Expatriating to Live Abroad

Summary: Getting a packing and planning strategy in place to make the move abroad as stressfree as possible for would be expatriates

So, you’ve decided to trade in rainy London days for the sunny sands and surf of Dubai?  Or, maybe you have chosen to move out of Liverpool for the incredible mountains of Bulgaria.  No matter the destination, expatriating to live abroad and moving out of the UK are very big undertakings indeed.  There are some things you as an intended expatriate can do to make the transition go a little more smoothly, and it all starts with the packing...

In this article we’ll look at a packing strategy for upping sticks and moving to a foreign destination.  When leaving the UK is what’s planned, most moves involve the need for over-water shipping (unless you use the Channel Tunnel!).  Making this as affordable as possible is generally a welcomed idea…

The process of packing for an overseas move is typically a step-by-step venture.  The first thing to do before even placing a single object in a crate is to find out what is legal to bring into your country of choice.  Plants, animals and even food products, for example, might not be welcomed going across certain borders.  Once this is done, the real packing can begin.

Step 1:  Sort your belongings.  Go through everything you own and decide what to keep and what doesn’t need to travel with you.  For example, many people choose to give away, sell or donate their furniture before long-distance moves.  It is often more economical to purchase anew rather than ship.  Larger sentimental items can be stored in the UK until you return or for a later shipping date - or you might want to wear the bill up front for a few of these.  Don’t forget to hang on to smaller, meaningful items and important papers and the like.

Most people prefer to have their computer and keyboard shipped as well.  This avoids having to find an English language keyboard in a country where English is rarely spoken BUT you may not be insured for your computer if it travels in a container...check the small print of your removal and shipping contract carefully.  It may make more sense to back everything up onto removable hard drives or even memory sticks.  Everything else, such as crockery, linens and even clothing, can be replaced upon arrival.

Step 2: Get rid of the rubbish. Most people find they have a great many belongings they do not use or even want when they carefully sort for a big move.  Make arrangements for the trash that doesn’t need to be shipped or stored and which isn’t saleable or worth giving away to be removed.

Step 3: Contact a shipping company.  Once you have pared down your items, contact a few shipping companies to get quotes.  After one has been selected, make sure to get packing instructions.  It is possible its representatives might prefer to do the packing for you to ensure proper protection for such a large, long distance move.

Step 4: Reassure yourself.  If you have chosen to get rid of almost everything, now’s a good time to put your mind at ease.  Look online for places to shop once you arrive.  In many countries you’ll find good old Ikea has set up shop - in other locales, similar stores are also waiting.

Expatriating to live abroad is a large undertaking but when the right planning goes into the actual relocation, headaches and expenses are often reduced greatly.

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