5 things we learnt about getting organized to move overseas

5 Things We Learnt About Getting Organized To Move Overseas lifestyleanytime.com.au /5-things-we-learnt-about-getting-organized-to-move-overseas/

Are you getting organised to move overseas? Are you taking action or do you wait till all your ducks are in a row? Many people like to be totally organised before they do anything. Not I, I believe sometimes we need to take a leap of faith and jump in before we’re ready. When we do this we may end up on shore upstream but at least we’ve started and progressed forward. My husband and I have travelled to live overseas multiple times and each time we’d set a date and know things would work out. Yes we need to organise lots of things before we move like: Packing Getting organized for an overseas move is not similar to planning for a trip. It takes more than just packing a few personal items. On our first time to move overseas we had to sell some house furniture and gave out some items to a few friends, neighbours who would make use of them and to charity. If shipping a complete household for 3- 4 people the dollars quickly add up. If you plan to ship your complete household, get some quotes on shipping only and door to door services. We found door to door service extremely useful as it freed up lots of time for us to focus on other arrangements. With door to door the company will tailor a package for you which can include packing your items and writing your inventory list which is required for international moves.

Having moved between Switzerland, Australia and Jersey quite a few times, we soon discovered what was important to us to pack and ship and what to let go of. When Carsten and I moved to Australia the first time, we came with only a few belongs in our backpacks but when we left Australia to return to Switzerland with a child in tow, we shipped our complete household. Having yo-yoed between the countries we soon learnt the value of memories and what items to take for the flight and what items to ship or leave behind.

Tip: Check the country you are moving from and to for requirements as you can not take certain items into some countries. Using a reliable packing and shipping service is one way to pack and list every item being shipped, 1/3

however it is still up to you to know the requirements of what can be exported and imported from the countries your travelling between.

Rental arrangements This is one of the most important items in any moving abroad checklist. We had to find out who will acquire our home and how he or she will be paying and with the same breath, we had to find affordable housing in the new country.

Moving or relocating is not similar to visiting or touring a new country. In moving you must find a place where you and your family will stay and this entails a home, not a hotel where you can spend a few days.

When it comes to finding a new place to call home, we have always stayed with people we know or in holiday accomodation until we’ve found a home suitable. Naturally we’d search on-line for rentals in the area we were moving too and built relationships with the real estates prior to moving.

If you are renting ensure to give the correct notice of termination or accept the pay out fees. If you move into a rental in a new country, discuss a short term lease prior to committing to a long term lease incase the area is not where you wish to settle.

Organize for your flights Different airlines offer different packages. You need to ensure that you sample the available airlines and know when your flight will be available. Then plan towards meeting the date of departure. Planning ahead of time will ensure that everything works out well. If travelling with children, ensure you book any special requirements like food, travel cot and have some of your childs’ favourite toys with you for the flight. Check out blog 7 tips on flying long haul flights with a baby, with children.

Keeping entertained at the airport.

Passports and other travel documents This is by far one of the most important tips on things to do before moving overseas. When traveling to an overseas country, it is vital to ensure that you got all your travel documents in order. For example, if you have never had a passport before, you need to start by applying for a passport, then get a travel or working Visa and other documents that would guarantee entry into the country your moving to. Make sure that you check out the requirements of entering into a new country and get all the documents before moving, some countries require that your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to commencing travelling.

Organize for jobs and schools You must have a plan on what you are going to do in order to live and sustain your family in the country you are about to move to. You need also to plan on where your kids will be going to school. This calls for research on the available job openings and good schools for your children.

On our third trip back to Australia, we knew which area we were going to be moving too, but were unsure of the suburb to look for accomodation and schooling in. Although we had done some research online with reference to schools in the area, we were still unsure, so on arrival we visited a 2/3

local family restaurant and asked families “If you could send your child to any public school in the area, which one would you send them too?”, most families gave the same answer. Now we knew the school, we went to the realestate and asked to view rentals that were zoned to that school. In Australia, houses are zoned to schools, but once you’ve commenced in a school, if you move house, you can remain in the school.

Tip: Ensure to check if you need to live within a certain area for the school you would like your children to attend.

Moving abroad is not an easy thing, but we never waited to tick all the boxes one side of the world before moving. We took action on what we could do to move towards the goal and the destination. If we had waited till all the ducks were aligned and swimming together we’d never have experienced life the way we have. Travelling to be closer to family or to our chosen home in Australia was always important to us. If it’s important to you, you’ll find away.

Jason and Rachael ready for new schools

Have a great day.

Angie Emde www.lifestyleanytime.com.au follow on Instagram follow on Facebook

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