In our last blog we looked at typical checklist items for those moving abroad.  Using a good checklist will break any monstrous task into bite-size, edible chunks.  But there are numerous things that are easily overlooked, adding more stress to an already stressful task. Here is the rest of our guideline to make this move your best moving experience yet! Some of the more unobvious items are included in this list.

EXPLORE:

If it possible, visit where you are relocating to well in advance.  Not only would this expose any preconceived misconceptions you may have about where you are moving to, but it would also enable you to customize your pre-planning and make the transition much smoother.

IDENTIFICATION:

Get an international driver’s license and ensure you have good identification cards to travel with. Don’t forget to put them in a safe place both while you’re traveling and when you arrive to your destination.

FOOD:

The last few days here and the first few days there – cooking is not always an option.  Consider when your pots and pans will arrive with your shipment.  Make sure you have budgeted for all the dining out (and transportation) you will have to do coming and going.  Even drinking the local water may not be an option depending on where you are going.

PETS:

Get a copy of vetinary records to carry with you.  Ensure you test out any medication you plan to give animals well in advance of the departure date, this gives you time to resolve any unforeseen issues.

LANGUAGE:

For any language barriers, make sure you keep a translation book on you while travelling.  Prepare and practice essential sentences in advance to bring with you.  For example: “Where is the bathroom?”, “Which way is north?”, “We are going to XYZ hotel.”, “Water please”, etc.

ADVOCATE:

Select an at-home-advocate or power-of-attorney.  Equip this person(s) with any documentation they may need and some cash to handle unforeseen issues/bills that arise after you are gone.  They can also sort and forward mail for you either by scanning, faxing or snail mail.

SAYING GOODBYE:

Take control of saying goodbye, ensuring you have enough time in the last days to spend with those closest to you, particularly paying attention to special relationships of children.  Make sure your friends and family have your new contact information too!

TAKING IN THE MOMENT:

Whether for yourself, a loved one or a child, along the process you will need to take ‘The Moment’.  Stop and breathe.  If children are involved, stop and look into their eyes, talk about their troubles and comfort them.  Make time to talk things out, regroup, reassess, delegate – changes are inevitable.  When you reach your destination, treat that side of moving like a move still, you are not on vacation – not just yet.

FINALLY:

It’s too late! Go! Yes, you probably didn’t get it all done just the way you wanted but it’s going to be OK. Safe travels!