Moving internationally is thrilling yet challenging, promising adventure and opportunity in a new country. But it also demands extensive preparation and paperwork. With strategic planning and our relocation checklist, you’ll be well-equipped to adapt your brave new world abroad.
Before the Move
Research, Research, Research
Having knowledge is key when you’re moving internationally. You’ll want to become an expert on your soon-to-be adopted nation through extensive research on the culture, customs, language, cost of living, job market, visa requirements, and anything else that could impact your daily life.
Talk to any expats you know who’ve made a similar move and join online communities to learn from others’ mistakes and successes. Every bit of prep work you do now will make for a smoother transition later.
Get Documents in Order
Just when you thought you had gathered every certificate and record known to man, the relocation paperwork hits.Obtain legal documents such as:
- Birth certificates
- Background checks
- Diplomas
- Banking statements
Some require certification stamps or translations for immigration and visa purposes. It’s also wise to research and make photocopies of important forms and identification to keep accessible during the move – advises Yuro vskiy.
Secure a Visa
Speaking of visas, immigration should be one of your top priorities as visa processing times can take months. Whether your application falls into a work, student, partner, retirement, or other visa category, be sure to understand each requirement thoroughly.
Keep in mind that common red tape includes the following:
- Proof of finances
- Insurance
- Background checks
- Employment details
- Scheduled lodging
- Translations of key documents
Make a Moving Plan
With a shiny new visa (hopefully) in hand, it’s time to initiate the tactical side of your big move. First, decide your timeline and create a schedule that builds in wiggle room for any hiccups along the way. If your employer is assisting with relocation expenses, get clarity early on regarding what’s covered.,
Regarding the relocation of your belongings, you’ll need to inventory everything, measure larger items, and solicit estimates from several international moving companies for comparison. If shipping some possessions, factor in customs fees and other import taxes too.
Hire a Scout
Buying property remotely can be tricky, so it may be worth spending money upfront on a real estate scout to track down suitable rentals or house listings on your behalf. They’ll help narrow your search based on your wish list (location, size, budget, amenities) and ensure you don’t get ripped off on pricing. If utilizing an agent, look for one savvy in relocation services.
They should go beyond just housing assistance too — hooking you up with banks, contractors, tutors, and providing general guidance. Learn more in the article.
Money Matters
Navigating new banks, currency exchange rates, taxes, and the overall cost of living in a foreign nation is no easy feat. Here are the steps to take:
- Start by researching your money transfer options to avoid sky-high fees.
- Opening an international bank account and obtaining credit cards that’ll work abroad simplify life too.
- Existing insurance plans may not transfer, so consider enrolling in an expatriate health policy.
Purge, Sell, Store
What you choose to ditch or take impacts your moving costs immensely. Mercilessly purge any non-essentials. Then decide if it’s more cost-efficient to sell off large furniture and appliances or place them in storage for safekeeping.
While services are available to store your leftovers, it’s smart to compare annual rates versus replacing items abroad and moving only absolute necessities.
During the Move
Tie Up Loose Ends at Home
Beyond just packing and working with shippers, you’ll need to organize mail forwarding, cancel utilities, subscriptions, and any club memberships. Leave a paper trail documenting your departure too by notifying your landlord, employers, banks, and other relevant entities.
Pro-Tip: Clear any outstanding financial or legal obligations, such as paying off debt, settling taxes, finishing medical treatments, and renewing expiring documents before your move.
Arrange Pet’s Travel
Moving pets internationally is a whole operation in itself, with many countries imposing a quarantine period upon arrival. Research airline pet travel policies, vaccination requirements, certificates of good health, microchip documentation, quarantine costs…the list goes on. Some breeds also face restrictions, so you’ll want to loop in your vet early on to handle any procedures necessary for your furry friend to tag along.
Take Enough Essentials
Leading up to your move date, designate two bags/suitcases to take with you containing essentials like clothing, medications, pet supplies, electronics, chargers, toiletries, important documents, and sentimental items you can’t bear to lose.
Having these necessities with you on the plane will mitigate some stress while awaiting the arrival of your shipped belongings to your new home.
After You’ve Landed
Find Temporary Lodging
Unless your permanent housing is miraculously lined up from day one, you’ll likely need to book temporary lodging for a couple weeks while getting settled.
These may include:
- Reserving an extended stay at hotel rooms
- Renting a short-term rental through services like Airbnb
- Considering acquiring temporary housing
The latter often come with more flexible lease terms and furnishing options for a seamless move-in experience.
Connect Utilities/Services
Don’t wait until the last minute to start activating essential utilities like electricity, gas, and water. Make these one of your top priorities along with securing services like cable/internet, home security, and waste disposal that could take days or weeks to get installed. Start compiling a list of repair/home service providers and companies to call for quotes too.
Update Paperwork, Again
More paperwork? Yes, unfortunately your checklist is never complete in the world of international relocation. Now that you’ve actually crossed the border, you’ll need to update your local records such as:
- Transferring documents
- Obtaining a new driver’s license
- Updating residency status
- Applying for identification/social security cards
Pro Tip: Always check with your local town hall or civic center for help with these administrative tasks.
Build Your Support System
Finally, you can take a breath and start to settle into your new normal. But that ‘normal’ will feel much more comfortable once you develop your personal network. Connect with expat communities, join social clubs, get involved with religious/alumni groups, or frequent local hangout spots where you could potentially make new friends and get acquainted with cultural nuances.
Having that support system will be invaluable as you navigate the highs and lows of your adopted homeland.
Final Thoughts – Ensure a Smooth Transition to Your New Home
The process of relocating abroad is a marathon, not a sprint. By steadily working through this relocation checklist though, you can tackle each to-do bit-by-bit and ease into an exciting new adventure overseas. With some patience, planning, and mental preparation for inevitable curveballs, you’ll soon be putting down roots and creating a fresh, rewarding life beyond borders.