Have you found your dream destination? You know, that one special place where you feel happy, safe, and free. Moving to a place you love has many benefits, not the least of which are greater life satisfaction and personal growth.
If you’ve found your dream destination, and it’s time to make it your new home, you will need to prepare in a few different ways. Whatever your location, you will benefit from having a solid moving plan. It’s best to make this moving plan months ahead of your big move, so you’ll have the time to look for the best professional movers and car shipping companies.
Here’s a breakdown of how to make your dream destination your new home as easily as possible.
This post is part of our Expatriate Life Series
1. Plan
The first thing you need to do when moving anywhere is to plan your move. After you’ve decided where you’re going and when you’re moving, it’s time to make a plan for transferring your old home to your destination. Make a list of everything that is moving with you and a list of everything to give away or sell. Don’t forget to get in touch with your utility provider to schedule a service cancellation for your home.
Once you’ve got a plan in place, it’s time to take action. Start packing up each room and make sure to label each box properly. Check out car shipping companies to get an early quote and contact your moving company as soon as you have a date in mind. Booking early will get you the best deal and give you an accurate timeline in which to prepare for moving.
With all the big stuff out of the way, you can start planning tasks for the moving day itself. These tasks may include setting aside important documents to take with you, packing a first-aid kit, and packing toys and books to keep your kids occupied during the move.
Here’s a list of some ideas to get you started with your plan:
- Make plans to stay connected to friends and family
- Make work plans for yourself
- Make school plans for the kids
- Start decluttering and organizing your old home
- Sell or donate unnecessary or unwanted items
- Create a packing list
- Organize your house by room (bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, garage, etc.)
- Start packing the non-essentials early
- Label everything by room and don’t mix rooms between boxes
Keep a notebook or folder with your moving plan and everything you need for the move such as paperwork, keys, and agreements. You will need a central location for all your moving ideas and plans and an essentials box to keep with you during your move.
A plastic tote or one of your suitcases should come in handy for keeping all your important items with you during the move.
2. Learn the Language
If you’re moving to a different country, you will need to start learning how to get around and how to communicate once you’re there. Learning different languages or cultures can be challenging while you are preparing to move, but you will be glad you did the legwork before you arrive.
Learn language basics like how to ask for directions, your address and other important addresses, and cordial phrases that will be enough to get you by in any situation. Know the best transportation to take and any language requirements associated with travel. Make sure you know your way around the neighbourhood so you can settle in more quickly and feel more at home in your new country.
Even if you’re moving to another part of your home country, you may want to get an idea of the culture and locals of your new home. Check out travel or destination blogs and other websites to get a feel for your new destination. Learn as much as you can about your chosen destination before you make it your home.
3. Ship Your Car
One of the easiest ways to get your belongings from your current home to your dream destination is to ship them, especially if you’re moving overseas. Shipping your belongings, especially your car, won’t be the cheapest choice, but you’ll be glad you made it. Wear and tear on a vehicle may be enough to deter you from driving a long distance, but so are possible breakdowns.
There are countless reasons shipping your car, and even your belongings, ahead of you is a good idea. Again, if you’re moving overseas, this is likely your only option besides selling and buying a new car at your new home. However, even if you’re not moving internationally, shipping your car is the most convenient way to get it from point A to point B.
Consider the expenses and potential risks involved in driving your car yourself during a move:
- Fuel costs
- Road costs: food, lodging, stops
- Wear and tear
- Possible road hazards
- Possible engine troubles
If you ship your car, you don’t have to deal with any of these issues. The car shipping company will pick up your vehicle at a spot of your choosing and deliver it to your new home or a terminal nearby. The only thing you will need to do besides plan your car shipping is to prep your car for moving.
Preparing your car for shipping includes cleaning it inside and out, keeping only a quarter-tank’s worth of gas in your car, and removing your belongings from the vehicle.
The Bottom Line
If you’re ready to make your dream destination your new home, go ahead and get planning. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make a thorough moving plan and check off every task on that plan. Moving can be a great experience if you plan accordingly and follow these tips for an easy move.