Making an international move is a big undertaking. There is a lot to think about and organize before you even begin packing. So, how to make moving easier and less stressful? With a little bit of planning, you can make the entire process smoother.
A good organization, self-responsibility, decisiveness, and professional help are the main keys to having a successful move without unnecessary stress. And to do that, you’ll need a checklist that will keep you organized and up to date on all tasks like finding a relocation company, decluttering, getting all packing supplies, and preparing your house for the professionals.
How to Make Moving Easier – Start by Hiring an International Moving Company
If this is your first time moving overseas, one of the first tasks on your moving checklist should be “how to pick a moving company.” Although there are instances of last-minute relocations, you should begin planning how to find a reliable crew at least four weeks before the big day if you want to avoid the typical relocation stress. We must not forget that moving companies have schedules, and they might be already scheduled for the dates you like to relocate.
Get All the Services You Need
You will require a variety of international moving services from a chosen company when moving abroad. In order to determine whether a particular company is worthwhile, one must first check to see if they provide the following essential services for relocating to another country.
Finally, you should ask a company if they handle the relocation of unique goods. Special circumstances include, for example, requests for a mover to set up and move a piano. Such things need specific handling, so a relocation crew must be equipped to handle them. Here are some of the more common options a mover should be able to provide you.
Packing
Relocation requires a lot of packing, especially when you consider all the fragile goods you need to take with you. When your possessions must travel over great distances, packing service is a must. A professional mover will not only make your transfer quick and easy, but they will also properly safeguard your belongings for transportation.
Overseas Vehicle Shipping
Every reputable international moving business offers an overseas vehicle shipping service, which is necessary if you wish to transport your car abroad. With a competent relocation business, international car shipment is always made simpler because your mover will take care of all the necessary tasks during transport.
Storage Unit
Storage units are frequently a crucial component of the relocation process when preparing to live abroad. Of course, that depends on how many goods there are in the house, but most people move their belongings, which necessitates the need for storage facilities while sending stuff abroad.
Create a Detailed Checklist
Any relocation will be less stressful if you have a to-do list by your side, especially if you’re leaving behind your typical social network or cultural norms. Given that relocating abroad entails more than just purchasing an airline ticket and discovering a new location to live, we advise creating one first.
We all have an inherent urge to wander, investigate, and learn about the world surrounding us. Relocating across the world is a time-consuming procedure and difficult life undertaking that will disrupt your routine, so we advise planning and breaking down your strategy into more manageable, doable activities to keep you on track.
Don’t Forget to Set a Budget
You should not take moving across the world for granted because it is challenging and needs extensive planning. You will have a lot of expenses associated with relocating abroad, which you’ll need to budget and prepare for, especially if you are moving out for the first time. You should take as much time as necessary to plan your relocation and gather all the required supplies.
Dealing with money can be very different in another nation, which is why you should learn how to manage finances, especially when living on your own. It’s crucial to go beyond this significant obstacle before you buy your one-way ticket if you want to relocate without concern.
Start Decluttering on Time
It is impossible to emphasize how much simpler relocation will be when you organize your possessions and dispose of, recycle, or give whatever you won’t need rather than bringing it with you to a new house. Although it’s a big task, decluttering is a crucial step for every move. Not only will it help you decide what to keep, but it will show you how to make moving easy – the fewer items you have, the more effortless relocation will be. If you haven’t had a chance to declutter before, here’s everything you have to do.
Examine Your Possessions Room by Room
Don’t skip any drawers when opening the cabinets and closets. Find out how much stuff you have and create a list of what can be donated. List the furniture that isn’t worth relocating and all other items you won’t use.
Do a Closet Cleaning
Get rid of anything that doesn’t fit, is out of fashion, or you haven’t worn in a year. The same holds true for bathroom shelves, linen closets, and closets for your kids.
Get Rid of Everything You Won't Be Buying Again
When trying to determine whether something is useful in your life, consider whether you would buy it if you didn’t already have it. You probably don’t need it if you don’t.
Make Plans for the Pickup of Donations
Plan a pickup in advance if you know you’ll be giving large goods like furniture pieces and rugs to ensure that an organization will pick them up. Look through this list of nonprofit organizations, such as Goodwill, that will pick up the donations so you won’t have to stress about how you’re going to get everything there.
Sell the Extra Stuff and Earn Some Money for the Move
Once you do all the decluttering of your place, you realize there are a bit more unwanted things than planned. The good news is that you could sell some of them and earn extra cash for the move. After all, we all know that moving internationally is an expansive process, and this is a great way to make some extra money and help offset the costs. So before you start packing, take a look around your home and see what you can sell.
Organizing a garage sale is a great way to get rid of a lot of stuff at once. If you advertise it well, you can attract some good crowds. You could also try to sell your goods online. There are a number of websites and apps that make selling your stuff easy. Just take some pictures, write a description, and post the item.
Get Supplies and Start Packing
Once you decide what to pack, it’s time to deal with probably the most daunting process in the entire move – wrapping your belongings for the move. The best relocation tip for surviving the packing is to organize yourself before you even start. But before you start throwing things into boxes, it’s important to ensure you have all the supplies you’ll need. Here are some of the materials and supplies you must have:
- Boxes – You’ll need a lot of them! Try to find free boxes from local stores, or buy inexpensive ones from a moving or office supply store or your chosen mover.
- Packing paper – This will help keep your items safe and protected during the move.
- Bubble wrap – Perfect for fragile items, bubble wrap will keep your things from getting broken during the move.
- Tape – You’ll need plenty of tape to seal up all those boxes.
- Markers – Label each box with its contents and the room it should go in at your new place. This will make unpacking a lot easier.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start packing! Begin with the items you won’t need between now and the move. This might include out-of-season clothes, decorations, and books. If you have time, start packing a few boxes each day so that you’re not left with a huge mess at the last minute. Be sure to label each box clearly so you know what’s inside and where it should go in your new home. For more packing tips and trich, check out the following video.
Have a Bag of Essentials Ready for the Big Day
People choose to relocate for a variety of reasons, the majority of which are better housing or employment prospects. Whatever your motivation, the best thing you can do is work with a trustworthy relocation team to make sure everything happens without a hitch. This does not, however, imply that there is nothing else you can do. Instead, make sure everything you want to pack is well-prepared and keep the box containing everything you’ll need right after the relocation nearby.
If you’re not sure what should go in an essentials box when relocating, figure out which components are essential and which are not. In light of that, the following items have to be on your list:
- Important paperwork – Gathering the needed documents is a must because most nations demand a valid visa and passport for international relocation.
- Medication – Make sure you, your family, and any pets have access to all necessary prescriptions, at least for the time following the transfer.
- Electronics – Wrap laptops, chargers, and any other equipment you frequently use with care.
- Valuables – Expensive items like family heirlooms and items with special meaning should be safely protected during the relocation.
- Toiletries – Prepare toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other frequently used items.
This way, you will not have to worry about forgetting anything important or have to go on a large supply run immediately after the move.
Prepare Your House for the Movers
As you prepare for your move, there are a few things you can do to make the process go more smoothly. One of them is preparing for the professionals. The last thing you want is for the movers to trip over any obstacles while they’re carrying your furniture. So, be sure to clear a path from the door to each room they’ll be moving items into. This includes removing any rugs or mats that might be in their way.
Also, keep in mind there are some items movers won’t move, like hazardous materials and plants, so don’t waste energy on preparing them. Last but not least, show appreciation for all the good work movers have shown by offering them some refreshments and tipping them.
Have a Final Walkthrough and Head Out to Your New Adventure
It’s almost time! Your final walkthrough is scheduled, and you’re getting excited to start your new adventure. But before you head out the door, you should have a final walkthrough of the palace just to make sure all of your utilities are switched off, and you haven’t forgotten anything. Once that’s done, you can finally embark on the adventure without a single worry on your mind.
