Moving is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. Make that an international move and youโve got what feels like a mountain ahead of you!
While the process can be daunting, careful and proper planning can and will get you to the other side unscathed and all in one piece.
Here is a guide to all the things you need to think about, plan, and implement leading up to the big day.
Research and Preparation
Doing careful research before you dive headfirst into the process is essential, and thereโs a lot youโll need to look into. A good place to start is researching a little bit about your destination country and getting to know what itโs like to live there, the cost of living, etc.
Learn about visa requirements, and all the details that will need to be put into place before you can actually move. Youโll also need to consider elements like global life insurance and health insurance if your existing policy wonโt cover you internationally.
Financial Planning
One of the greatest challenges of moving abroad is the financial aspect, and thereโs a lot to consider here. First of all, thereโs the cost of the moving process itself. This will entail all your travel documents, flights and accommodation, professional movers, etc.
Next, youโll also need to plan your finances for once youโve actually arrived and settled down in your new country. What will your earnings be and what will your budget look like? Remember that the cost of living will differ from country to country!
Housing and Accommodation
Of course, youโll need somewhere to live. However, thereโs a strong chance that even if you find a space to rent, you wonโt have access to it immediately upon arrival. This means you might need to organise temporary accommodation.
Depending on how long youโll need a place to stay, you could look into booking a hotel room or an Airbnb, crash at a friendโs home (if you already know someone nearby), or even look into a short-term rental if youโre unsure of how long youโll be without a permanent residence.
Moving Logistics
Youโll also want to make sure that you carefully plan out the logistics of the move well in advance. Think about whether youโll be shipping all your belongings or selling everything before you move to start afresh in your new home.
Consider moving dates, when youโll start work, how youโll handle the packing and unpacking processes, etc. so that you wonโt be overwhelmed with panic when the time for these things arrived and youโre left feeling clueless.
Cultural and Language Adjustment
Of course, thereโs plenty to think about in terms of documents and legal issues, travel and accommodationโฆ But what about the mental preparation you need to do? Moving to a new country can be a lot to deal with emotionally, and coping with culture shock is one of the biggest challenges youโll face once youโve arrived.
Make sure that youโre prepared for this, and do your best to avoid the shock by familiarizing yourself with the culture and social norms. You can also start learning the official language of your new country to help make sure you donโt feel completely lost and alone upon your arrival.
Practical Considerations
When youโve finished planning the move, travel, and all of those related issues, you can spend some time thinking about the practicalities of your new life.
This will include things like your work and education, if thatโs applicable to you. If youโre moving for your career, this will make things easier for you. However, if youโre moving without the safety net of a job, or perhaps moving with a spouse who was offered a job overseas, then youโll need to figure out how youโll be making your way. You may need to update your CV and ensure that youโre meeting the standards of your new country. Research what your industry is like there and consider taking some courses to freshen up your skills.
Health and Safety
Next, make sure you understand what the healthcare system in your new country looks like, and how youโll fit into the system as a foreigner. Consider private health insurance options for the long-term and research what access youโll have to any chronic medication or ongoing treatments you might need.
Check up on any required vaccinations as well, and find out if there are any particular health concerns in the area.
Building a Social Network
One final thing youโll need to think about is how youโll make new friends in a foreign country. This is another emotional aspect that many people fail to plan for.
However, feeling isolated after a big move like this can compound any stress youโre already feeling. Make the effort beforehand to join online social communities (particularly for expats if you can find any) and see if you can start making some friends online before you even arrive.
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