Moving to any new area can be stressful and disorienting. This is especially true if your new home is on the other side of the globe.
Hiring international removal companies can relieve some of the stresses associated with moving. There are companies that do more than move your belongings. Some removalists offer storage, insurance or can transport large items or valuables such as your car or jewelry.
However, once you have arrived and unpacked your possessions, you will be faced with a new set of challenges that can affect you mentally and emotionally. Here are a few tips to help you navigate through the first few weeks after moving into your new home. By following these tips, you are less likely to feel disoriented, confused and stressed.
1. Start unpacking
The sight of hundreds of boxes stacked up and scattered around your new home can be daunting. Unpacking is important but the process itself is not as stressful as the initial packing.
Unlike packing your possessions, most people don’t have a deadline to when they should finish unpacking. You can unpack at a more comfortable pace or choose to not open some boxes at all for a while. Perhaps you have items that can just be stored in an attic, the basement or a nearby storage facility.
Consider where your important things are and unpack those first. If you organized your belongings well, you should have boxes properly labeled. Those containing your essentials such as cooking tools, dinnerware and toiletries should be easy to find. These are only a few examples, of course, and you may have your own set of essentials that you will need right after moving in.
2. Schedule your tasks after the move
The packing and moving may be over but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Besides unpacking, you may need to move boxes to different rooms, prepare the spaces for your belongings, as well as take care of your family and prepare for a new job.
Like your pre-move phase, you need to plan your activities. By organizing your first few days or weeks, you will feel less overwhelmed by what you need to do.
Are you running behind on errands? Perhaps you can hire professionals to do the job for you until you can get your bearings. For instance, if you are moving to Dubai, you may wish to research hiring a maid to help out.
3. Inspect your new home
Ideally, it is advised to do a thorough inspection of your home before signing the contract with the landlord. With most international moves, however, you may have only seen pictures of your new home.
Take the time to explore your new home as soon as you can. Look for any existing damages. Note any major issues such as mold or termite infestation, gas leaks, and water leaks among others.
Check if your home is secure or if you need to purchase security devices. If you are traveling to a new country with a young child, you may need to consider child-proofing your new home as well.
4. Get acclimatized
During the first few weeks, go out and meet your new neighbors. Explore your new environment and see what the community is like.
Sign up for classes, look for clubs or go out with your co-workers after work. The aim is to make new friends and connections. This can help make your new environment less scary.
Moves are stressful for kids and pets too. By connecting with your neighbors and co-workers, you can also get recommendations for schools and activities for them.
5. Find medical professionals
International moves can affect your well-being. The move can make you more prone to getting sick, stressed or depressed. As such, you will need to know where to run in the event of an emergency.
Know where the nearest clinics and hospitals are located in your new area. Get recommendations from your new neighbors or co-workers on general practitioners, family doctors, pediatricians for your kids and even vets if you have pets.
6. By following these simple tips
you are on your way to making your international move a less stressful experience for you and your family.
AUTHOR BIO
Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families. For moving and storage across Australia and around the world, Robert’s wealth of experience ensures his customers are in safe hands.
