Moving overseas is an exciting adventure. You’ve packed your bags, booked your flight, and maybe even started Duolingo to tackle the local language (or at least learn how to order coffee). But have you thought about your digital life? Trust me, digital chaos can be just as stressful as forgetting your toothbrush or showing up at the airport without your passport. Here are important tips, with a few cautionary tales, to ensure your digital life is as ready as you are!

1. Check that your phone is unlocked (Before You Need to Make a Call and Can’t)

So, you’ve landed in your new country, and the first thing you need to do is make a call. But surprise! Your phone is locked tight, and it won’t accept a foreign SIM card. Now, you’re frantically searching for a Wi-Fi signal like it’s a treasure map. Avoid this nightmare by unlocking your phone before you leave. Call your mobile provider, tell them you’re about to become an international superstar, and unlock that baby so it’ll work with a SIM card from your new country.

2. Use an eSIM or Dual SIM for a Smooth Transition

Uninterrupted mobile connectivity in the early days of an international move is essential. That’s where eSIMs and Dual SIM options come in handy. If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can activate a local plan in your new country without the hassle of physical SIM cards. Simply purchase an eSIM plan online, scan the QR code, and voila—you’re connected.

If you have a Dual SIM phone, you’re in luck. Use one slot for your home-country SIM and the other for a local SIM card. This setup allows you to maintain communication with old contacts while embracing your new environment seamlessly. Before your move, check with your mobile provider to ensure your phone is eSIM or Dual SIM compatible, and explore prepaid or affordable plans in your destination country. No more juggling two phones or missing crucial notifications during the transition.

3. Download Useful Apps for Your New Country

Of course, you can download apps when you get there, but trust me, you’ll be too busy deciphering local grocery labels to remember that you need a taxi app. Here’s your pre-move checklist: download your new location’s favorite public transportation apps,  a translation app (you know you can use your phones camera and the translation app to translate a whole page in real time – nice when you’re hungry), a navigation app, and a currency converter app. Oh, and banking apps. Because nothing screams “I’m not in Kansas anymore” like trying to search “nearest ATM” in a language you don’t speak.

4. Update Your Play Store or App Store—Or Get Ready to Scream

While you may have successfully added country specific apps while traveling in the past, you don’t want to learn the hard way that if the Play Store/App Store thinks you still live in Buffalo, you won’t be able to access apps in Amsterdam that are meant for residents – thinking of you Post NL! So be sure to update your app store’s country settings after an international relocation.

But not so fast! If you use Google Pay or Apple Pay, you may need to update those first. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in a weird limbo where your phone can’t decide which country you’re in, and no one gets paid. Also, if you love playing games or streaming, some apps may disappear or act strangely due to regional restrictions. Get this done before you’re dealing with this at 2 AM after a jet-lagged breakdown.

Heads up – you can only change your country/region for Google Play once, annually. Check if you must cancel subscriptions or spend any account balance before you make the change.

5. Do Detective Work on Banking Fees using credit or debit cards

Here’s the deal: Banks love charging hidden fees for foreign transactions. And by “love,” I mean they love taking your money while you’re blissfully unaware. Before you move, do some detective work. Ask your bank about international fees, exchange rate markups, and the mysterious “foreign transaction fees” that sneak into your life like a bad ex. Spoiler: they won’t volunteer this info—you’ll need to drag it out of them.

6. Get a Foreign Exchange Card Like Revolut or Wise

While you’re waiting to set up your local bank account, having a foreign exchange card can be a lifesaver. Cards like Revolut or Wise let you hold and exchange multiple currencies, often at better rates than banks and with better transparency.

If you have an existing account, once you have moved be sure to update your account details, with your new address prior to ordering a card – this way you’ll be sure to get a card that works in your new country. Consider a virtual debit card that can be added to your mobile wallet. Unlike physical cards, virtual cards cannot be lost or stolen. Moreover, you can instantly freeze or cancel a virtual card.

7. Prepare for Two-Factor Identification Fun

Nothing says, “Welcome to your new country!” like getting locked out of your bank account because your old phone number doesn’t work anymore. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is great—until it’s sending codes to a number that’s 8,000 miles away. Before you hop on that plane, make sure your accounts (banking, email, social media) are set to use a method that will actually work overseas. This could be email verification or an authentication app like Google Authenticator. Trust me, it’s better than texting your mom at 3 AM begging her to check your texts. Which brings us to…

8. Consider giving someone you trust Power of Attorney for Your Bank (Seriously)

If there’s one thing worse than being stuck on hold with your bank for 45 minutes, it’s being told that you need to visit a branch in person to complete a transfer. Yes, that’s a thing—just ask me. Even though it is 2025, I needed to give someone power of attorney (POA) in Canada because my bank there only allows transfers in person. So if that’s the case for you and getting on an airplane to go to the bank doesn’t sound fun, find someone you trust in your home country (preferably someone who won’t drain your life savings) and give them POA. It’s like having a financial lifeline, minus the melodramatic music.

9. Avoid Digital Identity Crises: Update contact details for your online accounts

When you make your international debut, update all your digital accounts with your new contact details. Email address, phone number, address—everything. Your bank, your Netflix account, your Amazon account, your mom’s password reminder list that she still can’t remember. If not, you’ll be locked out faster than you can say, “I swear that’s the right password.” Plus, having outdated info on file is a great way to make sure all your packages end up… somewhere.

And while you’re at it – consider a password manager – you will be amazed at how many online accounts you have. Set up and try out the password manager before you go, no need to add to your post move learning curve!

10. WhatsApp: New Country, New Number, No Worries

Changing your WhatsApp number is quick and keeps all your chats, groups, and settings intact. When you switch, WhatsApp moves everything to your new number and deletes the old account.  Group chats? Automatically notified. Individual contacts? Before switching, give your contacts a heads-up and remind them to update their address books. Notify them in advance so they don’t block your new number in error. Blocked contacts? Still blocked and blissfully unaware.

To change your number, go to WhatsApp settings, tap ‘Account,’ hit ‘Change Number,’ and follow the steps while your old number is still active. Snap—you’re back in the chat with no interruptions.

Say goodbye to your old account, as it gets deleted automatically; your contacts won’t see your previous number in their WhatsApp lists anymore (good thing you already let them know your new number).

11. Digitize Photos and Documents (Because Paper is So Last Century)

Physical documents are so 1995. Before your move, scan and digitize all the important paperwork. This includes your passport, visa, driver’s license, medical records, and—most importantly—your favorite photo of your dog. For bonus points, upload everything to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) so you’re never scrambling to find them. You might also want to digitize your lease, vaccination records, and tax documents because “Oh no, I forgot my birth certificate” is not how you want to kick off your new life.

12. Back-Up EVERYTHING

Yes, I mean everything. Your photos, your documents, your contacts, that embarrassing video of you trying to say “hello” in your new country’s language. Murphy’s Law states that if you don’t back it up, your laptop will die a fiery death at the worst possible moment. So, grab an external hard drive, or better yet, upload everything to the cloud. Then, when you realize you can’t find that crucial document you need to get a local SIM card, you’ll be able to calmly retrieve it instead of cursing at your luggage.

Moving abroad is an adventure, but your digital life doesn’t have to be a chaotic mess. With these tips, you’ll have everything organized, up-to-date, and ready for your international debut—whether that’s ordering your first legal beer in Germany or figuring out how to avoid a surprise bank fee in Tokyo. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Safe travels, digital nomad!

So, you are making an international move? Congrats! You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime—filled with thrilling cultural experiences, new friends, and the inevitable “Wait, why did I pack this?” moment. Moving internationally is exciting, but prepping for it? That takes a bit of planning. Don’t worry; I’ve been there, done that, and even found myself cursing at a bubble-wrapped lamp that was useless in a country with a different voltage. To help you avoid similar fiascos, here’s fundamental organizing advice for the soon-to-be expat. Grab your passport (and maybe a cocktail), and let’s dive into the chaos!

How much to pack for moving overseas? Only take it if you love it or need it!

1. How much to pack for moving overseas? Less, just less.

Channel your inner Marie Kondo—but with the intensity of a contestant on Survivor. Time to decide: Does this object spark joy, or will it spark a fire in an incompatible electrical outlet? Ruthlessly go through your belongings. If it hasn’t been used in a very long time or it makes you ask, “What was I thinking?” it’s time to part ways. Moving overseas is a crash course in minimalism. Focus on the stuff that matters—essentials like your favorite coffee mug or a certain blanket might bring you joy and should get packed, but don’t assume everything should go. Take the time to weed out things you don’t love or need. Your new life is waiting, and trust me, it doesn’t need a broken food processor to feel complete.

2. Your Documents Deserve VIP Treatment

Treat your important papers like they’re Beyoncé—they need their own flashy, attention-grabbing holder. Imagine standing at the airport counter, passport in one hand, your pet’s rabies certificate in the other, and realizing your visa is still in that box labeled “Miscellaneous.” Don’t let this be you. Get a neon-colored folder, slap some stickers on it if necessary, and guard it with your life. Electronic copies are also your new best friends—because nothing says “fun” like explaining to a immigration agent that your work visa is somewhere in a shipping container… at sea.

3. The Three Magic Words: Sell, Donate, Recycle

After decluttering, you’re left with three options: sell it, donate it, or trash it. That IKEA lamp? Sell it Those jeans you thought would fit again someday? Donate them. And that pile of mysterious cables? Recycle, immediately. Just remember that your hair straightener may not survive foreign voltage, no matter how many adapters you throw at it. Let it go, Elsa.

Bonus tip – place your non-joy sparking items in front of your home (weather and location permitting) on a weekend with a sign welcoming your neighbors to take them for free. Any items not gone in 6 hours should be taken back inside – you will have a lot less stuff to haul to the thrift shop!  And your neighbors get to keep a nice memory of you.

4. Digitize and Backup Photos

Moving internationally is also a perfect time to streamline sentimental items like photo albums. Removing photos from bulky albums and digitizing them can save space and help preserve memories safely. Scanning photos may feel like a tedious task, but it’s worth it for both space-saving and sentimental reasons. Digitized photos can be easily shared with family and are less vulnerable to physical damage. For added security, back up your photos on cloud storage and an external hard drive.

Bonus tip – If you’d rather avoid this meticulous work, consider outsourcing to a professional photo digitizing service that can safely and efficiently preserve your memories.

5. Make use of your luggage allowance

When selecting a shipping option, consider your budget and the volume of items. Sea freight is cost-effective for larger items but takes longer, while air freight offers faster delivery for smaller, essential belongings. It is, generally, excellent value to maximize your luggage allowance because (assuming your luggage doesn’t get lost) you will have access to the contents right away. So, yes, indulge in a bit of extra comfort for your arrival and tuck your favorite pillow into the giant suitcase. Oh, and maybe buy a couple of luggage tracking devices, they can add emotional comfort at a chaotic time.

6. Prioritize Essentials for your First Days

Pack a separate “survival suitcase” with your essentials, because waiting for your shipping container is like waiting for a sequel to your favorite book—you’re not sure when it’s coming, but you really want it. Pack essentials, like your flashy important documents folder, key clothing items, and daily-use electronics,  in the suitcase you will take with you so that you’ll have easy access to what you need right away. Consider purchasing power adapters in advance in your home country and add them to the bag, to ensure your electronics will work immediately in your new location—these can be more expensive or harder to find once you’ve moved.

7. Take care of yourself

When packing toiletries and medications, you will want extras to give yourself plenty of time to get prescriptions refilled or find over the counter equivalents in your new country. Note that the potency of medications may decrease over time – so there is a limit to what how much it makes sense to bring.   Feel free to pack special snacks from home for emotional comfort. Unpacking goes a lot smoother when fueled by chocolate.

8. Stay Flexible, Like a Yoga Master

No matter how organized you are, something will go wrong. Maybe your beloved couch doesn’t fit through the door, or your overseas shipment is stuck in customs for what feels like 87 years. Embrace the chaos and roll with it. After all, the best travel stories come from the things that didn’t go according to plan. Just remember to laugh (or cry—that helps too).

9. Ask for Help (No, Really)

Need to know if your U.S. hair dryer will work in Japan? Don’t guess—ask someone who knows! It’s tempting to internet search everything, but sometimes a human touch is best. Join expat groups, call a local, or do what I did: phone a random expat group in your destination country and ask the most obscure question possible. Who knew the American Club in Singapore had all the answers about voltage and hertz?

Or consolidate your efforts and hire a professional organizer who offers organizing services for expats/internationals, to guide you through the process. Many professional organizers are available virtually. Help is at hand.

10. Cherish the Experience, Not the Stuff

At the end of the day, moving abroad is about collecting memories, not things. Your ugly sweater collection doesn’t hold a candle to the new friendships, sights, and weird-but-wonderful foods you’ll encounter. Sure, there’s a learning curve (and maybe a few disasters), but trust me: when you look back, anything that goes wrong will become your most entertaining story and you’ll mostly remember the adventure.

So go ahead, expat adventurer—pack smart, embrace the chaos, and remember: your international move might be wild, but it’ll also the opportunity of a lifetime. Safe travels!

As a busy professional, your time at home is precious. Between work, travel, and the demands of everyday life, finding moments to relax with loved ones can feel like a luxury. So why not give yourself and your family the gift of a home that truly supports rest, connection, and joy?

By partnering with a professional organizer (opruimcoach), you can turn your space into a clutter-free haven that supports rest, joy, and sustainability. For professionals based in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and the surrounding areas, this is the ultimate staycation upgrade—and the perfect eco-friendly gift for yourself and your family.

For those always on the go, returning to an organized, peaceful home can feel like stepping into a sanctuary. Here’s how decluttering and organizing can enhance your life:

This holiday season, make your home a place of calm, clarity, and connection. Whether you’re looking to tackle the project solo or with the expert guidance of a professional organizer, it’s a great time to create a space that truly supports your busy life.

If you’re in Amsterdam, Haarlem, Rotterdam, The Hague or the surrounding areas, professional organizer / opruimcoach Sheila Carroll can help you achieve lasting results. Go to sparkjoyeurope.com to book a free consultation and begin your journey to a clutter-free, sustainable, and joyful home.

Because when your home sparks joy, every day feels like a vacation

From Classroom Chaos to Daily Bliss

The day I stepped into a 3rd-grade classroom for my first KonMari project, I heard my dad’s old nickname for school: “the brain factory.” Fitting, right? Instead of conveyor belts you’ve got desks, instead of machinery you’ve got whiteboards and smartboards—and instead of spare parts you’ve got rogue crayons and runaway paperclips.

When the “factory” gets cluttered, efficiency plummets. The KonMari Method gives you a simple, humane blueprint: keep what supports learning and joy, thank and release the rest. These classroom decluttering tips are designed for real-life teachers who want a sustainably organized classroom.

Why Decluttering Your Classroom Before School Starts Matters

An organized classroom doesn’t just look nice — it sets the tone for focus, calm, and easier classroom management. Overstuffed cupboards, crowded shelves, and cluttered flat surfaces can leave you scrambling for supplies, wasting valuable teaching minutes, and feeling mentally drained. Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran educator, these teacher decluttering tips will help you create a classroom that works for you instead of against you.

Before you dive in, become a student yourself. Familiarize yourself with the KonMari Method. At its core, it’s about keeping only what sparks joy and letting go of the rest. For teachers, this might mean holding onto that one trusty stapler but finally saying goodbye to those dusty overhead projector sheets. Borrow The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up from the library and learn the six KonMari tidying principles — they work just as well in a classroom as they do at home.

Recruit a non-judgmental aide, colleague, or small student crew. Pick someone who won’t get sentimental about every poster—and who isn’t allergic to dust.

Organizing your classroom isn’t something you can squeeze into a 15-minute break between lessons. Set aside dedicated time for this mission – think a weekend or a couple of long afternoons with no expected distractions.

Schedule your tidy sessions like you would an important meeting or a much-needed massage, because your future self (and your students) will thank you. Plus, knowing there’s a finish line will help keep you motivated when you’re knee-deep in a pile of laminated posters.

If you’re splitting it up, work by sub-category so you can finish what you start without leaving chaos mid-room.

When you’re ready to tackle the clutter, don’t tiptoe around it – dive in! Be brutal, empty shelves, clear out drawers, and pull out all those materials lurking in dark corners that belong to the category you are working on. Seeing everything laid out at once might be overwhelming (and a little horrifying), but it’s the only way to truly assess what you’re dealing with.

Discard broken/outdated items first; these items don’t serve anybody and when they are gone they free up space to work. Toss the pens with no ink ASAP!

Before you store anything, get discards out of the room. Otherwise, piles will distract you and block your ability to see ideal storage solutions.

Discard First is one of the six KonMari principles; it is highlighted here because most every client I’ve worked with wants to put things away before discards are removed from the space. It is a strong, natural tendency to want to jump ahead to start storing things. The consequence of doing that is that the piles of discards are distracting and diminish your ability to visualize ideal storage solutions.

Classrooms tend to evolve overtime, and when a new item comes into a classroom. It gets stuck in the corner, you know, that it can fit in at that moment. But when you’re doing the KonMari tidy, you have an opportunity to place everything in an ideal location. Getting discards out of the room frees up new and better locations for storing things.

One teacher’s trash is another teacher’s treasure. Before you send excess supplies or books to recycling, see if anyone else in your school could use them. Reach out to your colleagues to see who is interested in your discards, take photos and send them around or set up a “free to a good classroom” table. Adding a “pick-up” deadline to your give-away offers ensures your discards won’t pile up and derail your decluttering process.

Remember, it’s easier to organize a smaller collection of things that you truly need and love than to try to cram everything into an already overcrowded space.

Overcrowded shelves create stress. Aim for storage spaces to be no more than 70% full, leaving breathing room for new materials and making it easier to take things in and out.

Repeat after me: flat surfaces are for working, not storing. Your desk is not the place for random papers, and your tables shouldn’t be buried under craft supplies.

Respect the flat spaces and leave them as empty as possible. A couple of items of decor or tools that you know you need on hand, like a holder for pens or pencils, are fine but otherwise honor that flat space and keep it empty. When those spaces are clear they’re ready for their intended use – whether it’s teaching, grading, or having a place to set your coffee cup. If you can see the surface, you’re winning.

Play fast and loose with the label maker – box, bin, drawer or shelf – it gets a label!

You’ve reevaluated your classroom, the items in it spark joy and you’ve put things away in the most convenient places for you. Now you want to label. Whether it’s a substitute teacher, student or an aide, labeling is going to help everyone who operates in your classroom find what they seek.

Having clear labels not only helps you locate things quickly but also makes it easier for students to put things back where they belong (in theory, anyway). And labeled containers can feel incredibly satisfying – adding a touch of serenity to your day. 

Ready to Transform Your Classroom?

With these classroom decluttering tips, you can go from surviving in a messy “brain factory” to thriving in a space where teaching feels effortless and organized.

I offer virtual workshops that fit perfectly into a professional development day, so your entire school can learn how to Spark Joy together. These sessions give teachers practical tools for creating and maintaining a clutter-free, supportive learning environment — no matter the grade or subject.

If you’re curious, book a free 45-minute consultation. It’s simply a chance for us to discuss your specific needs, answer your questions, and explore whether a classroom tidy workshop would be the right fit for your school.

When I began my career as a professional organizer, I was too enthusiastic. I wanted everyone with clutter to take advantage of my assistance.

In 2016 I was a graduate of one of the first courses offered by Marie Kondo to certify consultants in her KonMari method. I had read The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy and I was delighted to learn Marie Kondo had just started the KonMari Consultant certification program.

I flew down from Canada and stayed at my sister’s home near San Francisco while taking the course. Upon finishing the course, I pitched my sister the idea of organizing and decluttering her entire house – a big ole Tidying Festival, saying – “Hey there are not too many of us (KonMari Consultants) around, you should totally take advantage while I’m here to KonMari your whole house!” What I failed to notice was that my sister had not asked for my help or shown an interest in decluttering. After some persuasion, she agreed only to organize her linen closet. The results were neither magical or life changing, and I headed back home to Vancouver a bit disappointed and frustrated.

Fast forward three years: The same sister, a teacher, called and requested that I come KonMari her third grade classroom. We spent 20+ hours one long weekend decluttering and organizing countless books, papers, pens, art supplies, math manipulatives and binders – the myriad of materials and supplies housed in a third-grade classroom. Organizing around her teaching style and the needs of her students, we worked hard and accomplished a ton. My sister was over the moon with joy and extremely proud of the results.

She reveled in her newly organized classroom inviting colleagues and administrators to tour her space and she received enthusiastic positive feedback. The compliment that most thrilled her was from the custodian who, unsolicited, told her she had the cleanest classroom at school. The school principal, in the process of evaluating my sister’s teaching, had said the only area that she had planned to ask my sister to improve was in the classroom organization. After the tidying festival, when the evaluation came out my sister got a terrific evaluation with high marks the board.

The state of her classroom before our tidying festival had caused her ongoing stress and repeatedly cost her precious time. The organized classroom boosted her confidence and effectiveness in her chosen new career. The decluttering was indeed life changing.

Why the big difference between the two tidying activities I did with my sister? Mainly it was because she was ready to declutter her classroom, having both the awareness of a need for change and the desire to make a change. Awareness and desire are the first two stages of the ADKAR model for change management and provide helpful insight into the timing of hiring a professional organizer.

The ADKAR model is a framework designed to understand the stages individuals go through during any change process. ADKAR stands for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement, and it outlines the five key milestones that individuals must achieve to successfully navigate change. Applying this model to the decision of when to hire a professional organizer can provide a structured approach to assessing readiness and need for professional assistance.

The first step in the ADKAR model is awareness. Whether it’s struggling to find items, feeling overwhelmed by clutter, or experiencing stress due to chaos, individuals must first acknowledge the need for change.

This could manifest as feelings of overwhelm, frustration, or simply an inability to maintain organization despite best efforts. Signs may include cluttered spaces, missed deadlines, or inefficiencies in daily routines.

Once awareness is established, the next step is desire. Individuals must feel motivated to address the issue and committed to making a change.

This could involve recognizing the benefits of organization, such as increased productivity, reduced stress, improved well-being or simply a longing for a more aesthetically pleasing space. Essentially, if you have a genuine desire to get organized you are ready for help from a professional organizer.

With awareness and desire in place, individuals need the knowledge of how to initiate and sustain change. This is where the expertise of a professional organizer becomes invaluable. Professional organizers possess the skills, techniques, and strategies necessary to transform chaotic spaces into organized havens. They provide guidance on decluttering, storage solutions, time management, and creating sustainable systems tailored to individual needs.

While desire and knowledge lay the groundwork, individuals need the ability to implement change. This entails not only the physical act of decluttering and organizing but also the emotional readiness to confront belongings and make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Professional organizers offer hands-on assistance and support throughout the decluttering process, helping individuals build their organizational skills and confidence.

The final step in the ADKAR model is reinforcement. A qualified professional organizer will help an individual store items in a way that supports ongoing order in the home or workplace, so that a tidy environment is easily maintained. And some professional organizers offer “maintenance check ups” for clients that need a reset, if they find they need some reinforcement. Tidying a space completely supports retaining order in any given part of a home or workplace.

The bottom line is that getting organized needs to be YOUR idea, not someone else’s. If you are motivated to get organized, you are ready to hire a professional organizer.

Moving overseas is a life-changing adventure, but let’s face it—packing up your life and organizing for an international relocation can feel overwhelming. As a professional organizer who has navigated this journey (and survived to tell the tale), I’ve learned a few tricks to make the process smoother and less stressful. This guide will help you tackle the logistical puzzle of an international move, so you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter.

Creating a detailed timeline is a sound idea for staying on track. Start planning as early as possible, ideally three to six months before your move. Break tasks into manageable steps, such as decluttering, obtaining documents, and booking movers. Use digital tools like apps or calendars to set deadlines for each step. Staying organized from the outset helps minimize last-minute chaos.

International moves come with high shipping costs, so embrace the opportunity to downsize. Go beyond “love it or need it” by assessing your belongings with an eye toward your destination’s lifestyle and climate. For example:

• Bulky Items: Is your furniture compatible with your new space? Consider selling or donating large pieces that may not fit.
• Seasonal Clothing: If you’re moving to a tropical climate, dramatically cull those winter coats and maybe leave one behind with family or friends for a cold weather visit.
• Electronics: Research voltage compatibility. Sell or donate appliances that won’t work in your destination country, when in doubt let it go.

Pro Tip: Inventory the items you will leave behind in a spreadsheet and share it with local friends and family to see who wants what. Then, host a farewell party with friends and neighbors with leftover items so folks can “shop” for free to take whatever they want. You will have a lot less to drop off at the thrift shop or the recycle center and you will leave them with a special memory of you!

International moves come with paperwork. Avoid panicked searches by creating a dedicated – eyecatching (break out the bedazzaler) folder or envelope for essential documents. Include:

• Passports, visas, and travel insurance policies
• Medical and dental records
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Work contracts or school enrollment documents
• Tax records and financial statements
• Oh yeah, and if you are moving with pets, include Fido and Fifi’s Official Health Certificate and Vaccination records

Backup is Key: Scan all important documents and store them securely in cloud storage or an external hard drive. Nothing drives cortisol levels up faster than not having documents available as you go through immigration.

Efficient packing goes beyond throwing items into boxes. Consider these strategies:

• Label Everything Clearly: Use color-coded labels or number your boxes to identify contents and prioritize unpacking.
• Create an Essentials Kit: Pack a suitcase with items you’ll need during the first week in your new home, including toiletries, basic kitchenware, and a few changes of clothing.
• Photograph Fragile Items: Take photos of valuables and electronics before packing. This helps with insurance claims if damage occurs during transit.

Pro Tip: Save space by rolling clothing instead of folding, and use vacuum-seal bags for bulky items like bedding.

Understanding your shipping options is critical:

• Sea Freight: Ideal for large shipments. It’s cost-effective but can take weeks to months.
• Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Reserve this for smaller, high-priority items.
• Excess Baggage: Airlines often allow additional luggage for a fee—this is a good option for essential or sentimental items.

Insure Your Shipment: Invest in insurance to protect your belongings. Be sure to understand coverage limitations.

Research your destination thoroughly to ensure a seamless transition:

• Home Layout: Obtain measurements of your new space to determine what furniture will fit.
• Local Stores: Identify where you can buy essentials to avoid overpacking items like toiletries or kitchenware.
• Utilities: Arrange for electricity, water, and internet to be set up before your arrival.

Pro Tip: If possible, connect with local expat groups or online communities for insider tips and advice about your new city.

Each country has unique import restrictions. Some items may require special permits or be outright prohibited, such as plants, alcohol, or certain medications. Research customs rules early to avoid fines or confiscations. Keep detailed inventories of your belongings, especially for high-value items.

Fun idea: Host a “Dregs Party” before you leave to say goodbye and enjoy those wines you can’t take with you.

Moving overseas is more than a logistical challenge—it’s an opportunity to redefine your life. By staying organized, proactive, and open to the journey, you’ll set the stage for a smoother transition and more time to enjoy your new surroundings. Treat setbacks as part of the adventure, and focus on what lies ahead: new experiences, friendships, and a fresh start.

Safe travels, future expat!