How to Move Successfully
Moving abroad is something we have all completed at least once. However, it’s a daydream or idea that never actually comes to fruition, as many people assume the process is too overwhelming or won’t turn out as they expect. Here we will tell you a list of tips and hacks about how to successfully move abroad.
Re-starting your life in a new country takes quite a lot of planning and determination, and even if unexpected curveballs come up, there is always a reasonable and easy solution to the problem. It’s a daunting experience, however, once you reap the rewards, it can be a life-changing event.
If you’re thinking of packing up and moving abroad, check out We Buy Any House Reviews to see how we can help you sell your house fast and get you to your dream destination.
Visit the Location/Country
It may sound obvious, but sometimes we can fall in love with a country without having visited there. Images of specific locations can sell us a dream, and it’s easy to get swept up in a fantasy. If you are seriously thinking about moving there, then it’s vital that you visit this place frequently… or at least once. This is the best way to find out more about the lifestyle and culture and see what things you need to prepare.
Before Moving Out, Research is Key!
Even if you have visited the country multiple times, it’s still important to research the country. There may be obscure things you don’t know yet, and it’s important to understand not only the way of living out there but things such as the legal system. This way, you can decide if your way of living coincides with the lifestyle of the country you want to live in.
Tell the Right People:
So, you’ve made the final decision that you’re moving abroad– now it’s time to tell the right people. Not including your friends and family, you must begin to get the ball rolling in terms of sorting out your legal affairs.
Firstly, you may want to give your employer notice as to the fact that you will be leaving, and then there is a long list of contacts you need to inform. If you are leaving the UK, then you need to inform HM Revenue and Customs, as they may still require you to pay income tax in the UK depending on your personal circumstances.
Secondly, your local authority must be informed, so they know where to forward your final council tax bill. Your mortgage provider, utility services, pension center, post office, student loans company, and medical services such as your GP will all need to be notified months in advance.
Decide What You’re Doing with Your House after Moving Out.
The next decision is to work out what you are going to do with your current property. If you are renting, then you may be able to time the end of a lease with your move. However, if you are the homeowner, you may decide to either sell it, rent it out, or leave it vacant if you’re planning to frequently visit your home.
Whichever you decide, you must put things into motion, as selling your house or getting a property fit to rent is a lengthy process.
If you are in doubt about selling your former residence to buy a new one, in another article I wrote about simple calculations to help to decide between renting or buying a house. If your choice is to buy a house in your new country, remember to not fall into the homeowner debt trap.
Moving Abroad Checklist: Setting Up
When moving to a new location, you must have things set up in advance. Ideally, you want to slip into a routine with everything in place before you move, rather than typing up loose ends and organizing affairs months after you move. A few things to consider are:
1st — Passport: First things first, your passport. You will need up-to-date travel documents, not just for you, but also for your family too. Ensure these are done well in advance, as it can be quite a lengthy process waiting to process and renew passports.
2nd — Legal Documents: Ensure that you have any other necessary legal paperwork stored away safely. It’s a good idea to have one paper copy and one on a digital hard drive, just in case the paper form gets damaged or lost.
3rd — Employment: Most of the time, people move abroad for work. The relocation can cause enough stress, so besides starting a new job- this may be an even more stressful time. If they have offered you a job, then it’s worth asking your employer for a moving package. If you have got nothing set in place, then it’s a good idea to look for jobs beforehand- to see if your industry needs work.
4th — Home: Setting up a place to live is of absolute priority. Once you get out there, the last thing you want is to be homeless, so it’s vital that you even have somewhere temporary to live. Unless you have family or friends who are going to let you stay upon your arrival, it is necessary to ensure you have a home to move into.
5th — Pets: Most of us would never dream of abandoning our pets when they are part of the family.
If you’re planning on bringing along your pet for the journey, then there are some things you need to put in place. Once you have confirmed your destination, you will need to get your pet micro-chipped by your vet. Following this, get your pet immunized against rabies at least 21 days before you are due to travel. You must speak to an animal transportation company that can give you advice when it comes to transferring your pet.
6th — School: If you have children, you will legally have to enroll them in school. This can take months to fall into place, so it’s a good idea to get all the paperwork and applications formed filled in before the move.
7th — Banking/ Currency and Savings: It’s important to have savings if you’re planning on moving abroad. Things may not always go smoothly, and sometimes you need the reassurance that you have finances in place in the case of an emergency. Additionally, you must research the currency and currency rates for your destination, as you want to ensure your savings convert into a substantial amount. You will need to set up a bank account when you arrive, however this may take time. Instead, it’s a good idea to ensure you have enough cash in hand to live on until then.
8th — License: If you’re planning on hiring or buying a car when you arrive, then you may need to get your license transferred or renewed to suit the driving laws and regulations of your new country.
9th — Healthcare: It’s wise to get informed about the medical care of your new location. This includes your eligibility for medical and social security benefits and what you are entitled to without being a local citizen. Often, some countries have an agreement with other countries as to what is allowed in terms of health care, so check this out in advance to get an idea of what you’re entitled to.
10th — Moving Belongings: If you’ve moved before, you’ll understand how stressful it can be moving your belongings from one place to another- and that’s in the same country! Moving abroad is a unique experience, so you must find a reliable company and airline to transport your belongings safely.
Conclusion: How to Successfully Move Abroad
In the case you plan (or already decided) to move out, there are a few other articles I wrote to help you. One will help you to move abroad for retirement (even though retirement for younger generations may be an illusion), another article is about moving abroad to invest in emerging countries, or as a student (and how to survive on a tight budget). I also compiled two city lists: one of the most stressful cities on the planet, and the other of the most laidback cities.
Levi Borba is CEO of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel Small Business Hacks, and best-selling author. You can check his books here, his other articles here, or his Linkedin here.
