Moving down the street can take a long time, preparing to go on a trip for a few days is difficult, and moving to a different country is challenging. It’s exciting, and there are so many different things to look forward to – meeting new people, immersing yourself in the culture, starting fresh, maybe even landing your dream job! However, there’s a lot to think about and do before you actually move. No matter where you’re going or what the reason is, there are a few important pieces of advice to keep in mind if you want to move to a different country.
1. Research
If you’re seriously considering moving to another country, chances are you’ve already checked which documents you’ll need, and how to go about applying for the proper paperwork. However, there’s still a lot more to think about than just passports and visas.
No matter where you plan on moving to, most likely there are other people that have done it already. In other words, before moving to Australia, China, or any other country – look for online resources that will explain the education opportunities, what kind of healthcare system is in place, what the housing market is like, which languages are spoken, the cultural differences you might expect, and more. We all have certain preconceptions about other places, whether they’re good or bad, and it’s important to look at what the reality of living in a different country is before making the big leap. Who knows, you might even find out that the transition will be even easier than you previously thought.
Every person is different – which means everyone has at least a slightly different lifestyle. Before making a big move like this, it’s important that you take a look at what are the things that make you happy, which activities are a must for you, and what you wouldn’t want to live without. Whatever it is that you find to be an important aspect of your life you’d like to keep, it’s always a good idea to see if the country you’re moving to will allow for those habits.
2. Start Getting Organized
Before you actually start packing your bags and looking at flights to the country you’re moving to, it’s important that you start getting organized. Of course, there are always things that will come up at the last minute – but having an organized system is a great way for making sure everything falls into place at the right time.
Try writing lists, making plans, and matching the things you’ll need to do in the next few months with their respective deadlines. It’s also a good idea to start making a packing list of all the things you’re certain you want/need to bring with you. On that note, it’s also important to consider things you might want to throw out or at least sell before you leave. Before you start throwing everything in a suitcase and hiring a fleet of moving trucks, take the time to go through your house, looking for things you might not need anymore. If there are items of clothing you haven’t worn in the last year, donate them. If there are things you bought but don’t really need – sell them.
If you currently live in a spacious home, and the place you plan on getting – whether you’re buying it or renting – is significantly smaller, the chances are there will be things you won’t need anymore. If you’re not sure whether to get rid of something or not, just ask yourself if you would want to have it in your new home and how you would use it there. A fur coat won’t be of much use to you if you’re moving to a place with a warmer climate, but a desktop chair will probably be useful wherever you go.
3. Have A Backup Plan
You can be as well prepared as possible, but that doesn’t mean things will go according to plan every single time – so it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in place. Make sure your destination is somewhere you’d definitely enjoy living in and make sure you have a way of supporting yourself financially for at least a couple of months. Having money to live off means not having to settle for a job just because it seems like the only option. Having a plan on what you’ll do for a living, where you’ll live, and what you’ll need for your daily life is a great idea.
However, since it’s likely that you won’t have a developed support system in a new country, it’s important that those plans take into account the possibility of things not going according to plan, and safeguards you can implement just in case. When it comes to jobs – even if you’re making the move because of a career opportunity, it’s important to research the market beforehand, to see how easily someone with your qualifications can find new employment if this job falls through.
If the place you were thinking about buying or renting turns out to not be as great as you originally thought, how likely are you to find a different place that suits your needs, wants, and budget? While everything will probably be fine, it’s important to think of alternatives in case an issue comes up that could affect your quality of life once you move.
4. Meet The Locals
One of the most important things you should do before moving to a new country is going out and meeting other people who live there – both locals and ex-pats who are already familiar with the place. They can give you advice on where to go, what’s worth seeing, and where not to go – but they can also tell you about all the hidden gems that aren’t in any tourist guide. If you’ve just moved into your new place, baking some cookies and introducing yourself to your new neighbors is a great way to start feeling at home. Once you get involved in the community, you’re much more likely to find things that are worth your time – whether it’s an awesome local pub or a unique outside sports club that no tourist guide would ever mention. Besides that, it will also help you establish a sense of belonging, which is important for anyone no matter where they live. Since you might be living far away from friends and family, taking the time to establish a new social circle and a support system is a great way to help you adjust to your new life.
Moving to a different country can be an exciting and fun experience. However, before you start planning your move, it’s important that you have all the necessary information in mind – especially if this is going to be a permanent or long-term change. Make sure you have a plan in place, get to know your destination, and take the time to get involved with the community. The more you’re able to adapt to the idea of your new life before moving day, the better off you’ll be!
