Relocating Smoothly for a Fresh Start

The hard part is over, you think, and you are about to move to a new destination for the job you have always hoped you will get! You know the hours will be longer and you also know that you have a mountain of work still to do before handing over to your successor but you are ready to take on the challenge! What you have not accounted for is the immensity of the move itself: packing up your things, working out what to take, what to store , what to give to charity, cleaning up your old home, finding new accommodation, sourcing clubs and facilities for leisure time, working through mountains of paperwork! nnLike everything else the key is in planning things ahead of time. If you get the opportunity it is worth taking an orientation trip to the destination city to select areas and accommodation: much of what you take with you will depend on where you are going to live. If you can afford a relocation consultant then they will make this very smooth for you and by taking into consideration your budget, ideal commute time and preferences they can have some excellent options for you when arrive. If this is out of your budget then do your homework on the internet and set up appointments to see properties before you arrive. Allow for the fact that your flight may be late and also that you do not yet know the areas you will be driving to: sometimes it is easier to take public transport on that first trip and this will also help you to make decisions on where you live perhaps based on the ease of getting to work.Make sure that you call the day before to confirm all the appointments.nnIf you are not using a relocation consultant who will have checked things out already then once you have selected an area to live in and a possible new home travel back there in the evening and the early morning. What can seem like a great place at noon can be a haven for would-be musicians in the evening or full of barking dogs in the morning.You may have to fly back for a second trip if you have not found something worthwhile the first time but it may be better than trying to find accommodation while you have an exacting work schedule.nnWhen accommodation is sorted then you will need to start making lists of what will fit into the accommodation. Advertise furniture to sell early and be flexible over when it can be picked up. Make sure you get three quotations from removalists as prices can vary enormously. Start putting aside clothes once you have washed or dry-cleaned them and work on a minimal wardrobe for the lead up time to your departure. Also start eating through your freezer and pantry items and avoid buying too much that is new. Goodwill items are best decided early and sometiomes these can be picked up: be ruthless with things that you have not used or worn in some time.It will cost you to cart them around the world.nnSet up a special hotmail account with all the details youi require for where you are moving to, your doctor, dentist, accountant and other professionals and your friends details. This will be a useful tool for you on arrival.nnThe day before you leave, make sure that you empty the fridge and turn it off with a towel underneath to catch any water that flows out. Keep some paper towel handy as well as some cleaning items.nnIf you are moving to a place with polished boards then you might wish to put felt pads on the legs of your furniture before it is moved and while you are waiting for the packers to finish.nnOnce you have moved in then do a major shop as early as you can with plenty of easy meals. This will save a lot of time that you will find that you do not have.nnAsk questions! People are always happy to help newcomers so make sure that you get advice from the people you are working with! You can save yourself a lot of time by treading the well-trod path!nnAnd know, good luck with your move and throw yourself into your new life!