Moving abroad is certainly one of the most exciting but complicated endeavours.
Different from moving out to the next neighbourhood or city, you will need more than just browsing through your local moving companies to prepare for the trip.
Additional factors such as customs, overseas shipping, immigration and more can put a toll on you, but with the proper plan, you can have an easy and pleasant transition to your new home.
Updating passport and visa
Once you have decided it is time to move and select where you want to continue your life, it is time to get familiar with the requirements. Depending on where you are travelling from and where you want to go, you may need to apply and get approved for a VISA first.
Countries within Schengen will not require a visa, but if you travel from outside, you want to ensure you get your permit well in advance.
You should also ensure that your passport and ID are up to date, as they are always required when travelling abroad. If you have a driving license, check if it is accepted in the country you will be moving to if you plan to drive there.
Making copies of all important documents
Now that you have confirmed that your documents are up to date, it is time to make some copies. You don’t want to find yourself in another country trying to explain that you’ve lost your passport.
Copies will come in handy not only if you lose an important document but also in keeping the originals safe. Many institutions will want to make a copy of your papers, so just handing them one will allow for a quicker and safer trip.
When preparing copies, consider making them for the following:
- Birth Certificate;
- Passport;
- License;
- Medical records;
- Health Insurance;
- Marriage Certificate.
If you have not done so yet, get your original documents laminated to protect them better.
Shipping items you can’t carry
International shipment is expensive, and you may struggle to find a local removals company that will provide you with the option.
Sometimes, paying for an extra luggage bag on your flight may be cheaper.
Once you have an idea of what you want to bring with you and how much baggage you will be taking, browse and compare the price of the extra bag on the plane to the cost of shipping internationally to see which one makes more sense.
The restrictions to carry on may differ based on the company you will be flying with. To avoid any last-minute troubles, you should go through the list of what is allowed on the plane.
Making arrangements for the first night
If you are moving abroad, ideally, you would have made preparations for your stay and have already begun the process of renting a property.
Even if that is the case, making additional arrangements for your first night may be a good idea.
Remember that you are in a foreign country, so you don’t want to be left without accommodation. Book a hotel room or Airbnb near the airport, where you can crash for the night and start working on your new life in the morning.
Insurance and healthcare
Some countries require mandatory immunisations to grant you access. Others have a recommended list based on demographic specifics.
Before you leave, visit your doctor for a routine checkup to ensure there are no pressing health matters. While at it, take the opportunity to schedule any immunisations you are missing but will need.
Once you are up to date, it is time to cover the unpleasant scenario of suffering any injury or illness while abroad. Choose a Medical Insurance that offers 24-hour emergency assistance and applies to the country where you are moving.
You will want to keep that until you can move all your medical documentation and find a doctor at your new place.
Setting a bank account
Setting up an international account with a well-known bank is vital for your move. Most banks will offer you the option to open an account in your host country before relocating overseas. Some institutions provide international ATM fee reimbursements, so if you plan on using your card often, you may want to look for that option.
Once you have secured your funds while abroad, it is time to call your bank. Inform them about your expected arrival at the host country and a list of other places you may look to visit in the coming weeks.
Providing them with a notice will save you the trouble of finding your card blocked due to fraudulent activity while abroad.
Searching housing options
If you have decided to move abroad without securing a place to stay first, getting this done as soon as possible is a good idea. While staying at a hotel or Airbnb, you can browse and find your ideal place.
Do not hesitate to get the opinion of others about the different housing options, as well as advice on local house removals company that can help with your move.
Browse Facebook marketplace, yelp, and buy a newspaper that lists homes in the area where you want to stay. You may also wish to contact real estate agents who will help you find your place.
Getting help from house removals
Moving abroad can be very different from moving house across the city. Getting all your items transported to you is significantly harder and, sometimes, may even be cost ineffective.
In such a situation, great help will be a local moving company assisting you with safely transporting all your priced possessions. Even if you don’t want to take everything with you at once, most businesses offer flexible storage solutions where you can claim your things on short notice.
Conclusion
Careful planning and preparation are essential when moving abroad.
Ensure you do as much as possible before arriving in a foreign land. Get your documents and paperwork up to date.
Browse around and contact removals companies that can help transport, store, and protect your belongings while travelling.
Make arrangements for your first night there so you don’t have to deal with jet lag while struggling to get across the city.
