Moving abroad can be exciting, but it can also be very stressful, especially if you are not fully prepared. When you move down the road, chances are good that your utilities transfer, and without a doubt, your currency will still be good. Plus, you can make a few trips back and forth as needed. When you make an international move you only have once chance to get it right.
Double Check Paperwork
First of all, if you don’t have a passport already that will be your first task to take care of. You are not going anywhere until you get this in the mail, so don’t wait until the last minute. Understand though that you are going to need more than a travel passport. Depending on your destination, you may need to apply for a visa and fill out additional documents to become a resident. You will also need to find out if specific vaccinations are needed. Make sure when you do make the move that you have several copies of everything. Keep one with your belongings, one in your travel bag, and one on you, just in case something happens to the original. You should also have an alternative form of identification on you.
Research the Weather
If you are moving south of the equator, there is little chance you will be needing that heavy down jacket and winter boots. There is no point packing these items that you will never wear. It makes more sense to sell or donate the stuff. Also, this will give you the opportunity to make a list of things you will need. If you are moving from Cape Town up to the northern in Johannesburg, check http://www.weathersa.co.za
Get Your Money Situated
Sure, you are going to end up opening a bank account when you get there, but what will you do until then? Are you going to pay high exchange rates with your bank every time you hit the ATM machine? Can you apply for an account with a bank in the new location right online so you can transfer money between accounts? It is also a good idea to exchange some money ahead of time so you have it on you,
Will Your Electronics Work?
In most cases, you will want to sell heavy electronics like your television, stereo, and appliances. It may be cheaper to buy everything new when you get there, rather than pay shipping charges by weight. For your laptop, alarm clock, hair dryer or other essentials you will need right away, you will have to find out if you need a travel converter. Many converters feature attachments that will work anywhere in the world.
Pack Your Luggage
The most important thing you will do is put a little thought into our luggage. In a perfect world, all of your belongings will arrive when you are expecting them, but sometimes things don’t go according to plan with an international move. It would be a shame to not have any work clothes for your first day on the job, or be forced to immediately go buy all new toiletries.
Your luggage should have everything you will need for a few days. So, if you are starting work right away, pack appropriately. It should also contain essential toiletries that you will need. Make sure you at least have a shower liner, if you will need one, and a few basic cleaning supplies. You obviously don’t have to pack everything to take with you but shampoo, conditioner, soap, a razor, etc. are definite things you will need. Most importantly, pack some snacks. Protein bars, bags of nuts and similar foods will keep you going until you can get to the grocery store or find a nearby restaurant.
Lastly, if you have an heirloom, family photo or something non-replicable that you would be absolutely lost without, pack it in your carry-on bag so there is no chance of it getting lost or damaged. Alternatively save then on the cloud eg Gdrive, icloud, skydrive, dropbox, box just to name a few.
First of all, if you don’t have a passport already that will be your first task to take care of. You are not going anywhere until you get this in the mail, so don’t wait until the last minute. Understand though that you are going to need more than a travel passport. Depending on your destination, you may need to apply for a visa and fill out additional documents to become a resident. You will also need to find out if specific vaccinations are needed. Make sure when you do make the move that you have several copies of everything. Keep one with your belongings, one in your travel bag, and one on you, just in case something happens to the original. You should also have an alternative form of identification on you.
Research the Weather
If you are moving south of the equator, there is little chance you will be needing that heavy down jacket and winter boots. There is no point packing these items that you will never wear. It makes more sense to sell or donate the stuff. Also, this will give you the opportunity to make a list of things you will need. If you are moving from Cape Town up to the northern in Johannesburg, check http://www.weathersa.co.za
Get Your Money Situated
Sure, you are going to end up opening a bank account when you get there, but what will you do until then? Are you going to pay high exchange rates with your bank every time you hit the ATM machine? Can you apply for an account with a bank in the new location right online so you can transfer money between accounts? It is also a good idea to exchange some money ahead of time so you have it on you,
Will Your Electronics Work?
In most cases, you will want to sell heavy electronics like your television, stereo, and appliances. It may be cheaper to buy everything new when you get there, rather than pay shipping charges by weight. For your laptop, alarm clock, hair dryer or other essentials you will need right away, you will have to find out if you need a travel converter. Many converters feature attachments that will work anywhere in the world.
Pack Your Luggage
The most important thing you will do is put a little thought into our luggage. In a perfect world, all of your belongings will arrive when you are expecting them, but sometimes things don’t go according to plan with an international move. It would be a shame to not have any work clothes for your first day on the job, or be forced to immediately go buy all new toiletries.
Your luggage should have everything you will need for a few days. So, if you are starting work right away, pack appropriately. It should also contain essential toiletries that you will need. Make sure you at least have a shower liner, if you will need one, and a few basic cleaning supplies. You obviously don’t have to pack everything to take with you but shampoo, conditioner, soap, a razor, etc. are definite things you will need. Most importantly, pack some snacks. Protein bars, bags of nuts and similar foods will keep you going until you can get to the grocery store or find a nearby restaurant.
Lastly, if you have an heirloom, family photo or something non-replicable that you would be absolutely lost without, pack it in your carry-on bag so there is no chance of it getting lost or damaged. Alternatively save then on the cloud eg Gdrive, icloud, skydrive, dropbox, box just to name a few.
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