Moving overseas is an experience of a life time
Moving overseas can be an experience of a life time and a fantastic opportunity to not only immerse into another culture but embrace the different lifestyle of that country. Undoubtedly, it is also daunting, where do you start, how do you go about it, is it the right thing to do? As a single mother of a three year old boy, moving from Australia to Malaysia was a big decision but one I have never regretted.
Fortunately for me, I had travelled and holidayed in Asia previously, therefore, I knew a little of what to expect. My work ensured some of my personal belongings would be shipped over and my larger furniture type items were to be put in storage. I planned on staying overseas for three years, so I had to be careful with what I did and did not take.
The way I recall it, my main concerns were:
1) Would my son be ok and what schooling was there available?
2) What if we didn’t like it over there?
3) How were my family and friends going to react?
4) What about tax, banking and voting?
The months leading up to your move will be stressful, however, a little research and networking goes a long way. Firstly, to put your mind at ease contact your employer or a colleague who is currently working over there and ask them all your questions. Keep your communications open, they probably had the same questions before they left and so will be happy to help. If it is an organisation that is use to employing people from other states/overseas then they will probably have an information document which they will send you. They will most likely appoint a family to be your host for the first month to ensure you settle in. If your future employer doesn’t have this, then the Internet will be your gateway to further research. Remember, Google is your friend!
Once you have had all your questions answered and comfortable with your decision to move, think about how your friends and family will react and be prepared for some anger, tears and joy. Anticipate their concerns and have answers ready for them. For me, it was all about my son, how could I do this to them and him, who would look after him, what if he forgets his family? Fortunately, I knew my family and I had all the answers albeit they still weren’t 100% convinced it was the right move.
We all handle things differently and obviously you will have your own way of dealing with friends and family. For me, I ensured my family got to see my son as often as possible prior to leaving. I had a final dinner with them two nights prior to leaving and a final celebration night the night before. My friends and family were all invited to see us off at the airport and there were certainly tears. Ensure you get lots of photos of friends and family just before you leave, this is especially important if you have young children. Remind family and friends that you are about to embark on an awesome opportunity and they are more then welcome to visit whenever they want. Communication is much easier in this day and age, so make use of it!
Contact your banks, accountant, and government regarding your long distance moving and get their advice as to what to do in regards to banking, tax and voting. This should be done at least a month prior to leaving. Make sure you redirect your mail to your new address or a family member. Make sure prior to your removal you make it clear to the removalists what you want packed and not packed, ensure you watch them as sometimes the piles get mixed up. For example on my return to Australia I discovered 3 year old cereal which had been packaged, not a good thing!
Most of all remind yourself and your loved ones how much this opportunity means to you and reassure them you are prepared for the change. Keep in contact with them regularly. If phone calls are too expensive then ring them regularly in the beginning and then start to leave it one extra day until you normally contact them. For example, if you have been ringing every Tuesday then ring them in 8 days time and after that 9 days time. This way they won’t expect a call each week or worry when you don’t ring on that same day each week.
If you are worried about getting home sick remember to take some treasured belongings and keep reminding yourself it will all be worth it. Lastly, enjoy the ride, it will be an opportunity of a lifetime.
Kimberley Heit Said,
January 14, 2008 @ 11:48 pm
Tears, anger and frustration! They are an inevitable part of any big move, but they can be minimized with some good planning.
I’ve had my fair share of long distance moves. From packing half a house into a Tic Tac sized car, to moving far, far away from civilization to towns barely registering on the population stats. Now with another move just around the corner it’s time to write a plan of action!
ORGANIZATION:
-Have a huge clean out, garage sale or get ebaying before moving day. Yes you really can let go of that pet rock collection from 1st grade. Having less to pack makes life easier and keeps costs down (makeover games).
-Ask stores ahead of time to keep boxes,bubble wrap etc. for you so that you don’t have to pay for these items.
-Use Black and Red markers to label boxes.With the black write what category the items you’re packing fall under so that when you get to the new place you don’t have to go through 16 boxes to find those plates for dinner. Use the red to mark boxes that contain fragile items.
-Changing address details- it’s easy to forget what details you have actually changed so create a spreadsheet to keep track of it. Divide the spreadsheet into three columns. Column one for person/company, Column two for the contact details and Column three for a tick when complete. To Create the list of details to change start keeping a list of any mail that arrives at your current residence before you move. Go through your purse or wallet and you will find many details you need to change from formal things like your driver’s license, through to memberships.
-Something you might not consider until it is nearly upon you is that you may have a time frame where you have already shipped your possessions yet you are not at your new destination with them. If temporary accommodation is not an option it is wise to keep old clothes bedding etc. and buy disposable items that you are happy to toss out when you actually leave. Include some cleaning items in this list because you will need to leave wherever you are leaving from in good condition.
-Create a small emergency packing kit- include first aid items, pain relief tablets, tissues etc. and if desired some snacks and a book or pack of cards.
SOCIAL ASPECTS OF A MOVE:
There are not only practical issues to consider in a move, there are also social and emotional issues. The following tips are to help cope with leaving your current family and friends:
-Before moving have a going away party or touch base with those important to you. Knowing you have people who care and will lend an ear will help in those lonely or frustrating times.
-Choose a telephone plan that allows cheap long distance calls to stay in touch with family and friends.
-Look into other ways to stay in touch. For example use VOIP instead of a traditional land line phone plan. You can really save a heap on long distance calls.
-Instead of sending and receiving presents ask for/give money towards a trip to visit family and friends.
DEALING WITH UNEXPECTED FRUSTRATIONS:
-Confirm everything- many large removalists outsource work, make sure you have confirmed with the actual person responsible for picking up your possessions that they are coming when specified. I had a company turn up half a day late after many phone calls on the day. If I hadn’t rung they wouldn’t have come at all.
-Try to take plenty with you in your suitcase/car. Your new possessions do not always turn up with when they are supposed to or in one piece so you could be living out of your suitcase for quite some time. In addition think long and hard about what sentimental or important things you need to take with you. All records documents like birth certificates, passports etc. are wise to take with you even if you don’t think you require them at the time. The same goes for your address book. Do you want to risk putting your wedding album, family photo’s into storage? Many airlines let you take more luggage on a one way trip or for free or a reasonable charge.
-Costs- even if you’re moving costs are covered through company relocation there will always be several extra costs to keep in mind. Take away food whilst busy moving, new phone, Internet, water, gas connections etc. etc. So try and put some money away when you first find out you are moving. In addition get any quotes especially from companies like your removalist in writing. They have been known to change their prices after they have taken your items into their possession and hold you to ransom.
-If you do encounter problems with a supplier such as your removalist there are usually watchdogs to help. Find out who governs this trading in your new area and lodge all details with them. Even if they cannot force the company to comply with your wishes the investigation on them is usually enough to get things on track.