International Moving Made Easy
International moving is no mean task especially if you are contemplating a move with your family including, pets and children. To avoid any last minute disappointments it is always wise to make a pre-move trip to your country of destination to check out all the minute details which your family might need, details of which are not available either from consular offices or on the internet. There could be many e-guides available which offer broad information and they are excellent as tourist information, but when you are planning to set up a home, exclusive information about holiday resorts and exotic restaurants might not be what you are looking for. While employers usually sponsor this pre-relocation trip for their employees relocating abroad, even if you to pay for this from your pocket, it would be beneficial for the whole family.
Of the two basic needs like food and shelter, you would go for shelter first. Usually employers would provide accommodation for their employees when relocating abroad, but this may not hold true for your employer. Since house-hunting is a time-consuming job in any country, keep at least 2/3 days for touring the available premises. While looking at new homes, the following pointers could be of help:
Is the location of the house convenient from the point of view of its closeness to shopping area, school, recreational park, etc.?
Are there more American families living close by?
Is the house close to the American embassy?
If you have the time, a trip to the local American embassy might help as these people may throw more light on issues of safety, rent and local laws, which would benefit you.
While looking out for a new home, keep in mind your daily habits which you were so used to in the US. For instance, do you have a habit of a daily morning walk? Do you like to go for shopping frequently? Do you like country homes or you like the busy city life? These are important considerations which can make you feel ‘at home’ quickly though you are miles away from the US. Since most cities in the developing countries are relatively small, you could easily find yourself a good house in the suburbs of a busy city which is easily accessible by car. Your next consideration is whether you will be able to drive in and round the city comfortably? If driving is a problem in the area chosen, then enquire about the convenience of public transportation which should be easily accessible from your new home.
The space available in your new home is another important area of concern. Most homes have smaller rooms than what you are used to in the US, so measuring the living area with a tape could be helpful. If you find that the home can not afford to have as many appliances as you normally use, then it is wise not to bring them all the way, only to be kept in storage. Keeping the living area in mind would help you pack your things properly before moving. Also check whether the appliances you use at home can at all be used in the new city, considering the restrictions and specific electrical and voltage requirements.
The information given here is only a small part of pre-relocation trip. There are indeed many more specific aspects, peculiar to your family, which need to be probed further.
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