How to organize a “trial run” in your new country before making the final move.

There are many reasons we find ourselves in a new country. Sometimes the job takes us there. Sometimes we follow a loved one. Some seek adventure and others want to explore new possibilities. Whatever the reason, making the final decision to relocate to a new country is never easy, even when you will be relocating to another European country. When time and resources permit, many expatriate-.-s try organizing a “trial run” in the new country before embarking on a full out move.

Depending on the location organizing a trial run in your destination country can be surprisingly easy all things considered. And the advantage to this approach is that some of the bigger questions and doubts surrounding the move can be alleviated (or confirmed) by spending at least 3 weeks in the new location living as a local and not as if on vacation.

Among the many questions, challenges, surprises and changes involved with moving out of country, housing can be a big one. The process of finding the perfect home in your destination country can be anything from relatively simple to a nightmare. There are many variables: the housing market; the size of your family; financial assistance, if any, offered by your employer; the expected length of your assignment; and more.

An increasingly common and cost-effective way to address the housing challenge is to work with a service specialized in temporary, short-term and medium-term housing. Most temporary housing specialists are experienced in working with expatriates and can assist not only in selecting a suitable home but also with minor relocation details. Another advantage is that many of the homes come completely furnished, which can be especially helpful when the length of your stay is uncertain or simply for the convenience of not having to ship large household belongings such as furniture and appliances.

Temporary housing is one of the best ways to “test the waters” during your trial run in the new country. By renting a furnished home or apartment for several weeks, or several months if your schedule permits, you can begin to live as a local would and not a tourist. Meals can be cooked in the comfort of your own home. Bakeries, cheese shops and farmers markets can be explored, as can local services such as pharmacies, banks and cultural events. What’s more, you can begin to get a better feel for what neighborhoods, school systems and other amenities could best meet your longer term needs.

One of the advantages of working with a temporary housing specialist is that most services can help create tailor-made solutions for the expatriate and typically have a rich portfolio of centrally located apartments to choose from at competitive prices. Weekly and monthly rates are sometimes considerably less than alternatives such as a hotel or residence, and rates for annual contracts are compatible if not less than market rates. Apartments can be viewed virtually via the Internet, with relocation specialists available to answer questions regarding the neighborhood, the proximity to work, shopping, schools and more. Plus, homes are usually “move-in ready” with gas, electricity, water and other amenities to make the transition as easy as possible.

Opting for a trial run in you new country allows to start to maximize the contacts and resources available to you in the new country. This is your chance to get as much advice and information as possible, to contact other expatriate colleagues (via the Internet or a personal network) who are living in your destination country, and to find out whether there is an established community of foreign residents that may be able to provide advice and assistance. The trial run will also give you the time to think carefully about what to do with your current home, and whether or not you want to transfer all, some or very few of your personal belongings to your new country.

Moving to a new country is never easy – even when things go according to plan. There is the emotional stress of leaving friends and family behind, the uncertainty and excitement of building a new life in a different place and the mild to serious cultural differences that can turn a routine errand into a nightmare. Luckily there are ways to help make the move a bit less difficult, including enlisting the help of acquaintances, colleagues and expat-friendly service providers. When it comes to making the decision, many people find that spending 3 weeks to a few months in the destination country can help alleviate concerns and better prepare you for the big move.

Making the Move - Checklist

Think it through: It’s a good idea to carefully assess the reason for your move and make sure it is right for you, before you pack up and go. A trial move in which you relocate to your intended location for a month not as tourist but as someone who is starting to build a life there can help bring clarity to the decision.

©Gianni Finiguerra