Moving house is one of life’s most stressful events, let alone moving country! Planning a new life abroad escalates this pressure beyond belief and, sometimes, it can feel as if the nightmare will never come to an end. However, with some easy tips, and a visit to this website for some professional help, you can make sure your move is as seamless as possible and save yourself a multitude of headaches.
Have a Huge Clear Out
Before you even think about getting in touch with any international removals companies, it is time to declutter your life. Granted, you can put some of your belongings in to storage, but try and make your life as streamline as possible. During your clear out, be ruthless. Will you really need a lawnmower when living in a serviced apartment in Dubai? Will the paddling pool be a necessity in Iceland? If you aren’t going to use it put it in storage, find it a new home, or sell it for some extra funds for your adventure.
Utilise International Removal Companies
Packing for a holiday is exciting, whereas planning to move your entire life abroad can be very daunting, especially when considering weight restrictions that most airlines implement. A realistic estimate for this will fall into thousands of dollars in saved up money, which isn’t a joke by any means. Expats-to-be should get the experts in and use an international removals company. More often than not, removals firms will help you pack your belongings proficiently, saving you space and money. Once in transit, the company you have employed will safely deliver your worldly goods at your new home, meaning you have peace of mind and can concentrate on your own journey abroad.
Ensure You Have the Correct Visa
Most countries have different rules and regulations when it comes to studying, working, and living in their country. Making sure you have the appropriate visa and paperwork should be researched and secured months in advance to save any last-minute panics.
To find out what visa and paperwork you need, get Googling and visit the government websites of the country you will be moving to. You will then be able to find out the different visas available and any criteria you need to adhere to.
Do Your Research
When moving abroad, you can only benefit from being overprepared. Whether you are researching customs and etiquette of your new country, or the routes you will be taking to work, prepare a comprehensive file that contains all the information you could possibly need.
Before compiling your research, write down all the questions you would like answered. From here, you can cover any areas of concern and make sure you are 100 per cent comfortable and in the know.
Get Comprehensive Healthcare Cover
If your move is due to occupation relocation, chances are your employer will have arranged comprehensive medical insurance to ensure you have access to the best medical treatment possible. If not, there a number of companies around the world that can provide you with an international travel insurance plan, often which can be tailored to suit your specific requirements.
Having an expat travel insurance plan will ensure you are protected, whether you have a minor illness or require hospital treatment. Chances are your life abroad will go without a hitch, but it is always best to prepared, to prevent hiccups further down the line.
Keep All Your Paperwork Filed
Any small scrap of paper that is related to your move abroad should be stored in a file. It may sound finickity, but paperwork is always unimportant until you need it! Keep all your legal and financial paperwork stored safely and make copies so that there is never a chance of something going astray. This file should be stored in your hand luggage and be easily accessible when you land in your new home country, just in case you need to clarify anything on arrival or in the first few days.
Lists Are Your Best Friend
If sticky labels and highlighters aren’t your friends not, they soon will be. Make lists for what you want to pack, compile timelines, make notes about what furniture you will want to take to your new home. Colour code it, write it in code, whatever fits your organisational style.
It is also a great idea to write your lists with high priority items at the top. For example, on the day you fly, passport, money, and legal papers should be at the top. Flight pillow and snacks, however, should be near the bottom.
Get to Grips with the Language
Unless you are moving to a country for which you know the language, the prospect of being an alien in a foreign country and unable to communicate can be nerve-wracking. Furthermore, having to handle on the language can appear ignorant to locals, which is not the sort of first impression you want to make.
Even if languages are not your strong point, try to get to grips with the basics at least. Even if your wrong, locals will help you out, and would much prefer you try than adopt hand signals to get your point across. There are several smartphone apps than can have you picking up the lingo in no time.
Have Adaptors on Hand
There will undoubtedly be electrical appliances that you will want to take abroad, to save you from forking out for new ones when you arrive. The internet is usually a great resource for finding out what plug sockets are available, and which adaptors you will need to purchase. Don’t be shy when purchasing adaptors, you will be surprised how many go walkabouts!