Once you move, the next important decision you will have to make is finding just the right doctor for you and your family.  If you have moved due to a job transfer, a good start is to refer to your medical insurance benefits.  These benefits will help you determine which providers are within your network and those that are not.  If your medical insurance benefits have in and out of network providers, keep in mind that if you choose a doctor outside of network, you will be charged a premium rate.  If you have an insurance policy that is based on a deductible, then this may not apply.  

If you are moving internationally, your medical coverage may be different.  Therefore, you want to clarify any questions you may have ahead of time.

Once you have narrowed down providers that your insurance will cover, you want to begin your search.  Start online.  If you have any existing medical conditions, make sure to keep that in mind when you are searching.  There are several websites that will help you with your search.  Some offer detailed background information for a small fee.  I suggest you start with your work colleagues or friends first.  Ask them for any references or suggestions.  Once you have narrowed down your search, go in and meet the doctors.  Be honest.  Tell them that you are looking for the right doctor and that you are meeting with several of them.  This is really important.  Most doctors will understand.  Medical training and extensive experience is important, but bedside manner for a general practitioner is very important.  He or she will be the first person you see if you have any health issues and you will see them on a regular basis.  Therefore, your rapport with them is imperative.  You have to be comfortable with this person because you will have to be able to discuss with him or her how you are feeling.  You need to be able to trust them, so take your time and be selective.  It will pay off in the end.

Finding the best place to live for you and your family is an important decision and will make all the difference in a successful transition.  Depending on your situation, it will take time to find your next place.  However, you may not have the luxury of time.  You can do a great deal of research online to save you time.  Start with identifying what is important to you and your family.  This will list depend on your lifestyle.  For example, if you are a single professional, your lifestyle will be significantly different from that of a young family.  Once you have created your list of what is important, you want to begin to do your research.  Keep in mind that you definitely want to separate needs versus wants on your list because it will help you understand what things you are willing to compromise on and what you are not.  It is important to note that it is rare to find everything you are looking for in one place that meets your budget criteria.  Most times you will have to compromise on some things.  This is why having a list before your begin your search is so important.  It will help to remove the emotional draw of a particular place.  Also, it will allow you to assess the properties you have looked at based on objective criteria you have developed.  

After you have your list, begin to do research on the area.  Check into the Chamber of Commerce websites.  Look into community profiles, which should have crime rates, population and other general information to help give you an understanding of the area.  This is a great starting point.  Community profiles will help to give you a feel for the area.  City-data.com is a great resource for this type of information.  Once you have a short list of properties, MovinGal will help you assess access to the community-based services and businesses in proximity to the place you are interested.  Access from your potential new place to these services are important in making the right decision.  The more information you have the better equipped you will be to find the best place to live.

Downsizing for your move is key to helping you make that transition economically and successfully.  Here are five questions to ask yourself to help you make important decisions.

Will it cost me extra to move it?

Before you move, take inventory of the items you need to take with you.  When you go around your home, assess whether or not, it will cost you extra to move it.  If so, ask yourself if this is something I need in my new place or not to help you determine whether or not you need to move it and it is worth the cost of transport.

When was the last time I used it?

You definitely want to ask yourself this question, especially when you are cleaning out your closet.  A great barometer is to ask yourself if you have used it in the last year.  If you haven’t, seriously consider getting rid of it.

Will it fit in my new place?

Before you head out to find your new place, you want to come equipped with measurements of larger items in your home.  This way you will know what will fit.  This will help you assess if this place is for you and whether or not you will have to part with some of your things to make it happen.  Size is not the only factor to consider when assessing your new place.  Sometimes it is decor.  For example, if you are currently living in a traditional decor and are looking at a more modern style interior you may want to part with some of your things that don’t really ‘fit’ in your new place.  This offers an opportunity to sell your things to finance new items that may be better suited in your new place.

Do I really need the item?

When you are evaluating your inventory, ask yourself a simple question.  Do I really need the item?  Do I want to pay to relocate it?  This is key to evaluating whether or not you want to keep the item.  If you are willing to pay to move it, keep it.  If not, get rid of it.

Should I sell it, give it away or donate it?

Determining whether to sell it, give it away or donate it will depend on the item itself.  If it is a family heirloom, you should probably give it away to relatives.  If it is an item of value, you should consider selling it.  If it is just a mix of things you really don’t need and has no significant value or sentimental value, donating it may be the best solution.  

Downsizing before a move helps to move only the things you want moved.  It is an economical way to move and helps you transition into your new place with ease.

The one thing that you can expect from being educated abroad is that it will be different than the system you are accustom.  However, before you dive into the opportunity, do your due diligence.  This is especially important for your children.  If you are moving abroad with school age children, you want to take the time to clarify what curriculum is available in your new home country and what will be transferrable when you repatriate.  This is critical to keep your child on the path to matriculation.  

Start with your child’s current curriculum and standing in school and then do your research.  If you are moving to a country that speaks a different language, this will be a factor as well.  It is wonderful to give your child an opportunity to learn another language.  However, you need to assess your child’s abilities and understand if total emersion will work for him or her.  Moving abroad is a big transition, so being keenly aware of what will set your child up for success is critical.  You do not want to overwhelm them the first year away, because it will make the experience difficult for them.  It will also have an impact on their ability to transition successfully.

If you are going abroad for higher education, chances are you have already done your research and are prepared for the experience.  Before you go, make sure to have all of your paperwork and accommodations in order.  It is imperative that you have the proper documentation and student visas.  This will help ensure that you will have an easy entry into the country.  Also, familiarize yourself with what that documentation allows you to do.  This is essential so that you can avoid any immigration issues.  Further, make sure to clarify all of the expenses involved and payment schedules.  The last thing you will want is to compromise your standing because of a currency glitch.

Moving gives you an opportunity to explore new environments.  It may not seem that way when you are inundated with unpacking.  However, once the boxes are unpacked and you have returned to a routine, exploring your new environment is so important to feeling apart of your new community.  It offers you and your family an opportunity to acquaint yourself with a new lifestyle.  If you are moving from the city to the suburbs or country or vice versa, you will quickly realize the difference in way of life.  The best way to make the most of the opportunity is to explore.  Do some research online.  Find out about festivals and events in your area.  Drive around and explore. Talk to the locals and find out about activities in your area.  If you are now in a more rural area, check out various trails and hikes and explore what nature has to offer.  If you are now in the city, take advantage of the access to night life, art, theatre, museums and professional sports.  Each new environment has something to offer.  In order to take full advantage of the opportunity, you will have to open your mind to trying and experiencing new things.  This makes all the difference in a successful transition to your new location.

Take the time to learn about what your new environment has to offer and make the effort to experience it.  You will be so glad you did.