Moving overseas can be a combination of things—exhilarating, terrifying, empowering, nerve-wracking, and the list goes on. When you’re considering an international relocation, there are many different factors that go into the decision-making process, and it’s important to consider each aspect carefully before settling on the choice for you.
To further guide your process and find the right path for your goals and needs, asking yourself the right questions can be incredibly helpful. Not sure what you should be asking? That’s okay, we’ve got you covered with the top 10 questions to ask prior to embarking on an international move. Keep reading to discover the questions that will lead to the answers you need!
First and foremost, ask yourself what your reason is for journeying towards this huge life change. People move abroad for an array of reasons, including work, school, adventure, self-discovery, and so much more. Regardless of what your reason is, be sure to determine why you want to move, as this can be a great way to guide your decision and set you on the right foot towards your goals. Perhaps you will determine that you don’t need a move abroad to accomplish certain objectives, or maybe you will realize that an international relocation actually is the perfect next step in your plan.
As you consider your international move, it’s crucial to factor finances into your choice. Even if you have savings available for your relocation, you will also need a steady source of income to fuel your life in a new country. Do you have a new job lined up? Are you able to continue working with your current employer? Will you be job hunting upon arrival? Have a solid plan for how you will approach your finances moving forward, and prepare as much as possible so you will have a reliable source of income in your new country.
When moving to a different country, one of the biggest elements to consider is the type of visa that will be required for your stay. If you will be finding work in the country, you will need to make sure you have the proper work visa or permit to do so lawfully. It’s crucial to handle this aspect of your move in advance, as the visa process can take months to complete. Be proactive about this step so you can ensure smooth sailing when it’s time for your move.
Although it can be easy to get caught up in the exciting possibilities of an international move, this isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly, especially if you’re planning to spend the foreseeable future living in this new country. Completing an extensive amount of research is necessary, as it will allow you to determine if your goal country seems perfect for you or if it actually is. Being thorough about your research is absolutely necessary in order to make a decision that most accurately aligns with your vision for your future. Without this step, you risk going into your move uninformed, which can result in a more negative experience.
Of course, if you’ve never been to a country, it’s impossible to have a full grasp of the language, culture, and customs, but it’s important that you are fully prepared with as much knowledge as you can get. Perhaps even more importantly, you should be ready with a willingness and openness to learn and respect a culture that’s different from your own. If you don’t already have knowledge of the language, prepare as much as you can before relocating so you can at least have basic conversations in the country. These considerations will set you up for success and empower you to be a respectful, knowledgeable expat.
Prior to making a decision about your international move, make sure you complete ample research about housing. Understand the best options for your financial situation, and ensure that these options fit into your budget. Determine whether you will rent or buy, and assess whether or not you will need to find roommates in this new country. It’s advisable to try to line up housing as far in advance as possible so you don’t need to stress about this crucial aspect of your move.
Understanding the financial aspect of an international move is necessary so you can figure out if it’s the right choice for your specific circumstances. Your budget will be an extremely important part of your life in this new country, so make sure your finances align with the cost of living in the country. Plus, the moving process itself can be expensive, so make sure you know what to anticipate before committing to the move.
As you plan for your relocation, make sure you understand the timetable you’ll be working with. This is critical, as it enables you to confirm that you have enough time to plan various aspects of your move in a timely manner. Without understanding this part of the relocation, you may end up rushing to get ready for your move, causing unnecessary stress and difficulties. Instead, create a detailed schedule so you can ensure your relocation is completed with ample time.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from your relocation, discussing the relocation with other expats who have completed this move is a great approach. Expats can give valuable perspective and insight about the ins and outs of moving to a new country and provide information that you might not have expected. These conversations empower you to make a more informed decision about whether the move is the right choice for you. You can find expats to talk to through various online communities, letting you connect with people around the world.
Last but not least, ask yourself what your plan is on a long-term scale. Figure out whether this move will be on a limited timeline, such as a year, or if you plan to stay there indefinitely. Setting this expectation will guide a lot of your decisions about your move and allow you to tailor the move to suit your needs. You can also decide whether you’re open to staying longer or if you’re implementing a hard stop at any point.
With these questions, you will be able to give answers that effectively guide you through the international moving process. When it’s time to orchestrate your international move, count on a moving company you can trust. Allied International is second to none for international relocation needs. For over 136 years, we have supplied high-quality moving solutions to customers relocating overseas. Interested in working with us for your upcoming move? Request a quote online today, and find out more about our convenient, affordable services.
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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.
