Voluntarily or not, relocation could be exciting, and at the same time, stressful and overwhelming. I know what you are about to go through and the challenges you may face with your upcoming move, as I have moved 18 times in the last 2 decades. Whether it’s in-state, cross-state, international, or cross-continents, I’ve done it all.
What is a Relocation Coach?
Relocation involves more than just moving; it involves packing, purging, saying goodbye, seeing all of your belongings in a truck driven away by a stranger, uprooting, then reestablishing yourself and family in a new environment, embracing new cultures, turning strangers into friends in an unfamiliar setting with lots of unknowns. Without a clear plan that engages the logistical and emotional sides of the process, many become overwhelmed, stressed out, worried, and confused. Some even end up in much regret, bitterness while feeling isolated.
A life transition coach that focuses on relocation helps you navigate this complex and stressful process with structure and clarity while keeping you well-organized with confidence as you manage not only the move, but also various family, business, and personal needs.
Relocation Transition Management
Below is a list of reference points as you plan for your big move ahead. I hope you find it helpful.
1. Start with the end in mind
Determine the location and the date that you need to be at the new location or the date you need to move out of your current place. Having a concrete date helps you plan your next steps.
2. Money talks
Gather cost estimates from different vendors, service providers, travel arrangements and set a budget for the move. Doing homework on the cost of living, housing, and local tax laws will also help you to be prepared ahead of time.
3. Identify your logistic needs
Logistic needs refer to the tasks before and after the move itself. It includes decluttering, packing, labeling, safe transportation of your belongings, and unpacking.
4. Organize your documents
From your passport to medical files, financial reports, and/or moving check list, placing the important documents in a folder or an envelope, digitally or traditionally, will save you some headaches when you need them.
5. Inform others about the move
It is about informing your banks, utilities, credit card institutes and other relevant parties with your new location. And don’t forget to inform the post office and provide your forwarding address if it’s applicable.
6. Nail down your housing options
Whether it’s a temporary hotel stay, a short-term rental, or a permanent housing, having a place to settle down upon your arrival will surely contribute to an ease of mind and a smooth transition.
7. Family needs
If the relocation involves with your spouse and children, taking care of your family’s needs ahead of time will surely ensure you a successful transition. The needs include finding the school, community, and healthcare facilities, to name a few.
8. Culture and environment preparation
This is crucial, especially if it is an international (or even cross-state) relocation. The cultures, customs, laws, language, and lifestyle may be so different from what you are used to, so getting educated and familiar with the new will reduce the cultural shock upon arrival. And don’t forget to check the visa and immigration laws.
9. Farewell time
When time comes, be sure to take your time to say a proper goodbye to your friends, family, and those matter to you in life.
10. Ongoing support
As much as you can prepare for your relocation ahead of time, getting support to adjust to the new place is just as crucial, especially if you have no established friendships or communities.
11. Keep in mind… goals and resilience
It takes some resilience with a positive mindset to adjust to the new environment, and at the same time, it’s equally important to set goals in this new chapter of your life; may it be embracing the new cultures or building a new network of friends.
Key Benefits of Transition Coaching for Relocation
Relocation transition can be both physically and emotionally draining. Having a relocation transition coach on your side can be beneficial and provide the following support.
1. Plan for a smooth relocation
Plan your relocation from 30,000 ft, tree-top, and roof-top views, and set goals and deadlines. Having a plan in mind will offer you a stress-less and smoother transition despite all that’s involved in it.
2. Execute your relocation plan
Execute all the logistic needs, from decluttering, packing, finding housing, and unpacking to the actual move while keeping your budget on check.
3. Feed your emotional needs
Whether you are anxious about your upcoming move, excited about the new adventure or saddened about leaving friends, family, community, or the familiars behind, having a professional coach on your side allows you to properly unpack and manage the emotional impacts throughout the process.
4. Settle in with confidence
Having a coach on your side will help you adjust and settle in in your new place with ease and goals in mind; may it be establishing your new community or adapting into the new lifestyle, cultures, and environment.
5. Keep you focused and keep you going
Challenges or doubts may arise during the process, and frustration or discomfort may take place after the move. A transition coach acts as your unbiased thought partner, a sounding board, and an encourager to offer you a safe place to process what you need and ensure your adjustment to your new place.
When do I need a Relocation Coach?
Whether you are facing a big move for the first time in life, or you think you are a veteran when it comes to moving, you will always do better with an experienced transition coach by your side. However, if any of the points below resonates with you, you will benefit much more from engaging with a transition coach for your journey ahead.
- This is your first major relocation
- Having a hard time as where to start and how to prioritize many tasks in hand
- Needing help with budgeting so nothing is missed
- Don’t have a plan yet, but need to move soon
- Emotions take over; feeling anxious, sad, and/or lost
- Dealing with anxious family members
- Feeling loneliness, isolation, or frustration
- Adjusting to different cultures, unfamiliar customs, and lifestyle in the new place
- Losing the sense of purpose in the new place
I’ve personally gone through too many rounds of move in my life. Just within the last 10 years, I’ve made 4 international moves which involved 2 different continents, 1 in-state move, and 1 cross-state move.
I can’t say each of those moves was enjoyable, but they collectively have broadened my worldview, helped me appreciate different cultures and become a stronger person. Those experiences have also humbled me, made me much more self-aware, and helped me become a person with much more empathy. Sharma said, “Change is hardest at the beginning, messiest in the middle and best at the end.” You may feel challenged, discouraged, or lost; however, if you stick to it with a solid plan and a good partner on your side, you will get to see the beauty of something that you could never imagine.
Contact me today and let’s chat what you are facing these days.
About Faye Weng
Your Online Life and Career Coach
Faye Weng is an expert life and career coach who works with clients to take back control of their lives by rediscovering their passions, living/working with a clear purpose, and becoming people who can positively impact the communities around them. As your life and career coach, Faye will help you minimize noises and distractions, focus your effort and attention on the right things, execute a clear plan of action, and celebrate alongside of you when each milestone is reached. Click here to book a complimentary session.
