What Can Go Wrong During a Relocation – and How to Avoid It

Relocating sounds exciting — new job, new home, new adventures. But if we’re being honest? There’s a lot that can go wrong. From missing visas to no school places, we’ve seen it all. Here's how to make your move as smooth as possible (with a few chuckles along the way).

1. Visa Delays That Wreak Havoc

Let’s start with the paperwork that has the power to halt everything — visas. A common pitfall in any international relocation is assuming that visas are a one-size-fits-all deal.

What can go wrong: The employee’s visa arrives, but the family's doesn’t. Cue chaos, temporary separation, and a highly stressed household.

How to avoid it: Start the visa process for the entire family as soon as the move is confirmed. Get all documents in early, check expiry dates, and confirm what each family member needs. Don’t assume HR has everything under control — double check every detail. It’s not just about the work permit; family sponsorship, entry requirements, and school registration often depend on it.

This is where good relocation concierge services earn their stripes — navigating the red tape before it tangles you up ☺️

2. The Great Shipping Shuffle

Shipping is another area where timing is everything — and delays can really take a toll.

What can go wrong: Your container arrives in the new country before your home is ready... or worse, you’re stuck in a new house with nothing but a suitcase and a camping chair.

Tip from the field: If you can, ship your belongings before you’ve officially left your home country. Why? Being without furniture in familiar surroundings is far easier than being without it in a new place. Plus, this opens the door for a fun staycation with family or one last hurrah with friends. Kids usually love this phase — extended sleepovers and takeaway dinners? Yes, please.

3. The School Scramble

This one’s for all the parents — and we cannot stress it enough.

What can go wrong: You wait until you land to look into schools and discover (surprise!) every place is full. Cue panic, guilt, and endless phone calls.

How to avoid it: Schools should be your starting point if you have children. Even when the move is still "tentative", begin your research. Understand the system, know the application timelines, and get in touch early. Don't be that parent on the phone begging for a Year 7 space a week before term starts — it rarely ends well.

4. Partner Blues

Relocation isn’t just about the job; it’s about the whole family.

What can go wrong: The employee settles into work, the kids start school… but the partner feels isolated, underwhelmed, and lost in transition.

How to avoid it: Prepare as a team. Encourage your partner to explore networking groups, local classes, or remote work options before the move. Feeling connected from day one makes a world of difference, especially when you’re starting fresh in a new country.

5. Cultural Curveballs

No matter how well-travelled you are, culture shock has a sneaky way of showing up.

What can go wrong: Simple daily things — grocery shopping, social cues, even humour — can feel like walking through a minefield of misunderstandings.

How to avoid it: Start learning about the local culture early. Join expat groups, follow community forums, and ask others who’ve done the move. Managing expectations and building awareness makes your first few months less of a guessing game.

 

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Final Thought: You’ve Got This (With a Little Planning)

Relocation is one of life’s big moments. It’s exciting, but it can be overwhelming — especially when you’re moving an entire family across borders. A little planning, some emotional resilience, and the occasional deep breath go a long way.

So here’s the golden rule: start early, think holistically, and involve the whole family. It might not be perfect, but it can be a lot less chaotic — and a lot more memorable (for all the right reasons).