Nowadays more and more people undertake the opportunity to move abroad. Whether it is a job related move or for personal, family reasons one, now, more than ever, we have become more open and willing to explore new places. However experiencing a successful international move needs a lot of planning, a lot has to be taken into consideration. Here are all the key points you have to pay special attention to if you want to endure your relocation.
Choose the right country
When determining the country you are moving to, take in mind at least a couple of factors before calling the final shot. Moving abroad is not just moving a few blocks away from your home. Make a list with all the pros and cons of the potential country. You might be allured by the language or the food, but how would you feel if the cost of living is a bit higher than you’ve expected. Confirm that the positive aspects exceed the negative ones. Make sure that at the end the move will be worth it.
Consider the requirements for foreigners to live and work legitimately in the particularly country. Check out the country’s immigration department website to find out what you need to do to obtain a visa.
Do not forget about the language barrier. How much of an issue will the lack of language skills be for you? It’ll be easier for you to adapt if you know the language, so you might also think about a language course.
Look for information regarding the economical, political and cultural environment of the country, the social stratification and the lifestyle. You’d better even start following the news in your would-be home a couple of months before making the international move. Moreover, you could also hop to some expat sites and forums to dig deep in society’s inclinations.
Moving abroad – professional and personal aspirations
So, you’ve finally decided on the country, now what? First, before leaping into wrapping and packing all of your belongings, secure a job and a property to live in.
Landing the job in advance will guarantee you stay away from debts. Managing the financial aspect of the moving process is a step you should not underestimate. Savings can fly away faster than you think. You can and should count on savings for the first month, but then you’ better have some firm income you can rely on.
Finding a house in advance is a sensible thing to do. You will not only secure a place to sleep, but knowing the square feet of the property will let you plan your packing better. You should decide whether you are downsizing, or you will look for the same-square-feet property. Avoid the scenario of too much furnishing and no place to feel comfortable in your new home.
The international removals company
Before hunting for professional removals company, you should set your removals budget right. Sort out your items and decide on what are you taking with you. The amount (the cubic feet) of your belongings will define the moving cost. You can only calculate your cost accurately after asking the removals company to come and inspect your house. Estimations over email or phone cannot be so meticulous.
Choose your removals company carefully as it will be responsible for supervising, and financially dealing with storage facilities, trucking companies and freight forwarders within the whole international moving process. Moving abroad involves dealing with customs too. A reputable removals company should assist you with the customs clearance process. Some countries like the USA and Australia do require your household items to be at least twelve months in your procession before the move, so they can be imported duty free. Also, there might restrictions regarding goods you can carry with you. So, find and work with an experienced international movers only. You can start by asking friends and acquaintances for recommendations, read reviews and testimonials, check whether the company is a legitimate business and has affiliations with international moving associations – International Association of Movers (IAM), Overseas Moving Network International (OMNI), The British Association of Removers (BAR).
Get ready for the international move
Do not forget to notify governmental institutions for your relocation abroad in a timely manner. Cancel agreements with utility companies, banks, schools, insurance providers and any other organization you are a member of.
Shop for cheap airfare. Usually plane tickets are expensive when you travel overseas, so make sure that you get a good deal. Buy your tickets as soon as possible.
Reserve a hotel, if you are arriving earlier than the agreed date or if you haven’t found a rental in the new country. Research deals in the city you are moving to and make sure you get a good one.
If you are moving with your children, research the educational system of the new country. Make sure your kids continue their education in the best possible way.
Find ways on how to save on moving companies. Look for coupons and discounts. There are other ways to save money on your overseas move you might want to take advantage of like downsizing, de-cluttering and organizing a yard sale.
Shipping a car will cost you extra money. If you are planning to move with your car abroad, look for a removals company that offers auto transportation. Get acquainted with the rules regarding importing a vehicle in the new country.
Author: Pamela Smith is a relocation professional. She is one of the esteemed authors at MyMovingReviews.com blog.
