Word has come in from Mission Control that we are on track for an April departure.
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| My holiday blogging position. Bliss. |
I’d tell you how many weeks away that is except I’m on holidays until January 26th, so haven’t worked it out. And I won’t work it out until then, or it will affect the enjoyment of my holiday. But that doesn’t stop my subconscious from throwing up a few idle thoughts. Here are some of them:
- What do I take? Everything? Nothing? My big conundrum is do I take ‘precious’ things like photo albums? My husband (who works in logistics) casually mentioned that shipping containers fall off ships ‘all the time’ and what if all my wonderful, precious photo albums fall off and spend eternity resting on the seabed? (I do think I will take them, but make sure negatives/backups are left in storage here. But what if the storage place burns to the ground???)
- Farewells. Can I just update my Facebook status from the airport on the day we leave? Or do I have to go through the whole saying farewell to everyone thing? I have already made a rule that no-one will see us off at the airport. It wouldn’t be fair on the kids or us to leave here feeling sad. I want it to be a positive adventure and tearful airport farewells wouldn’t achieve that.
- How soon is too soon to contact Real Estate agents about renting out our house?
If you’ve already done this Expat malarkey please give me advice. I could really, really do with some.
Our Big Expat Adventure 
Blog looks awesome. As for the photos, can you scan them all in (I know, massive task) and put a USB in a safe place and take a copy with you?
Good luck with it. Massive but exciting adventure. x
I’m a big fan of leaving in the middle of the night (i.e. no farewells). They’re awful whether you’re the one leaving, or the one being left. I vote for sneaking off. As much as you can.
Good Luck!!!
Get in touch with the real estate once you return from holidays, meet with atleast 3 agents and make sure they are experienced enough to deal with EVERYTHING as you will be on the other side of the world. Also make sure they are up to speed on the new (just passed in Jan) changes to the act (these will affect you).
The agency can start advertising a few weeks before you leave with a move in date a few days after you leave (time to do in going inspection report, have it cleaned etc) I would advise advertising a few weeks (2-3) before you leave incase there is no interest it gives you time to adjust the rental price and you will have peace of mind that a tenant is found before you leave. Plus if you casually float around during isnpections you can see who will be living in your home.
Final bit of advice what ever you do don’t choose an agent based on which one offers the cheapest fees, as you will get what you pay for. Go for their ability to do the job, track record etc
good luck!
– Hand-carry your most precious items.
– Individual good-byes to people who matter; FB update for everyone else.
– Renting your place takes longer than you plan. ASAP!