Have you just signed a contract to work at a place which is different than your current geographical location?

First off, congratulations on your new position! A new life can begin, fresh from scratch, full of infinite possibilities… butterflies in your tummy are proof that you’re on the right track in life and exciting times are ahead.

In 2018, some people purposely look for remote jobs and some relocate to a new city or country because of a new job, which is equally thrilling and it presents you with the unique opportunity to create a new home from home, to establish a new base.

Below are some tips to make your transition as smooth as butter.

Prepare beforehand for a potential culture shock as much as you can

Whether you’re relocating to Bali or to a nearby town a couple of hours away, don’t ever underestimate the importance of preparing for change. By doing so, you’ll greatly reduce your chances of experiencing ‘grand disillusionment’ and eventually resorting to wanting to go back to where you came from. Which would be a pity since you’ve already made so many sacrifices to make it this far…

However, the more prepared you are, the more successful your relocation experience. 

If you are able to visit your new destination before moving at all, do so and while you’re at it, getting your bearings is a good idea as well. Knowing the location of the closest grocery store or dry cleaners will matter one day a lot.

Also, if you need to find a permanent place right away, make sure you actually go and see the place for yourself. Remember – more preparation equals less disappointment. Don’t leave anything to chance.

Still, most relocationees opt for finding temporary housing before committing to a lease.

You don’t have to pack every single possession you own

Because you’ll buy new stuff at a new place anyway and your moving day will feel much lighter to boot.

So don’t be afraid to downsize your belongings (although we must admit this might sound scary to people with hoarding habits) and your wardrobe is a good place to start – set aside the pieces that you don’t wear and give them to people who actually need them (local charities and virtually anyone who appreciates wearing hand-me-downs).

By the way, sorting out which clothes to take and which not to take is like a great metaphor of life – it’ll help you sort your life out, too. If you’re a person who loves change, this editing process can be an enjoyable part of your relocation adventure.

Business Insider advises that when you've finished sorting through everything, you should box all items up and label them unless you want to undergo unpacking hell.

Oh and self-storage! Be sure to make use of self-storage services if you don't have a permanent place in your new city yet. Dragging stuff around the urban jungle can be incredibly tiresome.

Know your rights on compensation

Getting your finances organized is the first thing your mind should be preoccupied with after signing on the dotted line and it’s critical to have an estimation of how much your overall relocation will cost.

Make sure you fully assess your savings situation and calculate if you have sufficient funds for “relocation musts” such as a deposit on a new room/apartment, a few months' worths of living expenses, etc.

Also, TalentEgg (hatching student & grad careers) suggests that there are many companies that will gladly provide financial support for an employee who is relocating just because of them. They may offer to cover transportation expenses, for example.

Therefore, know your options and, if possible, make the most of what’s being offered.

Don’t be sad about everything you’re leaving behind, be excited about everything new that’s about to enter your life

Embarking on a journey to an unfamiliar place can be a daunting task to undertake, but keep in mind that even your current life where you live now started somehow and even your future life in a new place might end someday (well, who knows where you’ll relocate next) and that change is a natural part of life and without it everything would be painfully boring and reeking of stagnation…

And let your soul be comforted by the fact that your old life is only a car/train ride or a plane flight away.

Once settled in, don’t be a hermit – buck up and join group activities!

If you're new in town and you don't know anyone, one of the best and fastest ways to fix this problem is to engage in so-called “extra-9-to-5 activities”.

Join a club or sign up for a class, try something you've always wanted to try and make new friends along the way. In case you’re relocating to a completely new country, expat communities like InterNations make it so much easier for expats to feel like at home away from home.

Sarah Dixon writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs, visit our website.