The Long-Distance Move

Not much has changed in the last five millennia where long distance moves are concerned. Sure, these days we don't have to circle our wagons to shield ourselves from Indian attacks. Instead, we circle bubblewrap around our valuables out of fear that the burly mover might enjoy his midday snack casually sitting on top of the box containing grandmother's ancient soup tureen, passed down for nine generations. But relocating to a new place that is economically different, culturally different, climatically different -- or any other kind of different -- is a shock to the system. It is good to know what can be done to ease into a new location as quickly as possible. Moreover, equipping yourself with a little knowledge and a helpful network may save you a whole heap of money and time, by knowing where to go for this, who to trust for that, and so on.

And so I thought it good to share the following article. Being an international real estate executive and a former temporary resident of the Middle East, India and South Africa, I am very sensitive to the needs of my international clients. It is important to note, however, that domestic moves can be just as difficult as international moves, and of the same reasons. Here is a good article  I found that addresses some of the things you can do to ease into your new environment, whether you are moving her to Texas from Oslo, Ontario, or Oregon.

Advice for Relocating Clients: How to Land on Your Feet After an International Move

By Sharon Harvey Rosenberg and Myscha Theriault

RISMEDIA, November 30, 2010—(MCT)—We arrived on Guam (from a relocation move) with emergency cash, documents and an advanced shipment of necessary belongings. Unfortunately, an 8.2 earthquake destroyed our hotel and damaged the unloading docks, leaving us—at least temporarily—with just a rental car and the clothes on our back. Clearly, it was time to re-evaluate our settling-in strategy.

Even under normal circumstances, unfurling in a new location requires more than just a simple unpacking strategy. Here are our top tips.

Networking: Check out international organizations that offer networking opportunities to global travelers. For example, Hash House Harriers, an international running club formed in the late 1930s, has chapters all over the world, including Guam, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Meetup.com allows individuals of any interest category to connect throughout the United States. In Kuwait, there are both Canadian and American citizens groups, as well as a French language association.

Nora Dunn (www.theprofessionalhobo.com) is a member of Rotary International, a global service organization that not only provides her with immediate opportunities for service, but an instant network of local contacts that are happy to help a newbie. And don't forget university alumni associations, trade groups and other professional organizations, with chapters in the U.S. and abroad.

Infrastructure: During international moves, an ironing board, French press and chairs rank high on our must-have list. Other seasoned travelers, with special needs or diets, ease the pain of relocation by traveling with back-up supplies of medicine, medical equipment and cooking supplies.

During an extended stay in Scotland, Greenland and Iceland, one traveler filled individual Ziploc bags with coffee, spices and other nonperishable food items. The storage bags were stuffed into paper towel tubes and then stashed in her luggage. This strategy created a portable supply of kitchen ingredients.

With that stock, she prepared meals while staying in rented homes in Europe. Donna Frose, an international teacher whose career has taken her to the U.A.E., Singapore, Kuwait and Ecuador, has a different set of priorities. Arriving with one set of bed linens and a pillow, she immediately searches out a couch, membership in the local Canadian Women's League chapter and the nearest diet cola supply.

Routine: New digs mean new routines for everything from banking, grocery shopping and medical care. While living in Paris, we used an informal alumni association to help us find the best deals in entertainment, groceries and clothing. For example, an old college friend provided information about great parties and events, including a poetry reading at an elegant bookstore in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank of Paris.

After moving from New York City to South Beach in Miami, a network of friends and family helped us find affordable housing, supermarkets, health care and restaurants.

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