Make your move to Germany stress-free with these 7 relocation hacks

Moving to Germany in 2022? Keep your move simple, organised and stress-free with these useful relocation hacks from Crown Relocations. 

We know that for many, the beginning of a new year signifies the time to make a big change and to start planning the next big move. Whether you’re a first-time mover or experienced traveller, there is always a tip or two to learn before you get started. 

That’s why we’ve put together this list of our top relocation hacks to make your move easier in 2022. Hopefully, it will take away some of that unnecessary stress that usually accompanies moving house (and countries)!

1. Think electronic

Everyone has a notebook or piece of paper for writing down important bits of information. For some people, this might be pin numbers and passwords, while for others it could be addresses and phone numbers of loved ones. 

Paper, while great for many things, can be misplaced or accidentally thrown away in the madness of moving. Get one step ahead before you relocate by typing up your important information to store on your phone or computer. Having a digital copy means it will be safely stored for travel, ready whenever you need it. 

2. Put your health first

Health insurance might seem like a detail you can put off until after you’ve arrived - but it’s certainly the one thing you don’t want to be caught without, and so it’s well worth making preparations in advance of your move. 

Research health insurance options in your new home country. Speak to an expert about whether you’ll need to pay for coverage, and whether you’ll need to organise this before you go. Knowing the right steps to take for your health coverage will be one less thing to worry about.

3. Plan for any pets

If you own any pets, or are thinking about getting one before you leave, look into the regulations around bringing pets to your new home country well before your planned moving date. There is no single rule for all countries - and the time frames for sorting the correct paperwork, inoculations and permits can be a lot longer for animals than for humans. 

It’s therefore crucial that you spend some time investigating and seeking expert advice on any legalities needed to take your pet with you. After all, a pet is a part of the family too!

4. Plan your first day to the “t”

Sometimes we spend so much time thinking about the “big” practicalities of moving - visas, passports, work contracts and boarding passes - that we forget about the smaller details, which can be just as important. 

Consider the time of day you’ll be arriving at your new home. Will it be very late? If so, be sure to pack food and drinks for when you arrive, as shops nearby could be shut for the night, leaving you hungry until the morning!

Also, when travelling, consider what you’re going to need to have with you on your journey. Pack a bag of essentials - documents, chargers, toothpaste, spare clothes and medicines. This will also be a handy backup if you have an unplanned hotel stop along the way.

5. Pack to unpack

In the last-minute stress of moving, it can be tempting to just chuck everything in a box willy-nilly, but you’ll thank yourself later for packing with the unpacking in mind. This requires a bit more time - but it’s totally worth it on the other side. 

Pack your “essentials” - things you’re going to need right away, like plates and cutlery, or your hairdryer and a change of clothes - in separate, clearly labelled boxes, so you can open them as soon as you arrive. 

Wires are a potential tangle situation waiting to happen. You can avoid the frustration of detangling at your new home by threading wires through toilet rolls. Confused by where the wires go in your TV and other electronics? Take a picture of the cable set up before disconnecting, so when you arrive it will be easy to get up and running again.

If you’re packing makeup, prevent your powder from cracking by placing a cotton wool pad in between the powder and lid. Put plastic wrap over the lid of toiletries to prevent them from spilling, and pack delicate items vertically so they’re less likely to break. 

6. Keep the kids occupied

Moving can be both exciting and overwhelming for the little ones. Include your kids and help them to feel excited about the move by making plans and encouraging them to search for local activities and places to eat when you arrive. Use this research to plan your first family weekend when you arrive, giving you all something to look forward to.

To keep your kids occupied during the move, make a "moving package" in advance. Include their favourite toys, books and snacks, and a world map to help them plot the journey ahead.

7. Write lists (lots of them!)

Lists are going to be extremely handy as you prepare for your move. With so many different things to consider and different timeframes to work towards, having everything written down will stop you from missing anything. Group tasks by date and rate them (1- 3) based on priority in a format that works for you. Check it daily and you’ll work through the tasks in no time.

Potentially facing a language barrier when you arrive? In the upcoming weeks, keep a note of some of the phrases you’ll need in your first few weeks, such as greetings, directions and ordering food. It’s also worth researching any phrases or gestures that are not appreciated in your new country, to avoid any uncomfortable situations.

Planning on moving to Germany? Crown Relocations has been helping families and individuals relocate internationally for over 55 years! They offer a variety of services to make sure you feel at home in no time. Get in touch to see how they could assist with your move.