In my first two posts in this series I gave you advice on how to cope emotionally with moving overseas, and things to consider when researching your post. In this post I'll give you some packing tips.
These aren't your typical moving tips on how to properly pack your belongings. Normally when you move overseas, a moving company will come in and pack your things, and they want to do the actual packing so they aren't liable for something breaking that you packed incorrectly.
What I'm going to tell you about packing for an international move is more a matter of prioritizing each and every thing you own, and how long you can live without it before it arrives at your destination.
Transporting your household effects can take 3 to 4 months. They have to go overland or by sea (or both), and must clear customs. So when packing, you have to be realistic about how long you can be without most of your belongings.
The good news is you often get an air shipment of a few hundred pounds that will arrive in about a month. Don't listen to them when they promise it will be there in a week. Plan for 4 weeks and then be pleasantly surprised when it arrives in 3. But don't be too aggravated if it takes 6 or even 8, because that happens too.
Here's what to pack, and where:
Carry on bags: Check your airline and see what your limit is. Some airlines allow a rolling carry on and a second smaller item like a laptop case or a lady's handbag. Some allow only one small bag. Make sure you know the limit for each airline for your entire journey, so you don't risk having your larger carry on bag taken away from you and checked as luggage.
Things to pack in your carry on bag:
Important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, vaccine records, medical records (or at least medical summaries), school records, etc. Scan these documents before you leave and email them to yourself in case they get lost.
Any important files or papers like insurance policies etc.
Important jewelery and other valuables.
Your laptop, camera, phone and other devices, with chargers and adapters.
Your passports and ticket information. Make sure the packers don't box this up! I like to put my carry on bags in the car the night before the movers arrive.
Medicines and prescriptions, glasses/ contacts.
Your planner, of course! And your address book too.
Wallet and anything else you need to keep with you during your journey.
Luggage: This is stuff you'll need right away, but can live without if your luggage gets lost. Keep in mind that although most airlines are very reliable these days, sometimes luggage is lost forever. So don't put anything precious in your luggage. Check your weight limit with your airline. Most airlines allow only one checked bag, so make sure you are within your limits or be prepared to pay overage.
If you are moving to a place that's having different weather from your departure location, you'll need to think about different clothes, shoes and gear than you're currently using. When I lived in Moscow I sponsored a family who was moving there from a warm climate. They were due to arrive in September, and in an email before they arrived I reminded them to put their winter coats and clothes in their luggage because they would need them right away. They arrived in sandals and short sleeves and had shipped all their winter gear in their sea shipment, which wouldn't arrive for 3 months yet. It snowed a week later. Think ahead.
Things to pack in your luggage:
Clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather when you arrive, especially if you are moving to a different climate from where you're currently living.
Toys and books for the kids, because they will be missing their stuff.
Kids' school items like backpacks, lunch boxes, musical instruments etc.
Scissors. You can't put this in your carry on bag, obviously, but you'll need scissors for opening all your boxes when they arrive.
Anything else you'll need immediately.
Air shipment: These are things you'll need in the first month in your new place. Think of what the season will be, and what your new home will be supplied with or not.
Things to pack in your air shipment:
If your new place will not be supplied with kitchen items like pots and dishes you'll want to pack these in your air freight. Non-breakable items only though, because air shipment boxes tend to get thrown around.
Check with your shipper if you are allowed to ship your scanner/ printer, because that is a handy thing to have right away.
I like to put a few rugs into the air shipment because they aren't breakable and they make a new place seem more like home right away.
Kids' bikes, toys and sports equipment because they will want their stuff.
Bedding, pillows and towels.
Laundry baskets are very handy to have.
More clothes and shoes, especially if the season will be changing.
Anything else you'll need soon.
The rest of your stuff will go in your household effects shipment. Before the packers arrive I recommend separating out framed photos and wall hangings so they can be packed separately from other things. Also, remove everything from your bookshelves that's not a book. You don't want your knicknacks boxed with your books. And, return items to the rooms they should be in. Make sure all the kitchen items are in the kitchen, office items in the office, etc. Boxes will be labeled with the room they are from so it will be easier to sort items that way.
Some other tips for packout:
Pack your carry on bags and luggage before the packers arrive, to make sure everything fits in the luggage. When we moved from Moscow, there were things around the house that I thought would fit into the luggage. We so overestimated our luggage capacity, we had to ship 6 boxes to ourselves! We don't make that mistake any more.
Packers can't read your mind, so if you don't want something packed make sure to mark it very clearly! If in doubt, they'll pack it up. I've heard of crazy things being packed like the garbage in the garbage can and the roast out of the oven. Usually they have more common sense, but they don't want to be held liable for anything left behind. I recommend putting your luggage in the car or in a very clearly marked No Pack area. Also, make sure to separate out and clearly mark the items that should go in your air shipment so they don't get packed with your sea shipment.
Make sure to pull out hidden items so they don't get left behind. One time the packers didn't realize there was a drawer under the oven so the cookie trays and muffin tins didn't get packed.
Is there anything I missed? Let me know in the comments!
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Moving Internationally Part 2: Researching Your New Post
In my first post in this series, I gave you some advice on how to cope emotionally with moving and living overseas. In this post, I'll give you some tips on researching your destination.
The first thing you will want to do is to research the country you'll be moving to, or research several countries to decide which one to choose. An excellent resource for this is Real Post Reports from Tales from a Small Planet (http://www.talesmag.com, it's worth registering for). You can look up each city and read what expats who have lived there thought about it. I'm sure there are loads of other expat resources, websites and blogs.
But take each report with a huge grain of salt, because each person's experience depends on their perspective.
For example, a single man will have a much different experience in Moscow than a married mom of young children.
Additionally, whether a person likes the post or not depends on what they like in general. If someone enjoys the countryside and fresh air, their review of a large urban post is likely to be at least somewhat negative. Keep in mind what you enjoy when considering a post.
And, it's all relative. If someone just moved to a less-developed post after a relatively luxurious one, they are less likely to enjoy it than someone else who considers it a step up from where they were before.
Things to seriously consider: personal safety and crime, health issues and medical care available, cost of living, availability of good schools (if you have school-age children) and availability of good food and products. Everyone has their own comfort level and threshold of tolerance. Talk honestly with your partner about what is acceptable and what absolutely is not. Do you mind taking malaria prevention medicine for two or more years? What about making your kids take it? Are you willing to homeschool if the school is inadequate? Do you feel comfortable with substandard medical care in-country?
When I lived in a country with a severe lack of decent medical care, the constant worry among all the parents was that our children would become ill or injured. One woman summed it up well when she said, "I've chosen this lifestyle, but my children haven't." We were all very aware of subjecting our children to potentially less-than-safe conditions in a situation they did not choose. There were things we enjoyed about living there, but we were grateful to leave safe and healthy.
Also make sure to find things you might enjoy in the country. If you love skiing, the beach, forests or city life, look for places where you can enjoy your hobbies. But don't overlook the chance to try something new. This is your opportunity to try things you've never done, see things you've never seen and go places you've never been. Also consider nearby travel opportunities. Proximity to a region you'd love to explore is a big plus.
So when you are researching posts, keep all this in mind.
Are you surprised I haven't discussed packing and other logistics yet? Honestly they are far less important that what I've covered in these first two posts. But, I will cover that in my next post.
Is there any other aspect of moving internationally that I haven't covered that you would like to know? Just leave a comment and I'd be happy to address it in another post.
The first thing you will want to do is to research the country you'll be moving to, or research several countries to decide which one to choose. An excellent resource for this is Real Post Reports from Tales from a Small Planet (http://www.talesmag.com, it's worth registering for). You can look up each city and read what expats who have lived there thought about it. I'm sure there are loads of other expat resources, websites and blogs.
But take each report with a huge grain of salt, because each person's experience depends on their perspective.
For example, a single man will have a much different experience in Moscow than a married mom of young children.
Additionally, whether a person likes the post or not depends on what they like in general. If someone enjoys the countryside and fresh air, their review of a large urban post is likely to be at least somewhat negative. Keep in mind what you enjoy when considering a post.
And, it's all relative. If someone just moved to a less-developed post after a relatively luxurious one, they are less likely to enjoy it than someone else who considers it a step up from where they were before.
Things to seriously consider: personal safety and crime, health issues and medical care available, cost of living, availability of good schools (if you have school-age children) and availability of good food and products. Everyone has their own comfort level and threshold of tolerance. Talk honestly with your partner about what is acceptable and what absolutely is not. Do you mind taking malaria prevention medicine for two or more years? What about making your kids take it? Are you willing to homeschool if the school is inadequate? Do you feel comfortable with substandard medical care in-country?
When I lived in a country with a severe lack of decent medical care, the constant worry among all the parents was that our children would become ill or injured. One woman summed it up well when she said, "I've chosen this lifestyle, but my children haven't." We were all very aware of subjecting our children to potentially less-than-safe conditions in a situation they did not choose. There were things we enjoyed about living there, but we were grateful to leave safe and healthy.
Also make sure to find things you might enjoy in the country. If you love skiing, the beach, forests or city life, look for places where you can enjoy your hobbies. But don't overlook the chance to try something new. This is your opportunity to try things you've never done, see things you've never seen and go places you've never been. Also consider nearby travel opportunities. Proximity to a region you'd love to explore is a big plus.
So when you are researching posts, keep all this in mind.
Are you surprised I haven't discussed packing and other logistics yet? Honestly they are far less important that what I've covered in these first two posts. But, I will cover that in my next post.
Is there any other aspect of moving internationally that I haven't covered that you would like to know? Just leave a comment and I'd be happy to address it in another post.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Moving Internationally: Some Advice
Several people have asked me to write a post on moving internationally. Now that things are starting to calm down after my move from Indonesia to Scotland just a week and a half ago, I have some time to write some advice for anyone who is preparing for an international move.
I have moved overseas under a variety of circumstances and with varying levels of support and choice.
My first international move was from the US to Nepal as a Peace Corps volunteer, where there was loads of support but little choice in where I lived, and the living conditions were primitive (which you expect as a Peace Corps volunteer, of course, because that's the point).
Later, my family and I moved internationally a couple of times when my husband was affiliated with the US embassy, so we lived on American compounds. Again there was loads of support, but absolutely no choice in where we lived as we were in the embassy housing pool and were placed in what was available and appropriate for our family size. I found the housing to be excellent and comfortable, but many people (especially trailing spouses) were frustrated by having absolutely no choice in where to live, or even the lack of choice of furniture (which was provided).
We moved to Scotland previously so my husband could do a graduate course, and that time we had no support at all but all the choice in the world. We chose our own house, car, car insurance, school, etc. Despite sharing a common language, it was difficult to figure out how things work in a foreign country and my learning curve was steep.
We moved to Indonesia where my husband worked for a company whose home office is in the US, with local project offices. We had lots of help from the local staff, which was hugely helpful since we speak no Indonesian at all. We had to rent our own house, get a car and choose a school for our kids, which we would not have been able to accomplish without translation assistance.
Now we are back in Scotland, again with no assistance but loads of choice. This time things are easier since I did most of the figuring-out last time. Things are more complicated though as we are trying to buy a house instead of rent like we've done previously. But because we are in the place we love, and chose to come to, our happiness level is much higher than it has been in other circumstances!
Under all of these different situations, I've discovered that the most important tip for personal satisfaction and a level of sanity is to feel like you have some control over your circumstances. This is especially true for trailing spouses (what they call the spouse of the main employee). You are in a foreign country because of your spouse's job, and you might not have much control over where you live (whether that means which country, which city, which area or even which house). Feeling like you have no control over your life leads to a deep level of frustration and discontent. I've experienced it, and I've seen lots of people experience it too.
Another tip, which is the flip side of the lack of choice coin, is to be flexible. If you don't mind what color your curtains or couch are, or aren't frustrated by the lack of American food and products, you'll be much happier than if you have to have things your way.
The happiest expats I knew were the ones who were just happy to be overseas, interested in the country they're in, and up for anything. They kept the big picture in mind and counted everything as a life experience. I always admired these people but, especially after many years overseas with no choices, I wasn't able to reach that level of contentment (until now!).
It helps enormously to learn the local language, and if the alphabet is different learn to read it. If you don't speak the language, you will feel cut off from the country you live in.
Also, if you aren't working, get as involved as you can stand to be. Having someplace to go and people to talk to on a regular basis will make a huge improvement in how you feel.
I know you were expecting some actual tips, like how to research the country you'll be moving to and things like that. To be honest, when you're moving overseas you often don't have much choice in where you are moving so country research is not all that crucial except for you to know what to expect when you get there.
But, in my next post I will give you some tips on researching countries and cities, moving advice and other logistics.
Obviously I could write an entire book on this topic! Is there anything specific you'd like me to cover in my next post?
I have moved overseas under a variety of circumstances and with varying levels of support and choice.
My first international move was from the US to Nepal as a Peace Corps volunteer, where there was loads of support but little choice in where I lived, and the living conditions were primitive (which you expect as a Peace Corps volunteer, of course, because that's the point).
Later, my family and I moved internationally a couple of times when my husband was affiliated with the US embassy, so we lived on American compounds. Again there was loads of support, but absolutely no choice in where we lived as we were in the embassy housing pool and were placed in what was available and appropriate for our family size. I found the housing to be excellent and comfortable, but many people (especially trailing spouses) were frustrated by having absolutely no choice in where to live, or even the lack of choice of furniture (which was provided).
We moved to Scotland previously so my husband could do a graduate course, and that time we had no support at all but all the choice in the world. We chose our own house, car, car insurance, school, etc. Despite sharing a common language, it was difficult to figure out how things work in a foreign country and my learning curve was steep.
We moved to Indonesia where my husband worked for a company whose home office is in the US, with local project offices. We had lots of help from the local staff, which was hugely helpful since we speak no Indonesian at all. We had to rent our own house, get a car and choose a school for our kids, which we would not have been able to accomplish without translation assistance.
Now we are back in Scotland, again with no assistance but loads of choice. This time things are easier since I did most of the figuring-out last time. Things are more complicated though as we are trying to buy a house instead of rent like we've done previously. But because we are in the place we love, and chose to come to, our happiness level is much higher than it has been in other circumstances!
Under all of these different situations, I've discovered that the most important tip for personal satisfaction and a level of sanity is to feel like you have some control over your circumstances. This is especially true for trailing spouses (what they call the spouse of the main employee). You are in a foreign country because of your spouse's job, and you might not have much control over where you live (whether that means which country, which city, which area or even which house). Feeling like you have no control over your life leads to a deep level of frustration and discontent. I've experienced it, and I've seen lots of people experience it too.
Another tip, which is the flip side of the lack of choice coin, is to be flexible. If you don't mind what color your curtains or couch are, or aren't frustrated by the lack of American food and products, you'll be much happier than if you have to have things your way.
The happiest expats I knew were the ones who were just happy to be overseas, interested in the country they're in, and up for anything. They kept the big picture in mind and counted everything as a life experience. I always admired these people but, especially after many years overseas with no choices, I wasn't able to reach that level of contentment (until now!).
It helps enormously to learn the local language, and if the alphabet is different learn to read it. If you don't speak the language, you will feel cut off from the country you live in.
Also, if you aren't working, get as involved as you can stand to be. Having someplace to go and people to talk to on a regular basis will make a huge improvement in how you feel.
I know you were expecting some actual tips, like how to research the country you'll be moving to and things like that. To be honest, when you're moving overseas you often don't have much choice in where you are moving so country research is not all that crucial except for you to know what to expect when you get there.
But, in my next post I will give you some tips on researching countries and cities, moving advice and other logistics.
Obviously I could write an entire book on this topic! Is there anything specific you'd like me to cover in my next post?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Moving Tips
Seems like a lot of people are getting ready to move soon. I am currently preparing for my 24th move in 18 years. As you might imagine, I have some tips.
These tips are not unique by any means, they are just things I have learned the hard way, from experience. I'm sure there are loads of websites with information on how to move. My favorite happens to be Fly Lady's moving tips. She has great advice on prepping your house to sell, and packing tips, among other ideas.
Here's my advice:
1) Start early.
This almost goes without saying but it's so important it's worth saying anyway. Start your preparations as early as you can stand to, the sooner the better. Last-minute moving frenzy is not pretty. I have thrown away some very important things (including my birth certificate) in last-minute frenzies.
2) Make lists, in advance, and schedule your time.
Start writing your lists weeks or even months before you'll need them, so that you can add to them over time as you think of things.
For example, our pack-out situation is complicated: we'll carry our most important things, like papers, with us in our carry-on bags; other things we'll need right away will come with us in our luggage; stuff we'll need soon but not immediately will come in our air freight shipment a couple of weeks after we move; and the rest of our belongings will arrive a couple of months later. So I have lists of what we'll need and when, and where to pack it.
You should make a list of everything you need to change your address with: magazine subscriptions, insurance companies, doctors and dentist offices, utilities for final bills. I'm always astounded at how long my "change address with" list is.
Make lists of packing materials you'll need, and schedule time to go buy them.
Make lists of items to sell or get rid of before you move, then schedule time to have a garage sale or take things to charity.
Schedule time to pack up! You can start packing seldom-used items immediately, to save you time right before you move. If you can do a little packing every day, or block out time on weekends, you'll be able to pack much more effectively.
Your life is already very busy, so you'll need to carve out the time for all of these preparations. Be sure to schedule it in your planner and stick to your schedule so you don't get behind. (See aforementioned last-minute moving frenzy.)
3) Consolidate.
The last time we moved, our kids were both toddlers which meant we were already out of our minds on a daily basis. Luckily for us we had movers come in and pack everything up for us. But when we arrived in our new place and started unpacking the boxes, we discovered they were all a total mess. Each box contained a seemingly random mixture of books, toys, clothes, kids' art supplies, framed photos, you get the idea. This was not the movers' fault at all--they just packed things up like they were supposed to. It was my fault for not organizing things in the first place.
This time, I'm consolidating. Kids' stuff will be gathered up from all over the house into their room, so that all of their stuff is together. Art supplies will go into their own separate boxes. Only books will go into Books boxes. Framed photos will be carefully wrapped and packed in a box together. Clothes will be packed separately in boxes and not mixed in with my bags, shoes, linens and everything else in my closet.
This will make it infinitely easier to unpack and put everything away in our new place.
4) Don't get rid of anything you'll just have to buy again when you get there.
Some people go overboard in the pre-move getting-rid-of. Yes, you should jettison anything you no longer use. But unless you really can no longer stand your couch/ TV/ dishes/ blankets/ whatever, don't chuck it because it will most likely cost a lot more to replace than to move it.
Another thing to think about: just because you haven't used something in a long time doesn't mean you won't need it where you're going. For example, while we've lived here, we haven't used our down comforter at all. But where we're going, we'll need it so I'm definitely not getting rid of it.
Exceptions: cleaning supplies or any other chemicals. You really don't want those leaking during the move or all your carefully-packed belongings will be ruined. Also, pitch your mop and broom, you're probably due for new ones anyway. And for Pete's sake, don't move your toilet brush! You don't want a toilet germ infestation. Just cough up the cash for a new one.
5) Think about what you'll need immediately in your new place.
Fly Lady has a great list of materials you'll need for moving in to your new place. Often I'm so focused on the move-out I forget about what I need for the move-in.
Remember you'll be walking into a totally empty house or apartment. The first thing you'll want to do is clean it. After all, that's somebody else's germs in there. So you'll need cleaning supplies, and and provisions to sustain you while you clean: Lunch. Drinks. Toilet paper. Music.
Once the previous residents' dirt and germs are expelled, your stuff can come in. You'll need scissors or box cutters for opening boxes, so bring those with you (don't pack them in one of your many boxes!!).
If at all possible, get all your furniture inside and set up before you bring in any boxes, so that you have drawers and shelves to put your stuff in/ on.
Before you arrive in your new place, make sure the electricity and water will be on! You don't want to be moving in without lights or flushing toilets.
So there's some things that I've learned about moving. What have I missed? Do you have any moving tips or advice?
These tips are not unique by any means, they are just things I have learned the hard way, from experience. I'm sure there are loads of websites with information on how to move. My favorite happens to be Fly Lady's moving tips. She has great advice on prepping your house to sell, and packing tips, among other ideas.
Here's my advice:
1) Start early.
This almost goes without saying but it's so important it's worth saying anyway. Start your preparations as early as you can stand to, the sooner the better. Last-minute moving frenzy is not pretty. I have thrown away some very important things (including my birth certificate) in last-minute frenzies.
2) Make lists, in advance, and schedule your time.
Start writing your lists weeks or even months before you'll need them, so that you can add to them over time as you think of things.
For example, our pack-out situation is complicated: we'll carry our most important things, like papers, with us in our carry-on bags; other things we'll need right away will come with us in our luggage; stuff we'll need soon but not immediately will come in our air freight shipment a couple of weeks after we move; and the rest of our belongings will arrive a couple of months later. So I have lists of what we'll need and when, and where to pack it.
You should make a list of everything you need to change your address with: magazine subscriptions, insurance companies, doctors and dentist offices, utilities for final bills. I'm always astounded at how long my "change address with" list is.
Make lists of packing materials you'll need, and schedule time to go buy them.
Make lists of items to sell or get rid of before you move, then schedule time to have a garage sale or take things to charity.
Schedule time to pack up! You can start packing seldom-used items immediately, to save you time right before you move. If you can do a little packing every day, or block out time on weekends, you'll be able to pack much more effectively.
Your life is already very busy, so you'll need to carve out the time for all of these preparations. Be sure to schedule it in your planner and stick to your schedule so you don't get behind. (See aforementioned last-minute moving frenzy.)
3) Consolidate.
The last time we moved, our kids were both toddlers which meant we were already out of our minds on a daily basis. Luckily for us we had movers come in and pack everything up for us. But when we arrived in our new place and started unpacking the boxes, we discovered they were all a total mess. Each box contained a seemingly random mixture of books, toys, clothes, kids' art supplies, framed photos, you get the idea. This was not the movers' fault at all--they just packed things up like they were supposed to. It was my fault for not organizing things in the first place.
This time, I'm consolidating. Kids' stuff will be gathered up from all over the house into their room, so that all of their stuff is together. Art supplies will go into their own separate boxes. Only books will go into Books boxes. Framed photos will be carefully wrapped and packed in a box together. Clothes will be packed separately in boxes and not mixed in with my bags, shoes, linens and everything else in my closet.
This will make it infinitely easier to unpack and put everything away in our new place.
4) Don't get rid of anything you'll just have to buy again when you get there.
Some people go overboard in the pre-move getting-rid-of. Yes, you should jettison anything you no longer use. But unless you really can no longer stand your couch/ TV/ dishes/ blankets/ whatever, don't chuck it because it will most likely cost a lot more to replace than to move it.
Another thing to think about: just because you haven't used something in a long time doesn't mean you won't need it where you're going. For example, while we've lived here, we haven't used our down comforter at all. But where we're going, we'll need it so I'm definitely not getting rid of it.
Exceptions: cleaning supplies or any other chemicals. You really don't want those leaking during the move or all your carefully-packed belongings will be ruined. Also, pitch your mop and broom, you're probably due for new ones anyway. And for Pete's sake, don't move your toilet brush! You don't want a toilet germ infestation. Just cough up the cash for a new one.
5) Think about what you'll need immediately in your new place.
Fly Lady has a great list of materials you'll need for moving in to your new place. Often I'm so focused on the move-out I forget about what I need for the move-in.
Remember you'll be walking into a totally empty house or apartment. The first thing you'll want to do is clean it. After all, that's somebody else's germs in there. So you'll need cleaning supplies, and and provisions to sustain you while you clean: Lunch. Drinks. Toilet paper. Music.
Once the previous residents' dirt and germs are expelled, your stuff can come in. You'll need scissors or box cutters for opening boxes, so bring those with you (don't pack them in one of your many boxes!!).
If at all possible, get all your furniture inside and set up before you bring in any boxes, so that you have drawers and shelves to put your stuff in/ on.
Before you arrive in your new place, make sure the electricity and water will be on! You don't want to be moving in without lights or flushing toilets.
So there's some things that I've learned about moving. What have I missed? Do you have any moving tips or advice?
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