Relocation Advice From People Who’ve Done It Dozens Of Times

Relocating yourself and your entire family isn’t the easiest task in the world. There are so many variables to consider, it can make your head spin.

However, you don’t have to forge a path yourself. Instead, you can walk along one that’s already been paved for you by somebody else. 

In this post, we take a look at relocation advice from people who’ve actually done it many times before. By adhering to their tips, you can avoid making some of the mistakes that they did. Hopefully, your experience will be less painful. 

Research The Neighborhood

Don’t just look at the property itself – also research the neighborhood. When you purchase a house, you’re not just buying the building. You’re also buying the experience of the surroundings as well. You want to know what it will actually feel like to live in a particular area. Will you have access to all the services that you need? Are there good schools nearby? Is the crime rate low? 

Once you understand these factors, you’ll have a better understanding of whether the relocation is right for you. If the property meets your needs but the neighborhood doesn’t, it’s a sign that you need to direct your attention elsewhere. 

Line Up A Job

If you’re moving to a new area for retirement, then you can skip this section. However, if you’re not yet at that stage in your life, you’ll want to make sure that you have a job lined up.

There are a few ways you can do this. First, you can ask your existing company for a transfer. Perhaps you don’t want to work in their London offices but want to move to Hong Kong instead. 

Another option is to apply for a job in the remote location first and then get approval and any necessary visas. 

Finally, you can look for opportunities to work remotely that don’t require you to show up to the office every day.

Start Packing ASAP

Don’t wait to start packing. Get on with it immediately. If you don’t feel like you have the skills, get somebody else, like Harrington Moving, to do it for you. 

Whatever you don,t don’t leave it to the last minute. You’ll only frustrate yourself. 

Set Aside Some Emergency Funds

How much money do you have in your emergency fund? If you don’t have more than a couple of months worth of expenses, you’ll want to think twice about whether a relocation is right for you. 

Think about it. Imagine if your flight is delayed and you have to spend a couple of nights in a hotel. Or think about unexpected expenses that you might have to make once you arrive, such as fixing a broken boiler. All these costs quickly add up. 

Use A Quality Car Shipper

If you need to take your car with you, you’ll want to choose a decent auto shipping company. These firms specialise in transporting vehicles, including overseas. 

Pack A Knapsack Of Essentials And Valuables

While you will get movers to transport the majority of your possessions, you’ll also want to pack a knapsack of essentials and valuables that you take with you in person. 

Why? Because you’ll need things like your toothbrush and a change of clothes when you arrive at your destination. You’ll also need keys, money, phone and laptop if you use it for work. 

Be Careful With Your Prescriptions

Laws regarding prescription usage vary from country to country. A drug that is legal in one jurisdiction might not be in another. 

Always check ahead and find out whether you’re allowed to take your medication with you. If you aren’t, then you will need to make medical arrangements in the destination country before you go. 

Update Lenders And Insurers

Lenders and insurers won’t automatically find out that you’ve moved. Because of this, you’ll need to tell them what you’re doing. If you don’t, then you may invalidate your policies with them, 

Prepare To Settle Tax Issues

Tax can be a big problem when you move, either from state to state, or country to country. You may have to pay double taxation for a year and then claim it back on your next return. 

If you are unsure about what to do, speak to a professional financial advisor or accountant. They should be able to guide you through the process. In some cases, you may find yourself with significantly less money to spend in the current financial year, but more in the next. 

Get Rid Of Anything You Don’t Need

Over the years, many of us get into the habit of accumulating an enormous quantity of “stuff.” For instance, you might have boxes and boxes of old clothes in your attic, or a spare room full of books you’re never going to read. 

If you have the nerve, get rid of all the things you know you’re not going to use. When you get to your new place, this will make the process of unpacking and getting set up so much easier. It’ll take a few hours to get your new home how you want it, not days or weeks. 

Link With People You Know

It’s also a good idea to make connections with people you know in the destination area. If you know a friend or family in the vicinity, let them know that you are moving. They can help you in multiple ways, including: 

• Showing you around the neighborhood
• Introducing you to people they know to expand your network
• Helping you unpack

They can also be your eyes and ears before you get there, keeping an eye on your property. 

Forward Your Mail

Don’t forget to have your mail forwarded to your new address when you move. You don’t want to wind up in a situation where new people at your former address are receiving your letters and, potentially, opening them. 

So, there you have it: some relocation advice from people who’ve done it dozens of times. Follow these tips and your next move across states or internationally will be considerably easier.