Returning Home After Living Abroad: Navigating the Transition With Your Trusted International Moving Company

Welcome back! Coming home after living abroad is exciting. You can catch up with old friends, rediscover your favorite spots and remember the taste of your favorite foods. 

Before you arrive in your home country, you have to go through the process of moving from your host country — and navigating the conflicting emotions of saying goodbye to the new faces and places you’ve come to love. Thankfully, these tips for returning home after living abroad will help you ease the transition.

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Repatriation

Moving home after living abroad can involve some conflicting emotions. While you may be excited to return to friends and family, it’s also natural to be sad about the place you’re leaving. Some people also experience reverse culture shock while readjusting to a previous lifestyle, cultural norms, and familial values and attitudes. 

It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and craft meaningful coping mechanisms as you adjust to your move. Allow time for yourself to grieve the place you’re leaving — and find ways to get excited about the opportunities that await you in your next chapter. You might lean on your loved ones or consider connecting with a support group or mentor for guidance through the transition. 

Planning Your Return Journey

Regardless of how far away you’re relocating, any move requires planning and organization. It’s best to start planning as early as possible to reduce the number of surprises or delays you encounter. 

Key elements to keep track of include:

• Household belongings: You’ve probably acquired new personal or household items while living abroad. Whether you’ve purchased a new appliance or furnished your space with a couch you love, it’s important to have a plan for handling these items. Consider donating or selling the things you won’t need after moving. You can connect with an international moving company to discuss shipping options for the items you need or want to bring with you. 
• Legal documentation: Every move demands documentation, especially an international one where immigration and visa matters are involved. Determine whether you need to transfer or cancel work or residence permits. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws of both countries to avoid legal complications. 
• Financial requirements: Close any bank accounts and cancel subscriptions you’ll no longer need after moving. Be sure to address any tax-related issues, too. That includes informing tax and financial authorities of your upcoming move. 

Customs Documentation Tips

Navigating customs can be an intimidating aspect of international relocation, but it’s important to do it right so all your items arrive without delays. 

Although every country enforces unique requirements, there are some basics you can expect. Determine the documentation you need and familiarize yourself with the correct forms. Double-check everything you fill out and verify shipped good classifications. 

For help with customs requirements, connect with Corrigan Moving Systems. We offer customs compliance support to ensure safe item delivery. Our Global Relocation Specialists will work closely with you, helping you gather and complete all the necessary customs documentation. We’ll even create an inventory of all your shipments, itemizing everything and ensuring you only bring what’s permitted in your country.

The Role of Your International Moving Company

A reliable international moving company can streamline the relocation process and help you prepare for any obstacles along the way. Look for these elements:

• Experience: You deserve a partner who’s familiar with international moves and all that comes with them. At Corrigan Moving Systems, we have nearly a century of experience helping people move all over the world. Our extensive expertise and experience can give you extra peace of mind. 
• Global support: When moving internationally, the level of global support a moving company can offer is crucial. You need a company that understands the regulations and requirements of the countries you’re leaving and entering. We offer global relocation services and global network locations to support you at every step, no matter where you’re going or coming from. 
• Moving services: Everyone has different needs when relocating. Finding a company with comprehensive and customizable services is the best way to accomplish everything you need with one point of contact. At Corrigan Moving Systems, you can find services including packing, item storage, customs compliance, car shipping, piano moving and more. 

Additional Tips for Returning Home After Living Internationally

The more you think and plan ahead, the easier your transition will feel. Here are some extra tips to add to your arsenal.

1. Build a Support Network Back Home

A strong support network is crucial during big life changes. Your support system should be full of people you feel excited to see and comfortable talking to during hard times. Express your needs to the friends or family you know you can rely on and ask for their help during your move. 

2. Get Excited About the Next Steps

The adjustment period looks different for everyone. Some people may be ready to jump back into regular activities right away, while others may need time to process the shift they’ve gone through. Either way, make some plans to ease the transition and give yourself things to look forward to. 

Invite old friends and family to visit when you settle in. Ask them what’s new since you’ve been away and make reservations at your favorite hangout spots. As the move approaches, get excited about things you haven’t done in a while or couldn’t do in your host country. For example, visiting your favorite restaurant or buying that local candy you love can instantly make you feel more at home.

3. Stay Organized

Organization can benefit your move in several ways. First, it can help you reduce the number of shipping containers you need. It can also make the unpacking process easier, allowing you to settle back into your home faster. 

Try to declutter before packing by discarding or donating any items you no longer need or want. Keep similar items together, and use supplies to label every container — a little extra time upfront will be worth it later.

Trust Corrigan Moving Systems to Make the Transition Smooth

Moving home after living in another country can be easy with the right partner. Corrigan Moving Systems is your trusted international moving company. Since 1929, our team has been serving clients with innovation, integrity and quality. Our comprehensive moving services offer everything you need to simplify the process and boost your peace of mind. 

Regardless of where you’re going, trust our expert team members to get you there safely and efficiently. Request a personalized quote to see how we can help with your upcoming move.