You’ve been headhunted or you’ve landed your dream job – sounds like good news. The only catch is that taking up your new position means uprooting you and your family and moving to a different city or state. Before you start packing up your life, it’s important to do some work. We’ve outlined five things you need to know.
Know Your Neighbourhood
It takes time to get to know the nuances of a new neighbourhood, so start researching as early on as possible. Feeling comfortable in your new area is the key to a stress-free relocation, so spend a bit of time looking into schools, facilities, restaurants, shopping and local transport options before arriving. Ask as many people as you can for advice because there’s nothing quite like local know-how to point you in the right direction.
Top Tip: Don’t forget to ask about the local weather.
Try Before You Buy
It’s hard to get a proper feel for a place until you’re in-situ, exploring all the nooks and crannies of your new town. If possible, arrange temporary accommodation before choosing a more permanent option and give yourself a bit of time to work out if it’s where you want to be. Before committing to a new stomping ground, make sure you work out your transport options and your potential commute.
Top Tip: Talk to local real estate agents about your options.
Logistics Lowdown
Moving overseas is not without its logistical challenges. Unlike moving locally, you’ll need to contend with tasks like getting a new driver’s licence, discovering a local doctor and connecting utilities in a foreign country all while figuring out local customs. Knowing where to go and who to talk to can make the world of difference when you’re trying to find your feet. Grace Employee Mobility Specialists can use their local network to help you get settled, faster.
Top Tip: Don’t forget to ask your local doctor for a copy of your medical records.
Pack Smart
Packing for the unfamiliar can be tricky. There’s a fine balance between packing for comfort and overpacking. A fresh start can be really liberating and it’s also a great excuse to discover some local gems. If you’re moving with kids, let them pack a special box of things that remind them of ‘home’.
Top Tip: Make a list of items you can’t live without and don’t forget to pack them.
Friends And Family
When you’re single, the decision to uproot your life is a lot less complicated than deciding to move with a family. That’s not to say it’s not an exciting prospect but there’s definitely a lot more to consider, especially if there are kids in the mix. Finding a new school and establishing a community can be challenging if you don’t know where to look. Think of Grace Mobility Specialists as your ears on the ground. With mobility specialists in over 120 countries, Grace has got you covered from Auckland to Zurich and everywhere in between.
