If moving homes across the street, or moving cities across different states, can be stressful, imagine the prospect of moving to an entirely new country. According to research, moving can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life. However, all this hassle shouldn’t have to make you pull at your hairs. In this blog, we’ll share our best tips on emigration and teach you eight ways to enjoy an effortless move.
Do Your Research Before You Move
As with any big life decision, you should make do plenty of your own research before you actually move. Obviously look at the basics, such as the cost of living and crime statistics, but also the more niche aspects of the country. Do they have a thriving music scene? Are there plenty of museums to check out? Make a list of your priorities and then find countries that fit your needs. We’re sure you’ll find one that is just right for you.
Start an Emergency Fund
You never know what can happen before your big move, during, or even after. That’s why it’s always important to have an emergency back-up fund that can keep you going for a few months. Most financial experts argue that you should have enough savings to modestly sustain yourself for around six months. If you’ve never saved in this way before, we recommend setting up a monthly direct deposit to gradually increase your savings until you reach your goal.
Renew Your Passport
Your passport is perhaps the most important document you own, especially when you are outside your home country. For logistical purposes, it’s always recommended that you renew your passport around nine months before the expiry date. Some airlines won’t even let you book your flight if you fail to meet this requirement. We also recommend that you always carry a few paper photocopies of your passport, in case you lose this document, or it gets stolen.
Get Your Insurance in Order
No matter where you move to, it’s always a good idea to get insurance. We’re talking trip cancellation insurance, health insurance, pet insurance, and anything in between. You may also want to consider moving insurance, as this can help cover the costs of any broken possessions or theft. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Imagine having everything ready to go, only to find out that your 12-hour flight has been cancelled. Make your move as stress-free as possible with a comprehensive insurance plan.
Contact Your Bank and Service Providers
An extremely important thing to cross off your checklist before moving countries is to contact your bank and other service providers. Think about any mail subscriptions, utility companies, solicitors, financial advisors, insurance companies, medical professionals, vehicle registrations, and the list goes on. Let them know that you will no longer be living in the country and give them the details of your move. If they still need an address, ask them to forward your mail to a PO box or friends house for the time being.
Purge Your Belongings
One of the best things you can do before moving all your belongings across country borders is to get rid of most of it. We never truly realise how many things we accumulate until it’s time to empty your closet drawers and pack it all up into boxes. Sit down, release your inner Marie Kondo, and get rid of the things you no longer need. We recommend that you sort your belongings into keep, donate, and throw away piles.
Provide For Your Pets
If you have any furry friends in your family, you’ll need to account for their needs too. Different countries have varying rules when it comes to pets and emigration, so do your research to make sure all the necessary paperwork is in order. It’s always best to talk to your local veterinarian and research professional pet relocation services.
Reach Out to Other Expats in the Area
Last but not least, we recommend that you reach out to other expats that live in the area. It’s important to get to know the locals, but the expats could have all the answers to questions you may have. We recommend looking online through Facebook groups and asking some questions on there.
All in all, remember why you are doing this move. Are you in search of a better life? Will you be starting a better job? It’s easy to get caught up on the little details when you’re moving, however, try to think of the bigger picture. Once you’re settled in, you’ll feel amazing about the move. Just remember that these things take time. Take a deep breath and prepare yourself for the new adventure that is ahead of you, this is only just the beginning.
