You interviewed for a great assignment, you received an offer, and now the contract is yours…so what’s next? It’s time to pack your bags! Packing the right things for your travel assignment is crucial. Talk with your recruiter about this, especially if you are headed to a location you have never been before. Are your linens, tableware, etc. going to be included? Should you pack winter clothes, summer clothes, or a little bit of both? It is important to ask these questions so you know what to expect. More than likely your recruiter will have helpful hints for the territory and will know what you need to pack to be best prepared.
Not only do you need to know what to pack, you should think about what you can live without during your travel assignment. For instance, if you are going to an area with great restaurants, maybe you can live without your full set of pots and pans, opting to bring only one for the nights you eat in. And do you really think you will wear EVERY pair of shoes you own during a 13-week assignment? Packing light will not only save you room while traveling to your destination, but will make for a less-cluttered housing unit.
Don’t forget a camera! If you have never been to this location (and even if you have) you will want to take pictures of all the adventures you experience. Family and friends also enjoy seeing what you’ve been up to while away on assignment. If your housing unit doesn’t have a TV, pack a portable DVD player or laptop so you can watch movies on the nights you stay in. You’ll also want to pack a few pictures and decorations to make your new home feel like your real home.
Starting at a new location is very exciting. Settle in and get comfortable, branch out and make new friends, and most importantly, enjoy your new assignment!