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Packing up - what to do when it's time to move - again!

16/6/2020

21 Comments

 
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​“What have you been doing all day?” my darling husband says as he walks through the door, after a long day at work. He doesn’t mean it as an accusation, but I take it as one.
 
Yesterday, our freight arrived. I have two little children running round and round tall looming towers of boxes, stacked so high they are starting to sway in the wind. There are 381 of them. It’s all very well that the removal company offer a “surface unpacking service” (i.e. they will put things on surfaces, but not in cupboards), but there are no surfaces. Every inch is covered with piles of random stuff. Despite my finely honed organisational skills, there’s a toothbrush and a pile of toiletries by the kitchen sink, a bike in my lounge and a dolls’ house in my bedroom.

I’m famous for my lists, but my system has failed me. The process is no longer under my control. Take this example: We were allowed a limited amount of air freight, so I packed the essentials I thought we’d need, including bedding for the first night. I clearly labelled what it was. I even showed the removal company’s foreman, so he was aware.
 
We arrived at our destination and opened the air freight. There was no bedding. On the bright side, I did have what looked like a box of flotsam and jetsam, scrapped off my daughter’s bedroom floor: a pencil, a small bear, a broken piece of plastic, a dice, a single glove from the dressing up box, a book and a ball of fluff. This was obviously junk that had been swept from under the bed. A joke or incompetence? You decide.
 
The sea freight arrived eight weeks later. The vital “first night” bedding was found, divided between boxes four, 23 and 321. I can’t even begin to think how this actually happened and can only put it down to bored packers with Machiavellian tendencies.
 
Six months after our kit arrived in Dubai, sitting in the garden, we found a roughly-wrapped package sellotaped under our garden table.  We unwrapped it gingerly, and that’s how I found my mascara and lipstick, long-since thought lost forever.  Again, I cannot understand how….
 
Unpacking and packing up are difficult experiences. It’s not just the physical, monotonous nature of putting items into boxes. It’s the brain power that it involves, even if you have a removal company to help you.
 
Usually, a move follows a familiar pattern:
  1. Panic;
  2. Acceptance of the imminent move;
  3. Writing a list of all the things you want to do and see before you leave;
  4. Writing a list of all the things you want to sell/ get rid of;
  5. Writing a list of all the things you’ll need at your destination to help you manage before your freight arrives;
  6. Writing a list of all the things you need to do, people you need to inform in both the country you’re leaving and heading to;
  7. Writing a list of all the things you need to pack in a suitcase to take with you;
  8. Moving items around the house so they are in the right rooms;
  9. Rewriting all lists;
  10. Feeling overwhelmed;
  11. Resorting to a large glass of gin, or if the glasses have been packed, a bottle with a straw.
 
It gets so complicated I even had to keep a spreadsheet and Gantt chart, so I knew what was happening and when. It’s difficult to understate the administration required. You go to bed with your mind swirling and wake up in the middle of the night in a sweat because you’ve just remembered you need to sort out school places/ forgotten to send out the leaving party invites/ need to find transport for Dave the dog.
 
Of course, removal and relocation companies help a great deal, but there has to be a project manager. If the move is with your partner’s job, or you’re moving on your own, that will be you.
 
In rare circumstances, you may have to pack up very suddenly. When we lived in Dubai, we were concerned about the US elections, and the impact of living in a country with a US military base and a fairly hostile neighbour. Call us over prepared, but we had a “go bag”, which contained some cash, passports, toothbrushes, underwear and emergency teddy bear. We had an escape route and we knew what we were going to do should the waste product hit the proverbial fan.
 
All this packing stress, trepidation and pain is laced with anticipation and excitement too. What will the next adventure be like? They say: “no pain, no gain”, but there are so many of us moving around all the time, does it have to be so stressful? Surely someone must have got this situation licked?

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This is an extract from Do they eat soup in England? is a book for all expats and repats.

​​Offering advice and insights to those who are new to the expat family, and reuniting family members spread across the globe, this book will make you laugh and cry.

​Real-life stories from expats and repats share knowledge we all wish we had had at the time. Available from Amazon.

21 Comments
movers and packers in dubai link
16/6/2022 12:17:43 am

Amazing write up! Thanks for this post

Reply
abhinav link
7/11/2023 02:30:07 pm

very informative

Reply
movers and packers in dubai link
23/6/2022 12:25:42 am

great post guys

Reply
Moving Boxes Pricing Guide link
24/1/2023 01:23:57 pm

when going to relocate house it is important to select the best packing material like moving boxes. Check out the sizes and prices of moving boxes.

Reply
alfa movers link
17/5/2023 09:56:33 pm

Whether you want to move your home or business, the process of relocating will always be thrilling and stressful. Choosing the appropriate moving supplies is the most important step in any move.

Reply
Moving Companies Salt Lake City in Salt Lake City, UT link
29/6/2023 01:02:24 pm

Just read this article and I can say these are awesome great tips on how to take care of your Moving Companies Salt Lake City. I will be using this tips for my own clients so that there Moving Companies Salt Lake City in Salt Lake City, UT go smoothly!

Reply
ClearHolidays link
23/9/2023 07:59:09 pm

Dear Author,

I wanted to reach out and express my deep gratitude for your blog post, "Packing up - what to do when it's time to move - again!" Your account of the intricacies and challenges of packing up and relocating resonated with me on many levels.

Your vivid storytelling and keen observations captured the rollercoaster of emotions and practicalities that come with moving, especially across countries. The sheer number of boxes, the unexpected discoveries amidst unpacking, and the ever-elusive "first night" bedding scenario brought both a smile to my face and a nod of understanding.

Your storytelling prowess transported me into the chaos and excitement of relocation, reminding me that while the process may be overwhelming, there's an underlying thrill and anticipation for the new adventure that awaits. Your relatable narrative painted a real picture of the expat experience.

Thank you for offering insights and advice that are not only valuable but also accompanied by a healthy dose of humor. It's reassuring to know that others have navigated similar paths and emerged stronger and wiser.

I am now eagerly looking forward to reading your book, "Do they eat soup in England?", as I am certain it will be filled with even more engaging tales and insights that will enrich the expat journey.

Wishing you continued success in your writing endeavors and looking forward to more enlightening and entertaining stories from you.

Warm regards,
Prateek Karnadhar
CEO
ClearHolidays™

Reply
Valentina link
28/10/2023 02:28:15 pm

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional travel blog. Your posts are like vivid paintings of your travel experiences, and they inspire me to explore the world. Your travel guides have been instrumental in my trip planning, and your travel tips are the pearls of wisdom I carry with me. Thanks for being a constant source of wanderlust!

Reply
Lucy link
23/1/2024 03:16:25 pm

Great advice on 'Packing Up: What to Do When It's Time to Move Again.' Practical tips for a smooth transition. Bookmarking this for my next move

Reply
KeralaPackage link
30/1/2024 08:39:09 pm

Expressing gratitude for your incredible travel insights! Your blog has been a guiding light in planning our vacations. The personal touch in your posts makes the destinations come alive. Keep up the fantastic work!

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Passover vacations link
4/3/2024 01:03:40 am

I saw a lot of website but I conceive this one has something extra in it.

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Movers link
14/3/2024 05:37:00 pm

Title: Navigating the Moving Landscape: Finding the Best Movers and Truck Rentals in Dubai
Moving to a new location, whether it's across town or to a different city, can be a daunting task. From packing up belongings to transporting them safely to the new destination, there are numerous challenges to overcome. In a bustling metropolis like Dubai, where the pace of life is fast and the streets are always busy, finding reliable movers and truck rentals IN DUBAI is crucial for a smooth transition. Let's explore the options available for movers and truck rentals in Dubai and how to choose the best services to meet your needs.
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1/5/2024 03:20:55 pm

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30/5/2024 08:25:08 pm

Your tour was a whirlwind of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. As I followed along with your travelogue, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy for the incredible experiences you were having. From strolling through charming cobblestone streets to indulging in delectable cuisine, your journey was a feast for the senses. What I love most about your travel writing is your ability to make every destination come alive with your vivid descriptions and vibrant imagery. It's as if I'm right there beside you, soaking in the sights and sounds of each new city. Thank you for taking us along on your unforgettable tour.

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24/6/2024 06:32:50 pm

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13/8/2024 06:10:17 pm

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Piano Removal Company link
20/12/2024 08:19:10 pm

This post is so helpful and packed with great tips! Packing and moving can feel overwhelming, but your advice makes it seem a lot easier. I really loved the practical tips on organizing and decluttering before the move—it's something I always forget to do until it's too late! Thanks for sharing your experience; this blog is a lifesaver for anyone about to move. Keep up the fantastic work!

Reply
Chicago Packing Services link
26/12/2024 12:48:26 pm

Great tips! Moving can be overwhelming, but breaking it down step by step really helps. I especially love the idea of labeling boxes clearly – it makes unpacking so much easier. Thanks for sharing these helpful suggestions!

Reply
Best Movers Packers Dubai link
27/12/2024 11:05:50 am

Thank you for sharing this insightful post. I found the information really valuable. It's great to see such a detailed exploration of this topic. Looking forward to reading more of your content. Keep up the great work!

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Zircon Movers & Storage link
10/1/2025 02:18:14 pm

Great read! The information is well-organized and provides valuable insights. I appreciate the effort put into creating such informative content. Looking forward to reading more from you!

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