking each day thanks to technology, moving abroad for your career is not as rare as it once was. You may find, one day, that your company offers you a position in a different country. While moving internationally can be a great career move and an exhilarating experience, it can also be stressful if you aren’t properly prepared.
Most aspects of an international move are the same as any other relocation, just with more moving parts and logistics. If you are moving for work, you may be lucky enough to have your company deal with most of the necessary paperwork, or you may be on your own. Do your research about everything you need to have processed before you arrive in your destination country.
An international move is a lot to take on for anyone. The key is to stay organized so you will be ready to roll with the professionals like the moving experts at Nobel Relocation. Let’s take a closer look at a few tips for a smooth international move.
Start Early
Anytime you move your home, you will have dozens of details to look after. Starting early is the best way to stay organized and on track. You should start getting ready as soon as you find out about your moving day. You may have ninety days or more until your move, but that’s no excuse to procrastinate. At the very least, you must book your moving company as soon as possible to ensure you have a reputable carrier.
Make Lists
Moving your home is a huge undertaking. Try using lists to help you stay organized and on top of the logistics. When you make a list of your goals, it serves as a reminder and can also be a good way to keep yourself motivated or reflect on your progress. Here are a few lists to consider when you are preparing for an international move:
- Kitchen essentials
- Pantry cleanout
- Moving day schedule
- Flights and transportation information
- Closet cleanout checklist
- Individual room packing checklist
- Bathroom essentials and checklist
- Travel bag and accessories
Purge
When you move, you have a great opportunity to purge every area of your home. It’s remarkable how many things we accumulate in our lives, many of which are seldom useful. When you are preparing to move, it’s in your best interest to sort through your belongings and remove items you won’t need after your move. Here are a few places in your home to get started:
- Linen closets
- Bedroom clothing closets
- Medicine cabinet
- Pantry
- Basement
- Garage or shed
- Kitchen cupboards
- Bookshelves
Packing
Once you get to the point where you are ready to start packing boxes, you will need to be prepared with the right materials. With an international move, your belongings will be making a long journey, involving several forms of transport. It’s crucial that all of your items are packed securely and safely. Use boxes that are new and sturdy and offer the most protection.
You should visit your local moving center or talk to your moving contractor about getting the right boxes, packing materials, bubble wrap, and labeling equipment you need. Packing carefully with heavier loads in smaller boxes will make a world of difference on your moving day.
If you are intending to move out of the country, you have an adventure in front of you. Follow these tips to help your international move go smoothly.