The countdown is on! With just two months to go until your big move abroad, the excitement is probably bubbling over, but let’s not forget the practicalities. Today’s blog is all about staying organized and making the most of these precious pre-departure weeks.

Packing Cubes: Your New Best Friends!

Invest in packing cubes to efficiently organize your belongings. Start packing non-essential items now, categorizing them by their use. Trust me, a well-organized suitcase will be a lifesaver on arrival day.

Tech Savvy Traveler

Download essential apps for your new country. Translation apps, maps, and currency converters are crucial. Public transportation apps and TripAdvisor for recommendations are also very useful. Don’t forget your airline app and any other services you might use while abroad.

Watch EXPATS TOOLKIT on YouTube 

Expats Toolkit has created a YouTube channel offering real experiences of moving and living abroad. I will share details of how to go about deciding to move, transitioning into a new country, and many other helpful tips to make this process go smoothly.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

Label Everything

Clearly mark all your boxes with your new address and contact information. Keep an inventory list on an Excel spreadsheet identifying what is in each box or suitcase and always keep it with you. This will save you and any movers a lot of headaches.

Double-Check, Triple-Check!

Ensure all travel documents are in order: plane tickets, accommodation bookings, and any necessary transportation passes. Make copies of important documents like passports, visas, and insurance cards, and keep them separate from the originals.

PSST: HERE ARE SOME OTHER YOUTUBE POSTS YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT :

Should I Move Abroad?

Choosing the Perfect Country to Live Abroad

Secrets No One Tells You About Visa and Residency Requirements

Identifying Cultural Differences Before Moving Abroad

What is Expats Toolkit?

The Farewell Tour Begins

Start saying your goodbyes to loved ones. Schedule dinners, drinks, or video calls to cherish these moments and make lasting memories. Let them know how easy it is to stay in touch via WhatsApp and social media apps.

Financial Finesse

Set up any pensions or revenue streams for direct deposit into your new bank account. Research cash limits for your host country and consider setting up a WISE account to easily transfer funds and withdraw local currency with a debit card.

Loose Ends and To-Dos

Double-check all outstanding bills and close any unnecessary accounts. Cancel subscriptions to things you will no longer be receiving and make sure all debts are paid off. Notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be living abroad.

Insurance Shuffle

Before you leave, make sure to cancel your home and auto insurance policies. Contact your insurance providers to notify them of your upcoming move and request cancellations or adjustments to your policies. If you’re keeping your car in storage, you might still need storage insurance. If you’re moving items into a storage unit, ensure that the unit is covered by an insurance policy as well.

Staying Connected

Share your new contact information with anyone who needs to reach you regularly, including friends, family, banks, and other important contacts. You want to make sure they can reach you in case of an emergency. Download WhatsApp to help make staying connected easier.

Moving Day Prep

Confirm all arrangements with your moving company. Double-check details like pick-up date and delivery location. Clarify any details of the move at this point.

Declutter or Store

Decide what to do with your household items. Go through your belongings and categorize them into items to sell, donate, or store. Consider having a garage sale or using online marketplaces to sell items you don’t need. For items you wish to keep but can’t take with you, research storage options.

Packing Pro Tip

Prepare labels and necessary wrapping materials for the final packing push. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home. Use quality packing materials to protect your belongings during the move. Create an inventory list to keep track of everything you’re packing.

Powers to Be

Update your will and power of attorney documents if needed. Consult with a legal professional to ensure your documents are valid in your host country. This is a crucial step to make sure your affairs are in order and that your wishes will be respected in case of an emergency.

Geeze! That’s a lot to tackle, but with these tips and Expats Toolkit by your side, you’ll be a packing and planning pro in no time. Happy adventuring!

If you are looking for more information about moving and living abroad, then visit Expats Toolkit.

If you want to read more, follow me on Facebook or Instagram.

If you are looking to travel and need some tips on places to visit, then follow me, Traveling Lens Photography, on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Happy Adventures!