Getting ready for an international relocation? Although this exciting journey is full of incredible possibilities, there’s a lot of preparation required for an overseas move, and this can feel daunting.
Even if you’re feeling overwhelmed about your upcoming move, there’s good news in store: an international move doesn’t need to feel like a huge challenge. With the right know-how, your upcoming relocation can be simple and straightforward. Interested in finding out how? Allow us to walk you through the process in nine easy steps!
One of the most important steps to take for an international move is to research, research, and research some more. There’s no such thing as knowing too much! Before you even make the decision to move abroad, it’s crucial to look into insights about the country you’d like to move to. Try to find accounts from other expats and understand what the experience looks like as a foreigner. Learn what you can about the requirements to move there, the economic situation, cultural norms and customs, and various other pieces of information in order to gain a realistic look at life in your goal country. Having an accurate view of the country is incredibly valuable as you prepare to move.
Once you’ve confirmed your move, it’s time to start scheduling. During the next few months, there will be a lot of preparation to get you where you need to go.
Creating a schedule will allow you to stay on track with all the necessary tasks to complete before moving day. Be sure to establish any important deadlines you need to meet so nothing important falls by the wayside. Additionally, allow yourself plenty of time to prepare, and try to set small goals, as these will be a lot more manageable. Larger tasks should be divided up into smaller chunks to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Another important part of any move is establishing a budget. Understanding your financial situation will be absolutely necessary during this time. This will allow you to determine how much you can spend in each category, what to allot your funds to, and any financial limitations you need to be mindful of. Be sure to look into the economic landscape of the country you’re moving to, as the exchange rate can make a big difference in the way you’ll spend money here.
Every country has different requirements when it comes to visas and any other paperwork you need to acquire to live there. Be sure to complete thorough research on this topic to understand exactly what you need, and allow plenty of time to handle this far in advance. Being proactive about this will avoid any untimely hiccups in your international moving plans. Apply for all necessary items as early as possible, and you will experience a much smoother process overall.
Understandably, you probably can’t move everything you own to a new country. It’s not exactly realistic, but additionally, it’s not necessary either. Most of us have accumulated a lot of items over the years that we no longer want, use, or need. Of course, there’s no use in spending the time, money, and energy to move these unneeded belongings overseas. This is why an international relocation offers the perfect opportunity to complete a thorough declutter.
Determine what items you want to eliminate before you even begin packing. These items can be categorized as sell, donate, and throw away, depending on their value and condition. Doing this will allow you to move a lot fewer items, which will ultimately be easier and more convenient.
It’s time to pack! You might be feeling overwhelmed by this intensive process, but try to allow yourself as much time as possible to avoid stress. Divide the task into smaller chunks over a period of weeks, and segment this process room by room in order to achieve best results. Working through packing one room at a time will ultimately improve organization. As you pack, it’s crucial to be mindful of the way you fill your boxes or suitcases, as you want to be strategic in order to minimize the potential for movement while in transit. Your items will have a long journey to their new home, so be sure to use the appropriate amount of protection.
Another important element to consider as you pack is the possibility of moving. Many international moving companies will ship your belongings for you, which can ultimately be a cheaper and easier option (and sometimes the only option), especially for larger items. Take steps to determine which route works best for your needs.
When moving to a different country, it’s important to make sure you understand what your health insurance and healthcare will look like. This is absolutely crucial for your well-being as you travel abroad. Make sure you have international health insurance coverage, or be sure to find out how to get coverage in your new country.
Additionally, be mindful of any medications you require. Have a sufficient supply to sustain you in your new country when you first arrive, as this will be necessary until you are able to obtain a prescription in your new country. Look into how this process works before you move.
No matter how excited you are to start your life abroad, almost everyone feels homesick or lonely at some point when they move overseas. Although you will have more opportunities to find community once you’re physically in your new country, you can also start in advance by finding groups online. Many expat communities have an online presence, offering a virtual opportunity for you to find people to bond with before you even arrive!
As you prepare for an international relocation, remember that it’s an emotional experience. During the process, you will likely feel every emotion possible, and that’s okay! However, it’s in your best interest to be mindful of this element and prepare for the many ways that will affect you. Allow yourself time to process, and be gentle with yourself. Remember to spend a lot of time with loved ones before your departure as well, as this is a valuable part of the farewell.
What are you waiting for? With these steps, embarking on an incredible international relocation has never been easier. If you’re looking for a dependable moving company to make the process even more straightforward, count on Allied International to transport your belongings anywhere in the world!
We have been the industry-leading international moves for over 136 years, and our team prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else. Reach out today for a free quote, and get the ball rolling on your exciting overseas move today!
We carefully and methodically pack and crate your items, ensuring their safe and secure arrival. We take pride in the expert packing, crating, and handling of your possessions.
Our aim is to have your belongings safely and quickly transported to your new location, with a focus on customer service and your utmost satisfaction.
We provide you with a personal moving coordinator. You can check in any time you wish, connecting to the same person who will be very familiar with your particular custom moving plan.
