Month: March 2020

If you’re moving out of the country, it’s tough to figure out what to do with your cell phone plan. Let’s take a look at how to stay connected to the people you love as you make an international move.

• Talk to your current service provider. While they likely don’t serve every country in the world, most large cell phone service providers do offer some international coverage. They’ll be able to advise you on the plan that makes the most sense for you in your new home. This may require you to get a new phone number and cancel your current service agreement. If you’re set on keeping your current phone number, don’t worry – you may have options.
  
• Check out Google Voice. When you set up an account with Google Voice, your friends and family members in the United States will be able to call your old number and have their calls and data messages forwarded to your device, no matter where you are in the world. Many who are unsure of how long they’ll be away from the U.S. choose to stick with their U.S. number and service plan and use Google Voice while abroad. At $20 a month, this option is reasonably low-cost and convenient.
  
• Another option for people who are moving abroad is to purchase a new SIM card for your phone. This allows your phone to function in your new home. Beware, however – while your phone is the same, your phone number will change.
  
• Go with a temporary fix while you figure out what makes the most sense for you and your family permanently. You don’t have to have your cell phone figured out before you get to your new home. Using Google Voice, Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, and other data-based options are great ways to communicate while you get settled in your new home.
  
• After you’re settled, head to a cell phone plan provider. If you’ve decided that you don’t want to stick with your United States-based provider, explore options in your new country. Talk to providers about the plans available. The cost of a cell phone plan may differ significantly from what you paid in the U.S. It all depends on what country is now your home.
  
• Don’t forget to alert friends and family to changes. A simple way to let friends and family know if your number has changed, or if you’d like them to contact you in a new way, is to change your outgoing voicemail message. Something like, “Hello! You’ve reached Amanda. I’m currently living in London, and you can contact me at <mobile number> or via Facebook Messenger.” This way, your friends and family won’t think you’re dodging their calls as you get settled in your new home.

Moving abroad can be challenging, but the benefits usually outweigh the negatives. While staying in contact with friends and family back home is undoubtedly a priority, don’t forget to put down your phone every once in a while and enjoy your new home.

When you’re uprooting your life and moving to a new home, getting your belongings in order can feel overwhelming. From cleaning to packing to changing jobs, it can be hard to keep moving down your to-do list. When it’s nearly moving day, you must consider more than just getting your things packed and organized. 

Let’s take a look at some of the essential pre-move work that many people forget to take care of before handing over the keys to the new owners.

Pack Your Essentials Separately

Anyone who has moved has been there: you finally arrive at your new home, but can’t find any socks, shoes, hairdryer, or other essentials. It’s frustrating having to sort through an endless sea of boxes to find the daily items you need. 

Stop this problem before it happens by packing an essentials box to keep with you through the duration of your move. Packing a week’s worth of clothes and personal care items can make the transition to your home easier while alleviating some of the stress of getting all your belongings unpacked.

Alert Card Companies

Are you moving more than a few minutes away from your old home? It’s vital to call your debit and credit card companies to alert them about your move. For many cards, your account will be flagged and frozen for fraud if purchases are made out of your typical spending area. Call your banking companies to let them know you’re moving and update your address.

Set Aside Contingency Money

You likely already have some moving expenses figured out, but it’s important to set aside some extra money for incidentals. No matter how well you prepare for your move, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. 

Some people discover unexpected house repairs or find themselves stuck on the way to their new home because of car issues or canceled flights. Set aside a cash stash for hotels, dinners out, car repairs, and other issues that you may not have considered.

Plan Your Stops Along the Way

Are you driving to your new residence? If it’s a significant distance away from your old home, bust out the map. Find find some fun things to do along the way. 

This can be especially exciting if you have young kids and essential if you have a dog that needs walking. 

Allowing your kids to choose road stops along the way to your new home can take the sting out of leaving your old home behind.

Research the New Community

Become enmeshed in your new community before you even arrive. Search for Facebook groups specific to new areas, and get to know people virtually in your new neighborhood. When you arrive, you’ll be able to connect names with faces. You’ll feel like you’re already a part of your new community.

On the Move

Moving is tough, but these tips can make the transition into your new neighborhood a little bit easier. No matter how you prepare to move into your new home, remember that there’s always an adjustment period as you get settled in. It’s normal to take some time to get used to your new house and neighborhood.