Handy 'On the Move' checklist courtesy of Global Connection | Monday,08 Mar 2010
Our friends at Global Connection have provided us with their special 'On the Move' checklist, compiled on the basis of information from Global Connection members, removal companies, moving specialists and relocation firms. This list is a good tool for the planning and preparation for the move.
In addition, there are a number of specific factors you should take in to account for repatriation:
- If you have rented out your home in your native country, check to verify the date you can terminate the lease contract.
- You might need temporary living space before you can move back into your own home.
- Many expats live in larger houses abroad than they were accustomed to at home. This space is often quickly filled with new belongings. Make sure you check to see whether everything will fit in your new home. If not, when you are packing your belongings, note those items which can go straight into storage.
- Make a list of the local items you would like to take home with you. You still have time to pack these things in the container; before you know it, you'll be home and by the time you realise how great that bamboo garden furniture would have looked on your patio, it will be too late.
- Collect addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses from friends you have made during the posting.
- Try to gather information now from the internet, newspapers, and magazines about the current situation in your native country so that you will not be unpleasantly surprised when you get home.
- Enquire with customers which goods you may import and which are prohibited.
What to do on your return home!
- Seek out contact with other repats. There are repat clubs in most countries.
- Keep up the new language you have learned.
- Give yourself time to adjust. It might take a while before you feel completely at home again.
- For expat partners: if possible, don't go looking for a job or other activities straight away; make sure you have found your feet again first.
- For retirees: don't dive into all sorts of activities or volunteer work straight away. Give yourself the chance to adjust to the fact that you no longer have work time and leisure time, but just 'time'.
- Exercise restraint with your stories about expat life and in particular with complaining about how 'boring' life is at home. For those who have never lived abroad, these stories might be hard to understand.
- Don't forget that you are used to change. You might never have repatriated before, but while abroad, you did learn how to cope with change. You can also put these experiences to good use in your native country.
- Don't mourn too much about what you miss from your old expat life, but instead enjoy the things you missed so much about 'home' while you were on assignment.
For more information, please visit www.global-connection.info or contact Global Connection at info@gcmail.info
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