Congrats! You’re going to experience every traveler’s dream of moving to another country! This is an exciting experience that’s going to be so rewarding in the end. However, getting there is going to be tough. Moving domestically is already quite difficult so you can imagine how much more overwhelming it’s going to be when it needs to be abroad. You’ll have to juggle apartment searches, visa applications, packing, saying goodbye, and so many more chaotic things. You’re going to feel utterly drained for a few months but rest assured because it will all be worth it! So, let’s dive into 5 tasks that you need to do when preparing to move abroad! 

Apply for the appropriate visa

You’re going to have to do a lot of research, a lot of boring and confusing research. You need to make sure you’re applying for the right visa. This includes having everything together that you need. Many visa applications for Americans will require an FBI background check or some other very extensive background check that takes weeks or months to retrieve. Every country has its visa requirements, they all have different rules and pathways depending on the type of visa that you’re after. It will unfortunately require a lot of research and understanding. Visa applications are costly, both time and money. So you need to make sure that you get this right.

Research Shipping Companies

There is no doubt that perhaps one of the hardest challenges of moving abroad is figuring out how to ship all of your stuff. I mean you can always take 100 suitcases with you on the plane. But who is going to help you move all of your furniture, your grandmother’s hand sewn blanket, or even your car across the ocean? Plus is that person or company going to take the utmost care with your personal belongings?

Well, luckily there are plenty of companies that specialize in shipping your belongings quickly, safely, and even for a reasonable price. But the key is to do thorough research of these shipping companies based on your needs and budget. Plus, you are going to want to find a company that knows all restrictions and regulations set by the host country so you can be prepared accordingly. For example, when looking for a Car Shipping company here in the United States, make sure they are licensed and insured.

Begin downsizing

It’s going to be tough, but you’ll need to start the process of downsizing. While you may need to look around for movers near me, it’s best to just downsize as much as you can in a few suitcases. This is less stressful when moving, plus it’s less stuff to deal with. However, if your company is footing the bill for your move then you could easily include furniture in the move.  In the end, just get rid of the nonessentials and bring luggage only as this will be far easier.

Downsizing will give you the chance to clear the clutter out of your life and help you have a more minimalistic approach to your belongings. So there is a bright side to that. You can either donate your items or have a go at selling them on multiple online platforms and apps.

Learn about the cost of living

It’s important to try new things, that’s the beauty of moving abroad. While there’s so much work that needs to be done, it’s going to be worth it. It’s not fun, but you have to be realistic with your expenses. It’s best to look at the average cost of living in the city you’ll be moving to. There are plenty of resources online that provide an approximation for prices for people living alone, with roommates, couples, etc. Look at the cost of rent, public transportation, utilities, groceries, luxuries, taxes, and miscellaneous costs.  These all are very important because you need to have a general idea of how much you’re going to spend weekly and monthly.  

You can take your research a bit further by looking online at how much internet packages are, the average rental cost in neighborhoods, restaurant menus, and others that will be inevitable. Be sure to record all of these on a spreadsheet and plan everything out accordingly.

Create an Emergency Fund

You need to have an emergency fund before leaving your home. If you’re moving for work, your paycheck could be delayed. You may potentially get scammed, stay in a hotel longer than expected, and so many other possibilities. It’s not fun to think about but you need to have a safety net. That is why it is wise to start a travel savings account. Not only can you have it for fun adventures in your new location, but it can also be used for emergencies!

Now Off you GO!

So, is the idea of living in another country on your bucket list? Hopefully, tackling these 4 tasks will help you in preparing for the big move abroad. But, if you have moved to another country, what is one piece of advice you would recommend to anyone to help them prepare for this bucket list item? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Bucket List Board!