Every change in life is exciting and terrifying at the same time, and relocating to another country is no different. In a psychological state like that, many things could be forgotten and cause major problems. Thankfully, you can always create a moving to-do list and avoid questioning every move you make during the relocation process.
Have you finally decided to pack your bags and have a fresh start somewhere else? Besides finding reliable international moving services that will help you in the whole process, the first thing you need to do is create an actual moving list of things to do. Be completely ready for the big move, and don’t let anything unexpected happen just because you didn’t take enough time to make a checklist that will keep you updated during the whole process. But what should that list look like? Keep reading and find out.
How to Make a Good Moving To-Do List?
When you decide it’s time to move, the most important thing surely is to organize the entire process properly. From preparing the relocation essentials to hiring trustworthy movers who will care for every little service you might need. That’s how the planning part becomes one of the things you just have to do if you want a stress-free relocation.
So, firstly you should know: Is there a checklist for moving and how to make one that will help you with every task you’ll need to do to have everything under control. And the best way of doing it is to take a bit of your time and think through everything you’ll have to take care of. Yes, it can be quite demanding, but you’ll see how the whole move will seem smoother once everything is written down.
How Do I Make a Moving Schedule?
If you’ve never done it before, you will surely require some guidance on getting the best moving checklist and schedule. The sooner you start, the better and more detailed the list will be. For example, put all tasks you can do eight weeks, six, four, and a week before the move. That is one of the most effective ways to stay organized and focused in the whole chaos a relocation can represent.
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Plan the Move At Least Six to Eight Weeks Ahead
Knowing how to move efficiently surely will require some planning to do. As you already know, a list of things to do when moving into a new house is more than just important if you want to avoid all the relocation stress. The ideal scenario is to have enough time to plan the whole process, which means at least eight to six weeks before the big day.
This is crucial because you’re relocating internationally, and you have to cover many tasks that take time – just think about the needed documentation and paperwork for your family members and your furry friends.
Although it could seem like too much time just to plan a move, it can get quite stressful as the big day approaches. And if you don’t have the checklist that will ensure every little thing is covered, the relocation can become a nightmare.
Gather All Needed Paperwork Weeks Before the Movers Come
When you’re relocating internationally, you just must think about the documents needed to travel. Yes, for a few countries, you don’t need a visa to enter, live and work (for example, Svalbard, between the North Pole and mainland Norway), but pretty much for every other, you’ll surely have to apply for one. And as you already know, it can take weeks, so it’s best to do it as soon as you decide where you’ll move. That way, you’ll avoid the panic and stress that lack of time surely can cause when it comes to getting all documents and paperwork needed for travel abroad.
What You Need to Do Before You Move – Set the Budget
Besides making a relocation checklist, knowing how to move to another country will surely require another essential step – setting the budget. Changing address is always a process that will require a lot of energy but also a lot of money – especially when relocating to a new house in a completely different country.
However, it’s also possible to move on a low budget, but you have to start with all preparations weeks before. It’s always better to finish some tasks you can do on your own or with the help of loved ones and save some money for other services you might not be able to do by yourself. Some of these inevitable services you’ll have to pay for when relocating abroad include:
- International mover,
- Packing supplies and service,
- Shipping service,
- Storage units.
Check the New Place You’ll Live In and Know What to Expect
Once you determine you’ll move to a new country, there’s a lot of exploring to do. The first thing indeed is to check what challenges you could run into. Whether it’s a fact, you’ll have to learn a language abroad and be able to break the language barrier or deal with some completely unknown customs the locals respect. Be sure you’re familiar with all the differences you’ll deal with – otherwise, you might have a hard time adjusting to a new country.
This also means you should be prepared for the future financially. Knowing how much you’ll have to set aside for monthly expenses will make it easier to figure out how to live in another country. So, start checking the real estate blogs and websites, such as the Numbeo website, and know the cost of living of the place you plan to move to.
Include Finding the Reliable International Movers on Your To-Do List for Moving
In order to move safely, you’ll have to know that without a professional international moving company, it would be a mission impossible. So, it’s better to contact more than one relocation company and check with each one all the services they are offering. That way, you can be sure that all of your belongings are in good hands.
However, be prepared to run into some relocation scams, too. That’s why it’s extremely important to contact and hire a reliable company that will ensure you ask all the right questions and have the most effortless international address change. So, besides asking the movers directly what you want to know, do some checking on your own, too: visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website and the Better Business Bureau.
Put Packing Supplies on Your Checklist and Get as Much as Possible
When you have one of the essential things checked on your to-do list (finding an experienced and trustworthy relocation crew), you can pass on other tasks you’ll have to deal with. Since the wrapping up process is undoubtedly one of them, be sure there are enough packing supplies for you to wrap all the items with and ensure each object arrives in one piece at your new home.
In fact, one of the biggest relocation mistakes is precisely starting the boxing up process only to realize that you don’t have enough boxes or tape. We all know that wrapping is one of the most daunting tasks in the entire relocation process. Don’t let it last not even a day longer just because you forgot to create a list with all necessary packing supplies – from boxes, paper, and bubble wrap to tape, scissors, and stickers.
Make the Moving and Packing List for Better Organization
When you contact a reliable company and are sure you’re in good hands, start wrapping the items you’ll bring to your future house. Don’t despair if you just can’t do it on your own because there’s always a helping hand from a relocation crew and their packing service. However, preparing something before the professionals come is always a good plan.
Create an inventory list and begin pitting some of the belongings you’ll bring for sure into boxes. But, be aware there are still some items movers won’t move, like liquids and hazardous things. So, keep them out of your list and put only belongings you really use. Writing everything down will allow you to be more productive, and doing it room-by-room is a great way to stay organized.
Pick the Most Necessary Items to Pack From Your Home and Get Rid of the Rest
So, you’ll begin making your moving inventory list room-by-room, but how to know what to keep when relocating? This could be one of the hardest tasks for most people because we tend to get attached to the material items, and it’s completely normal. However, when leaving a home you’ve been living in for many years, there could be numerous objects you don’t even use anymore.
So, before you actually create an inventory list, do some decluttering first. Leave all the items you won’t require in the future house, from furniture to clothes. As tough as this can be, know that unpacking after you arrive will be a breeze, and there will be more space to add some different things in the new place.
Check some useful tips on decluttering your home and preparing for the move like a pro.
Ensure Everyone Knows About the Move
After you contact a company that will help you relocate across the world, continue contacting everyone else who should be aware of your address change. Have in mind all the important institutions that have to know about your move, from US Postal Service, IRS, and banks to utility and internet providers. And it’s wise not to leave this task to be done after the move because it’s more likely to be forgotten, and you’ll end up paying the bills for the cable you’re not even using.
What Should I Do Two Weeks Before Moving Overseas – Create a Checklist of Things to Do on the Big Day
Having the amazing relocation experience and the stress-free first day at your future home sounds like something you need a lot of experience to achieve. Yes, it’s true – the more you move, the easier it will get because you’ll learn from your own mistakes. But, it surely doesn’t mean you cannot prepare for the relocation day and move like a real professional on the first try.
So, have a separate list of things to do when the relocation crew comes. That way, you’ll stay organized, and all possible negative scenarios will be avoided. You won’t get in the way of the professionals, and there will still be some work for you to keep you occupied, even if it’s just thinking about moving internationally to one of the best places to retire in Europe.
Take Care of Your Kids and Furry Friends When the Professionals Come
One of the greatest relocation hacks for when you pick the best place to live abroad with family is to keep your kids and furry friends away from the house when the relocation team comes. Although it could seem like an absurd thing to do, it can, in fact, turn into a nightmare for them. Just think how they would feel to see a bunch of unknown people at the address with the boxes and wrapping materials all over the place. You can send them to a family member or a friend until the professionals go and spare them the stress.
Embrace the Change and Enjoy Your New Home
No matter the reason for the move, most people are so occupied with all these tasks that they simply forget one of the essential parts of the relocation – their health, mental and physical. Making such a big change in life isn’t easy, and then adjusting to a new house can be quite stressful too. So, don’t forget to put on your list the task where you give yourself enough moments to take a deep breath and relax.