Hello, my name is Jacob Langston. My father passed away two years ago, and I inherited his entire estate. Dad was a great guy, but he sure did have a lot of stuff. He lived in a large home, and I honestly don’t think he changed a thing since my mother died twelve years before him. I couldn't afford to keep the house, so selling it was one of the first things I had to take care of. I was at a loss for what to do with all the belongings inside. I had to start moving things out in order to get the house ready to sell. Once it sold, I had to move the rest out. I hired a moving and storage company to help with this daunting task, and am I glad I did. Stay tuned as I share this adventure with you!
After years of dreaming, you are finally making the move abroad. You have a new job lined up and are eager to get going, but you are overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. Take a deep breath and remember what Lao Tzu said: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." The list of single steps for an international move is a long but manageable one.
Pack
Moving abroad gives you a chance to "clean house" and get rid anything you do not really need. Be brutal and jettison anything you have not used in the last year. You will simplify your life and save money on the move. To make life even easier, consider calling an international relocation company that can come to your house, pack your belongings, ship them for you, and then unpack you on the other end. These companies know the rules and regulations that must be followed in your destination country, so you will not run afoul of local authorities.
Contact the State Department
Signing up for the State Department's Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a sensible precaution to take before moving. This program allows the embassy to communicate with you or for you in case of emergency. The State Department website is also an excellent source of information on staying safe and adapting to your new environment.
Talk to Your Physician
Find out what vaccinations are needed in your new country and then visit your doctor. Even if you already have all your necessary shots, have your physician fill out the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis booklet. This is a record of all your immunizations and is often necessary for getting a visa.
Learn the Language
If you are moving to a country where English is not the primary language, be smart and learn the language of your new country. Remember to study the formal and informal versions so you can communicate with people on the street as well as fill out official documents. Arriving with no conversational skills will make it much harder for you to adapt to the move.
Try and plan your move at least six months in advance, so you will have enough lead time to accomplish all your necessary tasks. You may be able to move more quickly, but you will suffer more stress. Lots of planning and a reputable international relocation company will make the transition a smooth one. Contact a business such as Hollander Storage & Moving for more information.
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