Every day, people relocate for a host of different reasons. A new start, a new job, fulfilling a dream, getting married, or factors beyond your control. You might be learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, making new friends, and having new experiences and new opportunities. There will no doubt be new challenges as well, and the whole process can be very stressful as you miss your familiar friends and location. It’s important to adopt a positive attitude from the start and to be organized from day one. This article is designed to highlight eight relocation tips to send you on your way effectively.
1. Research Your Destination
The further you are going, the more different your future finances will be. Look at the economy, and the pay you’ll be getting if you’re going to work. If you have children, school provision will be of utmost importance. Healthcare is another key factor. How is it provided, and how much will it cost? America has the most expensive medical system in the world. The quality of life you will encounter is also a deciding factor.
I was fortunate in that I had a host of countries I could choose from. I decided to find out more about Cyprus, having learned that this country is the second-largest tourist destination in the world. That had to be true for a reason. Social blogs can also help you, as people are often willing to tell you how their move went and what you need to know. Not everything is in the textbooks! There may be a Facebook group you can join that will also provide free information. Also, consider Twitter lists. Even when you think you know all you need, I would advise you to rent first, until you know more about the new location. You don’t want to be stuck in a horrible neighborhood with a house you can’t resell!
2. Create a List
This is essential. I’ll discuss packing in a minute, but you will need a packing timeline. Don’t forget to schedule a time to contact your utilities about the move too.
3. Pack Effectively
This begins with clearing out your clutter! The twelve-month rule holds good for most things – don’t keep anything you haven’t touched within this time! Would a yard sale or boot fair be an idea? There is Gumtree and eBay in England for you to get money from your unwanted items. You need to know if it will cost more to transport an item than to buy a new one at your future destination. Collect boxes every time you go shopping, but ensure they are strong enough for your purposes. Bubble wrap and newspaper will protect your smaller items and blankets your larger ones. You could get a company to do all the packing for you if you wish, but this will cost money, and they may do it differently to how you’d like!
Have an ‘essentials’ box that will be the first to open on arrival. All items need to be clearly labeled. Imagine your frustration on arrival if everything is unlabelled or says ‘miscellaneous!’
Do one room of your house at a time. Clean as you go, and once a room is sorted, try and keep it as a no go area. You don’t want young children unpacking things again.
4. Get All the Help You Can
Why not have a cleaning party with your friends on the day of your move? Perhaps they can donate any leftover food you don’t want to a local food bank. If you are moving for work and have a big employer, can they help you financially and otherwise with the whole process?
5. Be on the Ball Regarding Transfers
Shop around before you decide who will move you. It’s not just the cheapest you need to think about, but the company with great feedback that you need to consider. Check it will be within your budget, too – you don’t want any nasty surprises. Pack the van sensibly and make sure you ordered one big enough. We often take more than we realized!
6. What to do en Route
The voice of experience says to pack plenty of toilet paper for your journey! Book a hotel stay mid-journey if you are traveling far, so you are refreshed and clean for day two. If you have a friend who lives near the halfway mark, why not ask them if you can stay?
7. What to Do When You Arrive
Open your groceries first, and your ‘essentials’ box. Don’t go out and buy all your household items until you’ve shopped around. It all adds up, remember! You may think that your home is your castle, but it’s very beneficial to invite your new neighbors around for a drink. They might be your first new friends or people who can feed your cat while you’re away. Could they keep a spare house key for you?
8. Long Terms Considerations
Get to know your new work colleagues socially. It’s a great way to make new friends and get the local information you need. Gyms and social clubs could be a godsend as they will not just help fill your free time, but will help you make vital social connections. Check out the local shop bulletin boards and newspapers. They may be a goldmine of information too.
Social media may become another lifeline for you, be it via Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. It will help you stay in touch with all the friends you are missing. Don’t just cut them off; now you have a new life. Wouldn’t you like them to come and visit? Could you stay with them should you return home in the future?
As you can see, the sooner you can begin planning, the better. Things are no doubt going to spring up on the way, so it’s essential to stay ahead of the game. As we’ve seen, it’s not just the new home you need to think about, but the packing, the moving, the arriving and the long term. Good luck with your new life!
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