WE have talked about the topic of moving in this column, but we've never delved into the details of the actual event. Experienced expats know that moving internationally can take anything from one month to one year of preparation. Language training, vaccinations, visa requirements and delivery of personal possessions all take time. The amount of time allotted of course depends on your sponsoring employer and the work requirements.

Let's say you are in the best-case scenario where you have advance notice of your move and you have a supportive employer. This type of move may take six months to accomplish. I move a lot and each time learn better, faster and easier methods in the process. For those of you leaving Sofia, I share a few of those tips below and hope it helps your smooth landing.

Talk the talk. Consider language training immediately. You might not want to think about Chinese while everyone around you is speaking Bulgarian, but the little steps you make toward your new home will pay off in the end.

Think local, act global. Connect with someone locally who is from your destination country. Contact the local embassy, ask a representative from the International Women's Club or make a connection through the university language school. Ok, ok, so if you are headed to a remote Pacific island, you may be out of luck but then you should be looking online for connections. Expatexchange.com provides a matchmaking service. You can email a new friend in your new city within 24 hours!

Give and You Shall Receive. You will need lots of help and every extra hand will be appreciated. Survey your possessions and start giving away your unwanted merchandise to your friends and they may be available on moving day. Whatever they do not want can go to charity. Believe me, a yard sale is one more project you don't need at this time.

Optimum Time Makes Happy Trails. My expat guru sends her husband to post three months prior to the rest of the family. He handles all the tedious temporary housing, appliance hook-up, box-heaving drama. She stays at the beach with their school-age kids until it's time to fly to their new home. Whatta' deal!

Since most new locations require some sort of "camping period" while you are waiting for final housing selection and furniture and car delivery, my guru friend chooses instead to wait at the beach. I applaud this idea and encourage it if you can swing it. Who wants to endure a half-furnished house with jet-lagged kids waiting for their toys to arrive in a completely foreign environment?

Collate Your Collection. Make copies of your personal documents e.g. birth certificates, marriage certificates and medical records. Get passport photos taken and make 10 copies for each family member. This will expedite paperwork processing (visas, residence, driving and work permits) later.

The following is a list of documents you should hand-carry to your new home: birth and marriage certificates as well as diplomas and adoption, custody and divorce decrees; insurance records; school records; pet certifications; banking and investment account information.

Packing Your Perspective Kit. Anything that helps you feel grounded and centered: Candles, bubble bath, herbal tea, a favorite book, music or movie? I never gave this element enough attention during my previous moves. Especially when you are in "camping" mode, looking at a favorite photo really helps. The authors of "The Expert Expatriate" advise you to consider packing "a) items that help solve practical problems and make you more self-sufficient b) pleasurable items and activities to reduce stress and soothe your jangled nerves and c) familiar objects that help create an instant sense of home."

On Moving Day. Feed the packers! I can't tell you how many expats debate this simple principle but it's just unnecessary hot air. A cup of coffee and a roll go a long way in ensuring your possessions are handled delicately and professionally.

Set aside the most important items (passports, keys, plane tickets and luggage) in a bathroom and lock the door if possible. Packers have been known to box crucial travel documents, wallets and purses!

Buy two scales. It's difficult to guess weight allowances and restrictions. I've spent a lot of time trying to weigh boxes with no ability to see the darn meter. Use two scales and place the box between them then the size of your box won't obscure your meter reading.

Send the kids to Sofia Land. Get them absolutely exhausted so they will crawl into bed or onto a plane and sleep for a week. Disregard well-intentioned advice to "involve" the kids on moving day. The only involvement they need is to see their belongings boxed up on their way out the door!