Relocation: Five Tips for Staying Sane Amongst the Packing Boxes

As the warm spring heats up towards the hot summer (sorry to my Northern European friends) so the anticipation of this summer's BIG relocation becomes ever more a reality. Even as I write one removal company is currently perusing our belongings with my husband in tow with another due to arrive in an hour. Talk in our house centres around leaving parties (our children, never ones to miss out on a party opportunity) and sorting…. How I HATE sorting.

I know I am not alone. At school, parents who are relocating this summer are doing the same as me and around the world lists are being created, bin bags filled and goodbye parties planned.

Today we wanted to share with you our five tips for staying sane amongst the packing boxes. We hope it helps!

1. Get crystal clear about the level of support that you can expect

This may seem an obvious point but it is easy to make assumptions about what will be provided only to find out to your horror that your assumptions were completely wrong. Be clear that moving costs are fully funded, find out about in-situ relocation support, ask about school search and funding support. Remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t get. Put a sensible and justified case for the support you need. Remember it is in the company/organisation's best interest to support you to arrive in the best state possible as you expatriate abroad.

If you are self-initiated expats and are relocating yourselves then think about the kind of support it could be worth funding privately. We’d recommend basic administrative and bureaucratic support in your new destination, it can save you days and many grey hairs!

2. Get a plan together and then work that plan!

It’s easy to let things go and simply cope with issues as and when they arise. This laid back approach may seem more intuitive but it is likely to lead to some rather unpleasant last minute panics. One of my most stressful times was watching some beloved friends who had lived in denial almost right up to removal day try to do everything in a week. It was ugly, really ugly and a horrible way to leave. SO here’s our starter for six, the broad categories that need thought and attention before you move abroad, and I will be joining you in working my plan over the coming weeks and months as well - :)

• Removal services – plan them well ahead of time, it’s a busy time of year!
• Search for accommodation in your new location
• Make arrangements for your current accommodation
• Transport, sell and buy cars etc
• Furnishings, decide what to do with them all and what you need in the new location
• Schooling
• Finances, banking, pensions, life assurance
• Health insurance
• Location knowledge, cultural information
• Language training if necessary start now so that you can manage the basics on arrival
• Documents, find them and have them copied
• Utilities at home and abroad
• Networks in the new location
• Travel arrangements
• Saying goodbye

You will find that getting it all out of your head and onto paper will help you to feel more in control, clearing your mind of the 101 buzzing thoughts and concerns. Either use a paper format or use online project management software like Asana. We use this and it is great and free!

STOP PRESS:

As Evelyn and I both head towards our own relocations this summer, we know that it can be a lonely experience. Whilst you are juggling relocation tasks with your normal everyday life your friends are simply getting on with theirs and probably if they’re honest trying not to think about your impending exit from their lives.

Who do you share your concerns, questions with? Who to ask for advice?

Join us for two interactive Google Hangouts on Tuesday May 20th and Tuesday June 3rd. The Art of Smooth Transitions. * On May 20th we will be discussing “How to Leave Well” * On June 3rd we will be discussing “How to Arrive Well”

Sign up to join us for free HERE.

 

3. Saying Goodbye

This is on the planning list and for good reason. It is tempting to simply slip away, but the truth is that there is an element of sadness some even say grief involved in leaving a home behind. We don’t mean to sound melodramatic here, and of course it is not on the scale of losing a loved one BUT it can be difficult to say goodbye to a location you have enjoyed living in, the community and friends you have made. Burying those sad feelings will not help. So plan how you and your family will say your goodbyes. We’re still thinking about ours, but if you have children here are a couple of books that may help them through the relocation process.

B at Home, Emma Moves Again, by Valérie Besanceney

Slurping Soup and Other Confusions

4. Create TIME for you ALL when you arrive

This often gets missed. In the rush to leave no one really thinks about the arrival process. Many times the working partner is already “in situ” and working hard when their partner/family arrives. Arrival can therefore be a bit of a lonely and disorientating process for the partner. We highly recommend that you negotiate some time out of the office to be there at home in the first few days. You can all unpack, together, explore your new environment, together and start to create some new “couple” or “family” routines and experiences, together, which will help to make the place feel a little more familiar and friendly from the start.

5. ME Time

I kind of hesitate to add this one as I know this is the one thing you probably don’t have BUT it is important. I’m currently conscious of this one, running a business and a family with a husband who is away during the week most weeks, relocation planning and preparation is the icing on the cake for me. It can be stressful, especially because there is the emotional baggage of leaving as well.

It would be easy to just give up on the few “me” things I do a week, namely exercise. But it is what keeps me sane and vaguely fit so I am fighting to continue with the two hours of tennis a week that I LOVE and the odd run and trip to the gym.

So as you prepare to relocate build in some me time and protect it jealously, you are important!

Remember you are NOT alone.

Come and join us for our two google hangouts: 20th May and 3rd June.

The Art of Smooth Transitions. Find out more HERE.