If you’re relocating across the world for work or a new adventure, there are many things to take into consideration. From preparing for movers to finishing packing, the process can be daunting. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll provide some moving day tips to make this period as worry-free as possible. Read on and get ready to start your next chapter abroad!
One of the Best Moving Day Tips Is to Keep a To-Do List
Relocating to a new city abroad can be an exciting but also overwhelming experience. There are so many things to think about and keep track of that it’s easy to feel like you’re swimming in a sea of unfinished tasks. It’s especially true for the last few chaotic hours in your old home.
One of the best ways to stay organized and on top of everything is to create a to-do list. But why exactly is a to-do list so important? Let’s take a look at three reasons why having a to-do list is essential when you’re relocating across the world:
It Helps You Stay Organized
Trying to keep track of everything in your head can quickly become daunting and lead to feelings of anxiety and relocation stress. But when you have a to-do list, you can rest assured knowing that everything that needs to be done is right there in front of you. Cross items off as you complete them, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with checking something off your list!
It Keeps You on Track
It’s easy to get sidetracked when you’re in the midst of planning a move. With so much going on, it can be tempting to put off tasks that may seem like they can wait until later. But when you have a to-do list, you can easily see which tasks are the most important and need to be completed as soon as possible. This will help ensure that everything gets done in a timely manner and reduce the risk of forgetting something important.
It Allows You to Delegate Tasks
Trying to do everything yourself when you’re moving overseas is not only overwhelming but also unnecessary. When you have a to-do list, you can easily delegate tasks to family members or friends who are willing to help out. This will lighten your load and make the whole process much more manageable. It’s always nice to have some extra help when you’re dealing with such a big life change – especially if you have a last-minute move and need to relocate in a hurry.
Think about all the things that need to be done before the move date comes – and record them. Additionally, if you prefer digital over traditional paper methods of creating checklists, make sure to check some of the best to-do list apps.
Start the Day Bright and Early
If you want to get the most out of your day and not waste any time, prepping everything early in the morning is a must. If you start late, on the other hand, you may find yourself rushing around and not having enough time to get everything done.
Besides helping you move efficiently, starting early is also a good way of avoiding the heat of the day. Depending on where you currently live, if you are relocating in the summer, it can be extremely hot during the middle of the day. This can make relocating furniture and other heavy items very difficult. By starting early, you can avoid the worst of the heat and make your move abroad much easier.
Finally, starting your relocation day early will allow you to get a jump on traffic. If you start your move during rush hour, you may find yourself stuck in traffic afterward for a long time – which is unacceptable if you have a flight to catch. This can add a lot of stress to an already stressful situation.
Don’t Forget to Have a Healthy Breakfast
A healthy breakfast is important for everyone, but it is especially for people who are going to be performing physical work. Eating a nutritious breakfast before working out or engaging in other physical work provides the body with the energy it needs to sustain itself throughout the activity.
Without adequate fuel, the body will quickly become tired and may even suffer from cramps or other problems. In addition, a healthy breakfast helps to keep blood sugar levels balanced, which is important for maintaining focus and energy levels. Therefore, take time to plan the last breakfast you’re going to have in your old home – and to consume it as well. Take a look at the video below for some interesting ideas for making a healthy breakfast:
Dress Accordingly for the Occasion
When performing physical work, it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion in order to avoid cuts, scratches, or other injuries. This might include wearing long pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. Wearing the proper clothing will help to keep you safe while you work and remain injury-free.
Try to Minimize Packing on a Big Day
Packing up all your belongings is certainly the biggest task you’ll have to complete before the move – and one that can be quite stressful. After all, you want to make sure everything is packed securely and won’t get damaged in transit.
If you’re trying to minimize the amount of stress on relocation day, it’s a good idea to get professional packing services. Professional packers know how to prevent things from breaking. They can and will pack fragile items and other belongings with the utmost care. However, if hiring them is not possible, try to minimize the number of packing tasks you have to do when the relocation date comes. Here are a few relocation hacks on how to do this:
Start packing early
Don’t leave everything until the last minute. Start packing up your belongings a few days (or even weeks) in advance. This will help you to stay organized and will make the packing process much less stressful.
Pack one room at a time
Don’t try to pack everything in one go. Tackle one room at a time and focus on getting that room packed up first. Once you’ve finished with a room, move on to the next one. The rule of thumb is to start with the spaces you use the least.
Declutter before you start packing
Moving internationally and living abroad is a good opportunity to get rid of any unwanted items. Decluttering before you start packing will make the job much easier – you’ll have less to pack (and less to unpack) at your new home. Keep in mind that it is especially important when you’re moving to a smaller home abroad.
Get help from friends and family
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the packing task, get some help from friends and family members. They can lend a hand and make the relocation day preparations much easier – and more fun.
Have a Bag of Essentials Ready to Go
Once you’ve finished packing everything else, it’s time to focus on the essentials box. Relocation essentials are the only things you should pack on the relocation day – because you’ll use them until then. This is a box (or boxes, depending on how much stuff you have) that contains everything you’ll need to survive for the first few days in your new home. It should include things like toiletries, changes of clothes, phone chargers, laptops, towels, and so on.
Basically, anything that you would need until your other boxes arrive at the new residence overseas must be inside this box – and it shouldn’t leave your side during the move. Make sure it is clearly labeled “Essentials” so that it doesn’t get lost amongst all your other boxes. You don’t want to be scrambling through dozens of containers looking for your toothbrush when you could have just packed it in an easily accessible box.
Don’t Forget to Set Aside Cleaning Supplies
Note that your job is not done once everything is packed and loaded – you need to make sure that your residence is left clean. Cleaning supplies are something you definitely don’t want to forget on a big day like your move. Whether you’re planning to do a final clean of your old place before you hand over the keys or just want to have some basics on hand in case of any accidents during the move, make sure to prepare all your cleaning supplies well in advance. This way, you can be sure that nothing gets left behind, and you’ll have everything you need to keep your old place clean and tidy.
Some essential cleaning supplies to pack for your move include:
- All-purpose cleaner,
- Bathroom cleaner,
- Glass cleaner,
- Disinfectant wipes,
- Sponges,
- Paper towels,
- Trash bags.
Many of these items can be packed with the rest of the essentials and used once you move into a new place, but some of them need to be left behind. Keep in mind that chemicals such as cleaners are often prohibited from the back of relocation trucks, shipping containers, and planes.
Have Your Pets and Kids Far Away From the Action
Are you relocating to a new city alone? Or are you relocating with children or planning to move with dogs or cats? Note that the last few hours in the old home is a hectic time for parents and pet owners. Not only are you dealing with the stress of packing up your entire life and moving abroad, but you also have to keep your children and pets safe and out of the way while the movers do their job. This can be tough to do if you don’t have family or friends nearby who can help watch your kids for the day.
Luckily, there are plenty of qualified sitters out there who would be more than happy to help you out on moving day. Start by creating a list of potential sitters. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they know anyone who might be interested in the job. You can also check out reliable websites and agencies. Once you have a list of potential candidates, reach out to each one and set up an interview.
During the interview, be sure to ask each candidate about their experience with children and pets, their availability on the scheduled date of the move, and what their rates are. It’s also a good idea to ask for references from previous clients. Once you’ve interviewed all of the candidates, it’s time to make your decision. Choose the candidate who you feel most comfortable with and who you think will do the best job taking care of your children or pets on the relocation day.
Prepare the House for the Movers
Since an overseas move is almost impossible without the help of an international moving company, there is a great chance you’ll meet movers when the relocation date comes. If you plan on getting international moving services, make sure your house is prepared for them. First of all, this implies clearing paths before they show up. Take all necessary precautions to avoid injury, for both you and professionals – just consider what would occur if somebody carrying furniture ran into a stack of boxes.
Additionally, you must also protect your residence from being damaged. The floor can be covered with cardboard to prevent scuffing, or you can use furniture sliders to move heavy items. Ensure you cover the walls, staircases, and any other object you plan to leave behind, so it doesn’t get damaged.
Have a Final Walk-Through
A final walk-through is an important step to take before you leave your old home for good. This will allow you to check that everything is in order and that there are no last-minute issues that need to be addressed. It’s also a good opportunity to say goodbye to your old home and to start fresh after relocating to another country.
To prepare for your final walk-through, make a list of all the things you want to check up on. Avoid common relocation mistakes by checking if the home is clean and free of debris. You should also see if there are any issues with the property and ensure nothing is left behind. It will help you avoid potential problems and continue with your trip worry-free.
That’s a Wrap – You Are Ready to Start a New Adventure
You have finally made the big move and are now preparing to live in a new country. You may have been excited about this move for months or even years, but now that you are actually here, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. The best thing you can do is focus on the relocation benefits and learn how to settle and adapt to new surroundings the best way. Don’t worry – with the help of a strong will and some useful move-in day tips, you’ll be able to adjust to living overseas in no time.
