Preparing to pick up and move an entire household to another country can be an overwhelming task. But with the right attitude, 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 completely clean house, from the basement to the attic and the garage! Take a critical look at what you have, and decide whether you really want to take it all with you.

Give yourself plenty of time to get your travel documents together before you relocate to another country. It’s going to be a stressful time even if everything goes smoothly, so you don’t want to add to it with time pressure. Three to four months is preferable, especially if you need to get a passport.

For some countries, you may need more documentation to enter the country, like birth certificates or immunization records. It’s a good idea to contact the consulate for the country you’re going to be working in as soon as possible to find out if you do to give you plenty of time to get everything together.

If you are considering an overseas move, it is highly recommended that you make a visit, especially if you are not familiar with the country. Most corporations include at least one pre-move visit in their relocation package to allow you time to survey the country to which you are moving. It’s important to have some idea what you are getting into before making such a commitment.

Chances are you will have to locate a place to live on your own, so allow at least two to three days in your schedule to tour available accommodations. Also, have a few days of your trip to learn about the area because this may be your only chance to become familiar with it before you move. Drive or walk around the city or village looking for services that you will need (hospitals, banks, newsstands, a post office, gas stations, restaurants and supermarkets).

Be sure to visit our relocation blog for more information or to submit a question.