How To Prepare For A Big Move Abroad

If you’ve ever looked into relocating abroad, then you probably are well aware that it’s not easy. It requires a lot of time and effort to prepare, especially if you’re moving long distance. Some people say that moving is great for clearing the mind and that it will give you a fresh start. While this is true, there are also lots of things to take into consideration when you move. If this is your first time moving abroad then don’t suffer alone. We’ve done all of the hard work for you and put together a list of tips to help you along the way. Check them out below!

Organize Your Insurance

Organize long-term travel insurance so you are covered once you reach your destination. The best international health insurance plans are designed for people who are relocating or traveling for more than 12 months. It’s important to have long-term insurance as it covers all your medical expenses, should you need them while you’re living abroad. This can include things like treatment at a hospital or doctor’s clinic, prescription drugs, and ambulance transport back home if needed. While it’s unpleasant to think about, insurance will often cover death repatriation should anything happen to you in your new home country. 

Apply For The Necessary Documentation

Begin the process of applying for visas and passports. You may also need to find a place to stay for the first few weeks, book travel tickets, and get some emergency cash. Make sure you have a plan in place for each of these tasks so that you are not left scrambling when the time comes. contact your bank and phone providers and let them know you’re moving abroad. This will stop them from sending you bills or trying to contact you, which will help keep things simple when it comes to closing your current accounts. Get a local bank account opened and see if you can get a tax number too. This will make things far easier when you start applying for jobs or signing contracts with companies.

Get Packing

First things first. Make a checklist of everything you need to pack up. You don’t want to leave anything behind! Follow the below tick list to ensure you’re getting it right.

• Make a packing list. This will help you stay organized and make sure you don’t forget important items. If this is your first time moving abroad, be sure to include things like passport copies, travel insurance documents, and more!
• Pack as little as possible. Take the essentials only and leave the rest behind. Relocating is expensive, and courier costs can take up a big chunk of your budget so leave behind what you don’t need.
• Pack small items in large boxes and use packing paper or bubble wrap to keep them from moving around too much. Use large boxes for clothes, books, kitchenware, etc.
• Make sure you have enough boxes for all of your stuff so that you can pack it up easily once it arrives at its destination.
• Wrap up any breakable items to keep them safe during transportation.
• If you have a lot of electronics and other fragile items, consider getting a professional packing service. This can help ensure that your items are well-packed and protected during the move. Pack all of your important documents and personal items in a secure place or container. You don’t want to lose these.
• Mark each box with a label that includes the room it will be located in, what’s inside, and the room’s dimensions. This will help you find the right boxes once they arrive at their destination. 
• Create a corresponding spreadsheet so that you can double-check each box has the right items and is in the right room.

Do Your Research

When you are moving to a new area, do your research so that you can settle in more comfortably. If you have kids, find out if there are any schools in the area that will fit their needs. If there are parks or playgrounds nearby, check them out so that your children can get an idea of where they’ll be playing when school is not in session. There are many things you can do to make your new home more comfortable. You can find out where the best places to shop are, where the local attractions are located, and how the transportation system works. If you have a sense of your surroundings, you’ll find it far easier to slot in.

Get Connected

If you’re traveling alone, try to make friends before you go by joining local social media groups and signing up for clubs and hobbies on your arrival. This will help you meet people who are already living in the area, as well as provide you with some tips on where to go out and what things are like there.

Have you recently relocated abroad? Share your experiences in the comments to inspire others!