Guest Blog: Stress-busting travel tips when moving overseas
Spreading your wings to teach overseas is, of course, a hugely exciting time. It also requires lots of detailed planning; otherwise your dream trip could turn into an administrative and logistical nightmare. TIC talks to expert shipping organisation 1StopShip to find out their top recommendations for what’s needed when it comes to the practicalities of moving:
Redirect mail
One problem many people have when relocating abroad is the struggle to receive mail at their new foreign address. While many imagine it's a tough task for mail to be forwarded to another country, it's actually relatively simple to arrange. The Post Office offer a Royal Mail redirection service to any other UK or overseas address and, upon submitting an application, they aim to have your service up-and-running within five working days. With redirection services starting from just £24.99, moving abroad doesn't mean missing out on your important mail.
Storage
Another thing to think about before moving abroad is finding a suitable place to put all your stuff. That’s where storage services come in, which are generally cheap, secure, and conveniently located. Relocating to a new country is also the chance to starting afresh and escape any hoarding tendencies you might have! So, have a big clear out, go to a car boot sale, put any essential items into storage, and only take the things with you that will be absolute necessities when it comes to setting up in your new home.
Shipping and packing
For those items that you truly can't be without, you'll need a quick and easy way of transporting your essentials. That’s where services like 1StopShip come in; a specialised shipping service that is particularly useful for anyone wishing to transport smaller shipments to popular overseas destinations such as Australia, Asia or America. The service is also good for those who don’t want a time-consuming quote, as it can all be booked online with prices starting from £99. A word of warning – if you are sending things overseas, make sure you properly pack and protect them to minimise the risk of any damage.
Tie up loose ends
As obvious as it sounds, tying up loose ends is a really important stage of moving overseas. So that means informing friends and family of your trip and providing them with your new address to avoid any confusion. Make sure that all of your home service providers have been notified, such as telephone, internet and television, and also make sure your finances are in order ahead of your big move. The last thing you need is to miss any credit card payments or forget to cancel any direct debits. If you’re not going to be driving your car for a while then you will probably need to make a SORN declaration too.
Get the TIC App
And don’t forget to get the free TIC App for your phone. This will keep you in touch with TIC throughout your time overseas. You’ll have TIC contact details always to hand, advice from other teachers living and working internationally, and news of jobs in other great countries as and when your contract ends. It’s an easy, free and quick way to keep in touch with TIC at all times.
For more information about 1StopShip visit their website at www.1stopship.com or visit them on facebook at www.facebook.com/1stopship
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Owen Richards
Owen works in media relations and marketing. His main focus is working with the press on features about teachers who have moved overseas to teach internationally.
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