Preparing to pick up and move an entire household to a new
country can be a frightening prospect. It requires some careful
planning and as much time as you can give it, but it is not
without its bright side. This may be the best opportunity
you've ever had to clean house from top to bottom; take a
critical look at what you have, and decide whether you really
want to take it all with you.
You may be influenced by the cost of shipping large quantities.
Some employers place restrictions on the size of household
shipments, either by weight or volume, or by excluding certain
larger items. Before deciding what to include in your household
shipment, it is advisable to check with your employer whether
any such restrictions will apply in your circumstances.
On the other hand, you do not want to strip away everything
that you associate with home, or your new dwelling will not
seem familiar and welcoming.
As with any decision-making, the more information you have
the easier it becomes. If you are making a pre-assignment
trip, this is a good opportunity to do some research: What
is the climate like? It may not be a good idea to take anything
especially valuable or irreplaceable which could be sensitive
to changes in climate. Humidity and temperature may not be
friendly to fine furniture, books, and art. Antiques could
disintegrate in arid locations. How big is your new home
likely to be? Will your large furniture items and appliances
fit? What is the electrical standard? Will your existing
appliances work? Will you be able to purchase household and
other items in your destination country? If not, is there
anything you should purchase before you leave home and include
in your shipment? If you know the length of your assignment
and have some expectation of whether you will return home
or move on to a new country, this will also help you decide
whether you can manage without some things for a while, or
whether you should take them with you. Find out whether there
may be import restrictions or high duties applied to expensive
furniture and appliances.
There are some further general questions you can keep in
mind as you sort out the essential items to take with you
from those that can safely left behind or disposed of: Do
you really need this to live comfortably abroad? Would it
be better not to take this? If you don't take it, will it
be safe in storage? Do you know where our next move will
be? Will you need this in the future or when you return home?
Remember, you want to make both the move and your life abroad
as uncomplicated as possible. Try not to be overburdened
by nonessential possessions, but keep in mind that you are
creating a home away from home.
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