Plan, Always Plan!
You have made the decision, and there is a departing date.
Now it is time to plan future steps. Moving is stressful, mentally and physically stressful, and probably you would like to minimize this. There will be some light travelers just taking some suitcases with them, while others might be moving everything they own, including pets and cars.
I have moved more than ten times when I was living in Buenos Aires and three other times abroad. I love packing and organizing, but when you have small children around and cats jumping into boxes…is quite of a moment! I have learned through experience that you need to plan and maintain a proper mental hygiene to go through this process, although you will feel some stress, and unpleasant surprises will always appear.
DIY or Professional Movers
Therefore, if you are planning to take all your belongings, there are two options: packing everything yourself or hiring a moving company to pack, move and handle the paper work. This reduces the stress of managing everything that is ongoing in your head, but it depends on you and your budget. I remember the first time that I hired one of these companies and had mixed feelings about it, because obviously they pack all your things, they go through every personal item, which felt quite intrusive. However, I ended liking it; they were professionals, really careful, tidy and quick.
If you decide to do it by yourself, make sure you have plenty of time, as it always takes more than you have expected. If you decide to hire a moving company, write a list in advance of the items you will need in the new place and what valuable objects you are taking with you. Do not leave it for the night before movers come as I did in my first move overseas, it is horribly stressful. Also, take into account the time that the shipment will take to arrive to the destination. In addition, I always recommend to these companies to wrap up clothes into something before placing it into the boxes to avoid unpleasant smells.
A Moving Opportunity
Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of all those items that you no longer use or want. There are many ways to do this: sell them, give them away (friends, family or charity) or just throw them to the trash (dispose of them responsibly). Sometimes, it is complicated with some items, because they are too big or too old or whatever, so consider “selling” it online for 1 euro, and someone might go and get it. It will save you trouble and time!
It’s understandable to have emotional attachments to certain items, even if you do not use them. Give yourself time to meditate and when you are ready, sort them in two piles: what you want to keep, and what you could throw. If the first pile is much bigger than the other one, consider going over it again. Letting go some things can help create space for new memories and growth. You can also create a memory box with your personal and sentimental items, those small things, old photographs, and take it with you. All this is better to do it before the moving agent comes to assess your belongings, it will reduce the price.
How Can a Relocation Coach Help?
A relocation coach can support you in multiple ways throughout the different phases, emotionally and in practical topics. From the very beginning, they can help you explore the pros and cons of living abroad, as it is not a simple decision. Family and friends are always there to help and give their opinion, but they may not be entirely objective. Whether you travel with a suitcase or move your entire household, there are many elements to consider, such as work and resident permits, safety, local laws, documentation, savings, housing, schools, vaccines, healthcare and insurance.
Finally, a relocation coach can support you on the final step, which is the longest and more difficult during this transition: overcoming cultural shock and building your new life. Good coaches inspires your inner-self, builds up confidence, and helps you develop useful skills to navigate this new journey.
