• Don’t leave packing to the last minute
• Research exchange rates
• Prepare your children and teenagers for the move

Prepare your home for the sale

Make any necessary repairs and call in professional cleaners before placing your property on the market. Buyers are very sensitive to detail, and the slight improvement can increase your home’s selling price dramatically.

Invest in the best home inspection possible

Conducting a thorough home inspection will protect you when buying and selling a house. Inspection fees can be negotiated between the buyer and the seller.

Don’t leave packing to the last minute

Organisation is the key to a stress-free move. Pack items that you do not use on a regular basis as soon as you can. Write itemised lists of everything each box contains.

Arrange temporary accommodation before moving

Arrange for appropriate and well-suited temporary accommodation at destination before your move to ensure that you are comfortable while waiting for your new home to be available.

Consider the location of your children’s school when choosing a home

Living close to the school(s) you have chosen for your children will make adjusting to new routines much easier for the whole family.

Research exchange rates

It is a good idea to research the exchange rate in your new home, as well as the cost of living. This will help you manage your finances better, which will be one less challenge to worry about while you are settling down.

Use your contacts to find a job for your spouse

If your spouse is having difficulty starting a new career in the host country, speak to your business contacts and other people you meet, as they may offer useful advice or know of job vacancies. Forming relationships with people in your host country will give you the edge in helping your husband or wife find work.

Keep the school year in mind

It is much easier for children to adapt to a new school at the beginning of the school year with other children. Keeping this in mind when planning your move will go a long way in helping your children to adjust, especially with making new friends.

Prepare your children and teenagers for the move

Read about: how to move with children.

Cope with culture shock

Remember that all expatriates face culture shocks to varying degrees. Be alert to the fact that you are going to enter a completely different environment.

Read about: countering culture shock.

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• Before the Moving Day
• Upon Arrival

Before the Moving Day

Communicate
Discussing the move with your children and everything you know about the move is important. Encourage them to talk about it and to ask questions. Show them that you are positive about the move; it will help them to feel more relaxed and excited.

Involve them in the preparation for the move
Include your kids in the different stages of the moving process. They can join the family as you choose your new home, and help pack their own boxes. This will help reduce their anxiety and fear of the unknown.

Research about the new country
Help your young kids learn all they can about the new home country and city. Look for exciting activities to do together as a family such as zoos, parks, museums, festivals.

Are you moving in the middle of the academic year?
If you move with kids in the middle of the academic year, contact the new school before the move and speak to them about the curriculum. Some subjects may not be covered in the old school or there may be vast differences in the way the two schools operate.

The more you know about the new school, the better you can prepare your child for it, thereby making him/her more comfortable.

Look for Clubs and Organisations
Look for local clubs and organisations which your children can join after the move. This will help them to make friends and to adjust a little more easily.

Keep their old toys
Keep your children’s old toys and favorite games. These may help them throughout the transition to their new home country.

Do they understand the differences between the two countries?
If you are moving to an area that is very different from your home town or country make sure that your child is aware of and understands these differences.

Take them to their favorite places
Before the move, take your children to their favorite places, parks and playgrounds and remember to take photos.

Make a scrapbook
Help your kids to make a scrapbook with photos of their former home, school, friends and favorite places.

Friends are important
Encourage them to maintain contact with their friends.

Give them an old fashioned address book to record their friends’ addresses and other contact information.

Have one box per child
Just before the move, pack your children’s favorite toys, snacks, books, etc. into their own boxes. Keep these handy during the move.

Upon Arrival

Maintain their routines
The move will disrupt you and your baby or toddler’s routines, but try to maintain theirs as far as possible. It will help them cope with the change.

Look out for problem areas in your new home
Are there accident-prone areas in the new house? Check for obstructions and other accident-prone areas in your new home. Find out about solutions to provide you with peace of mind.

Give responsibilities to your children
Let your kids unpack their own boxes and decide upon the arrangement and decoration of their own rooms.

Are your children’s rooms in order?
Ensure that your children’s rooms are in order before concentrating on the rest of the house.

Keep an eye on them after the move
Spend as much time as you can with your children after the move and keep an eye on their school performance. Show interest in their school and friends. Meet the teachers and accompany your children to school.

Give them time
Although some children adjust at different paces, teachers usually expect children to feel comfortable in their new school after six weeks. So give your children time to settle in first.

Finally, the key to overcoming any challenges when moving with children is to make the move fun!

References:

• “Expert expatriate : Your guide to successful relocation abroad, moving, living, thriving”
  by Melissa Brayer and Patricia Linderman
• www.about.com
• www.parenthood.com

Readings:

• “Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds”
  by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken
• “Club Expat: A Teenager’s Guide to Moving Overseas”
  by Aniket and Akash Shah

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Expat Adjustment Phases

Honeymoon phase

During the honeymoon phase, newly arrived expatriates are excited about their new surroundings and are eager to explore. They are very positive about their relocation.

Negotiation phase

Description:

After a few weeks in their new country, expatriates usually experience homesickness. Simple day-to-day tasks, such as taking transportation, going shopping, or attending school meetings can become a challenge in a different environment. This is sometimes exacerbated by language barriers. These are challenges that locals may not be able to understand, and they may be seen by expatriates as being insensitive or unsympathetic people.

Stereotypes:

The negotiation phase is the stage in which expatriates are most likely to create stereotypes. Stereotyping may help the ego of someone suffering from severe culture shock, but it won’t help you adapt.

Attitude – a factor of success:

A good attitude is essential for a good expatriation experience. Frustration leads to aggressiveness and roughness towards others. Locals, in turn, behave the same way or ignore the expatriate, further increasing stereotypes and frustration. Expatriates who overcome this step are usually successful in their expatriation, those who do not, may leave the host country earlier than expected. 

Three types of reactions:

• Rejecters: Some expatriates find adapting to a new country and its culture to be particularly difficult. They tend to isolate themselves from the host country, which they perceive as hostile, and believe that returning home is the only way for them to be comfortable with their surroundings again.
• Adopters: These are expatriates who embrace their host culture and country completely and lose their original identity. They usually choose to stay in the host country forever.
• Cosmopolitans: They see their host country and culture positively and manage to adapt while keeping their original identity. They create a life that contains enjoyable elements from each culture and usually have no problem returning to their home country or relocating elsewhere.

Adjustment phase

Six to twelve months after arriving in their host country, expatriates usually begin to grow accustomed to their new home and know what to expect from their surroundings. Daily activities become routine, and the customs of the host country are accepted as an alternative way of life.

At this stage, expatriates can communicate more freely with the locals. The previously hostile country has now become a place they can learn from and enrich their lives. Once expatriates have reached this stage, the longer they remain in the host country, the more unique their experience will be.

7 Ways to Make the Move Easier

There are certain steps you can take to minimise culture shock and homesickness, and to ensure a smooth and successful relocation.

1. Do your Research
The first step in adapting to a new country is to research and learn about the culture, customs, and language. This will help you better understand the way of life in your new home and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Before moving, take time to read about the country’s history, traditions and norms, as well as the legal requirements, such as visas and work permits. You can also join expat forums and connect with locals to get a better understanding of the culture.

2. Learn the Language

Learning the local language can also make a huge difference in your ability to adapt. Take language classes or immerse yourself in the language by listening to music, watching TV shows, and speaking with locals. Even if you only learn the basics, locals will appreciate your efforts and it can go a long way in building relationships. Consider learning phrases that you will need to communicate with people you are likely to meet on a day-to-basis. For example, transport staff (taxi or bus drivers), shopkeepers, bank tellers, rental agents, and health practitioners.
Language apps, like Duolingo and Babbel are a convenient way to master the essentials before you even arrive. The Mondly app is great for learning specific phrases.

3. Build a support system

Joining local groups and clubs, attending cultural events, and making an effort to connect with other expats will help you to build a social network. This can help you feel more at home and ease any feelings of loneliness or isolation.

4. Stay connected with family and friends

Regular contact with loved ones back home can help ease the transition and reduce feelings of homesickness. With technology, it is easier than ever to keep in touch through video calls and social media. However, it is important to also make an effort to connect with people in your new country and to build some local relationships.

5. Explore your new surroundings

Getting out and about is a great way to get to know your new country and build a sense of familiarity. Take time to explore your new city or town, visit local landmarks, and try new foods. This can be a fun and exciting way to adapt to your new surroundings.

6. Be gentle with yourself

It is important to remember that adapting to a new country takes time. Don’t expect to feel at home right away. Give yourself time to adjust and don’t be too hard on yourself if you experience culture shock or homesickness. With patience, an open mind, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can build a new life and make the most of your expat experience.

7. Use a Reputable Removal Company
When moving long distance, a reputable removal company can help make the process smoother and more efficient. Removal companies have access to specialised equipment and tools that can make the moving process much easier. They can also save you time by packing and unpacking your items, as well as transporting them to your new home. Additionally, most reputable removal companies offer insurance to protect your belongings during the move. This can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you are financially protected in the event of damage or loss.

For a seamless and stress-free transition to your new home abroad, contact AGS Movers for your free quote today!

Resources:

• “Expert expatriate: Your guide to successful relocation abroad, moving, living, thriving” by Melissa Brayer and Patricia Linderman
• “Breaking through culture shock: What you need to succeed in international business” by Elisabeth Marx

Do not hesitate to contact us, should you require more information about our insurance policy.

• How Should I Value my Goods?
• Car Insurance pay-out if lost/damaged
• Storage Coverage Extension
• Claiming from your insurance
• Main Exclusions

How should I value my goods?

Valuing your goods and completing your inventory is an important step of your move, ensuring your goods are well covered.

Every item you intend to move should be covered
Moving companies, in general, require that all household goods and other items appears on the inventory list in order to be insured. Note that insurers usually calculate their risks and premiums based on the entire value of goods moved by all their clients.

Purchase value of the goods at destination
Remember to value and insure your effects at the replacement value at destination, i.e. what it would cost to replace the item in the country you are moving to. If required, you will have to repair or replace the item in your new country. We strongly recommend that you research the cost of living in your country of destination, using travel guides or websites.

Do not undervalue your shipment
Your insurer will refund you according to the value of your shipment/item. For this reason we recommend that you do not undervalue your shipment. If you have to submit a claim, insurers will only reimburse you according to the declared value on your inventory and the proportion of the damage. Undervaluing your goods will result in insufficient compensation to cover the cost of repair or replacement of these items.

Provide as much detail as possible
The inventory is usually used by moving companies to list items to be moved and insured. List each item as well as their quantity and price.

Declare your high value items
Ensure that you have as much written information about your high value items (items valued at EUR 20,000.00 or more for instance) as possible. The underwriters of your moving company may require proof of ownership and/or value of such items. Make sure you photograph these items, print them in color, date and sign the prints and add them to your inventory. For items of high value, you can never take too many precautions.

Car Insurance pay-out if lost/damaged

In case of damage to or loss of vehicles, insurers usually apply a reduction to the amount paid out, calculated according to the age and mileage of the vehicle.

Storage Coverage Extension

The policy cover will be outlined by your removals company. Some moving companies offers to insure their clients’ goods from collection to delivery whilst others only insure goods while in storage. If you need comprehensive coverage for secure storage before or after transit, you may need a separate insurance coverage. Ensure that you establish the insurance policy of your specific movers.

Claiming from your insurance

This will depend on the insurance policy of the chosen removals company. Ensure that you know what the procedure is in the event of a claim for goods that have been lost or damaged in transit. Here are some points that you will need to clarify with your moving company:

• The time allowed for you to notify your mover of any damage, from the day of delivery
• The information that you need to provide when giving notice
• When you need to make your claim, what it must include and how it should be notified (i.e. registered mail, e-mail, normal mail)
• Any other information/paperwork that will be required

Main Exclusions

Removals companies do not usually cover goods which fall under the following risk criteria:

Consequential loss
Consequential losses (i.e. resulting losses) arising from the delay in delivery may not be covered, and loss of value and depreciation due to damage and/or after repair may be excluded from cover. Ensure that you clarify this with your removals company.

Owner packed goods
Items packed by the owner without inspection by the mover before the carton box is sealed, are classified as “Packed by Owner” (abbreviated as U20 or PBO). Movers usually exclude cover to items which are damaged or lost in owner-packed-cartons. If you wish to be covered, allow your removals company to pack or repack all items.

Get moving insurance for your goods.

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