Moving abroad is a big deal. It’s thrilling, it’s challenging and, quite frankly, simply incredible. You’re embarking on a new chapter in your life and you’re probably ecstatic. However, you need to stop for a minute (just a minute) and focus on preparing the actual move. This is not something you want to do in a rush. Well, this is not something you can do in a rush. There are things you need to take care of, and that is all on you. So, here are some tips on how to prepare for moving abroad.
The first step to prepare for moving abroad – do research!
You may know your destination country somewhat. You might have even travelled there once or twice. However, that is not enough. As you know, visiting a place is not the same as living there. When we visit a country, we look at everything through rose-colored glasses. However, life is often quite different. And, many people often experience culture shock once they move to a different country. No matter how close or how far the country may be, do the research!
To really prepare for moving abroad, you have to do extensive research. Start with the culture, because that is the most important part. Try to find a few books to read on the people. Also, try to learn a few words, just to get by once you get there. Make your search specific. If you already know where you’re moving, research the city.
To truly prepare for moving abroad, learn a few words of the language
Make a plan
You need a plan when you’re moving to the next block, let alone when you’re moving to a different country. When you want to prepare for moving abroad, planning is the basic thing you should do. Make sure to leave enough time for every task. Leaving enough time is a common moving mistake, but a moving mistake you should avoid. Also, if you forget something, you will be able to add it to the plan, because you will have time.
Make up a ballpark budget
Making a budget is also quite significant. This is another step that is not quite easy to do, but it’s worth it. Now, when you’re trying to prepare for moving abroad, you usually only look at the moving costs. However, while moving costs can be a significant item on your budget, they are not necessarily the most important. For moving, you should simply go to www.aperfectmove.net and hire reliable and efficient movers. They will be able to move you across the globe with ease and without stress.
When you’re making your budget, take into consideration your savings. A good rule of thumb for moving abroad is to have enough savings to last six months. At least. If you have more savings, that is even better. Research the cost of living in your destination country. Include things such as food, rent, cost of eating out, going to clubs, etc. Also, try to accommodate for any emergencies that may arise. You cannot predict everything, but you sure can try. This will certainly make your relocation easier.
Make sure you have enough money for at least six months
Apply for a visa
When applying for a visa, you should first go on the government website of the destination country. You can usually find the documentation you need there. Also, you might even have to go to the US Department of Homeland Security support center in case you need to submit fingerprints and photograph. Applying for a visa is an important step when you prepare for moving abroad. Without this, you might not even be moving abroad.
If necessary, renew your passport
A valid passport is necessary when moving abroad. In most cases, you must have a passport that is valid for another six months after your final travel date. However, if you find yourself in the destination country and your passport expires, you can renew it at the US embassy in the country or a consulate general.
Rent a place
Decide whether you will be more comfortable renting a house or an apartment. If you’re staying for longer, you may decide on a house for more comfort. If you can, it might be a good idea to go to the destination country and search for a place yourself. However, even before you do that, go on real estate websites and try to see what the offer there is.
Decide what you will do with your belongings
Deciding on what to pack and what to leave behind may be the hardest part of trying to prepare for moving abroad. You need to decide whether you will move with your things or not. If not, what will you do with them? If you’re moving with your things, it might be better to ship them.
However, if you decide to leave your things behind, there are a few options. For instance, you may decide to sell them. Simply organize a yard sale and you can even earn some money. Also, you can put your things in storage. However, think these options through. When you sell your things, you will never get them back. But you might return to your home country, and what will you do then? But when you rent out a storage unit, your things are there, waiting for you.
Decide what to do with your belongings
Last thing to do to prepare for moving abroad – notify everyone!
Before you move, make a list of people and companies you should notify of your move. Put people close to you on the list, of course. Then, put the post office, and your bank, and even your utility company on the list. Also, don’t forget to notify your cell phone company to see if they can unlock your phone. Sometimes it is cheaper to simply buy another SIM card when you move than to keep your old one and set up an international plan. Then go through the list and check one at a time.
Another thing you should do is copy the important documents, like ID, passport, driver’s license. It is simply a good idea to have them at hand.
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