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The Ultimate Relocation Checklist: Tips for Moving to a New Country

Relocating to a new country can be the adventure of a lifetime. It’s a chance to explore new cultures, cuisines, and customs. But with great adventure comes great responsibility – and in this case, it’s the responsibility of thorough planning and preparation. Moving abroad isn’t a walk in a park. There are countless details to consider and tasks to complete before you embark on this exciting journey. But, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with the ultimate relocation checklist.

The Ultimate Relocation Checklist: Tips for Moving to a New Country - plan notebook and pen image

Research Your New Area: 

Research, research, research. This is probably a word that you’ve seen countless times during your relocation process, but it’s an important first step. Before you move to a new country, you’ll want to know as much about the area as possible. Do your research on the culture, climate, crime rates and public transportation options. You’ll also want to research different neighbourhoods to find a suitable place to live

Obtain Necessary Documents: 

Documents are like your passport to a new country. Depending on the country you are moving to, you may need a visa, work permit, and/or resident permit in order to stay there. Start this process as soon as possible so that all your documents are in order before you move abroad.

Get Housing: 

Yes, sure, hotels or guesthouses are great for the first few days, but you’ll want to find a more permanent option once you arrive in your new area. You can look for apartments or houses on websites such as Airbnb or real estate sites. If you need a mortgage with tier 2 visa, check out various banks and lenders to find the best option for you.

Sort Out Your Belongings:

Pack according to a plan – it’ll save you a lot of stress and headaches. Start by sorting all your items into three categories: keep, sell/donate, and throw away. 

  • Keep: These are the things you simply cannot live without. Make sure to pack these items with care so that none of them get damaged during the journey.
  • Sell/Donate: If you have items that you don’t need, consider selling or donating them. This is a great way to make some extra money or help others in need.
  • Throw Away: Items that are damaged or unnecessary should be thrown away. Trust us; it’ll be much easier to pack and move if you have.

Plan Your Finances: 

It would not be very smart to move abroad without a plan for your finances. So this is where you’ll need to come up with a strong financial plan. You’ll need to sort out your budget, banking, and taxes to ensure that you have the resources to maintain yourself in a new country.

Moving abroad isn’t a walk in the park. But following the ultimate relocation checklist can make this journey much more manageable and enjoyable. With some proper planning and preparation, you’ll be ready to experience a new culture, cuisines, and customs.

Winds of Change: 5 Things You Must Study Up on Before Relocating to Another Country

If you are considering relocating to another country, well variety is the spice of life. Routine becomes monotonous and going to the same places, seeing the same people, and having the same experiences will give anyone bitten by the travel bug some incredibly itchy feet.


But before you give into to those travel cravings and up sticks to another country, there are some important things to consider. Much of the information you need to study up on is readily available online. However, to get an in-depth look at the country you are going to soon call home, talk to locals. Explore local message boards like The Villages, track down people currently living in the country on social media, and reach out to friends of friends to get a vivid picture of what to expect. These are the 5 things you need to find out about before stepping onto the plane.

Winds of Change: 5 Things You Must Study Up on Before Relocating to Another Country - map and passport image

Budget

Moving abroad is a costly affair. From buying plane tickets, organizing furniture removals, paying a deposit on a property, visas, legal fees, and the first month of expenditures at least should all be budgeted for. You will need to find out how much all these expenses will set you back and ensure you have enough in the bank to cover it all. Running out of money abroad is a nerve-racking experience. It is best to err on the side of caution and save up an emergency fund before you go.

Cultural Differences

To avoid making a social faux pas on arrival, ensure you are going into the move with a deep understanding of the culture you are moving into. In some places, living with a member of the opposite sex without being married can cause social problems, as can drinking alcohol, and of course, religious holidays. If these cultural norms clash with your lifestyle, it might be worth reconsidering the move.

Visa Laws

You may need to secure a visa to work in the country you are moving to. These can sometimes require you to simply pay a fee, however, there may be more stringent requirements for some countries. You may need to have a family member living in the country, or a firm job offer, or a specific skill or qualification. You will need to research the visa arrangements that your native country’s government has with that particular country and ensure you meet the requirements. You can usually find this information from the country’s embassy.

Healthcare

Not all health systems work the same way. In some countries, there is free healthcare and simply working in the country is enough to give you access to their health system. However, in others, you will be responsible for ensuring you have adequate health insurance to cover any medical procedures or doctor and hospital visits. You will need to know what system is in place in the country you are moving to and make the necessary arrangements to prevent any gaps in your coverage and putting you at risk of hefty medical bills.

Getting Home

Even if you are planning on relocating abroad permanently, presumably, you will wish to return home to see your friends and family periodically and maintain relationships. Research the cost and ease at which you can come home in the event of an emergency. It is best to keep a level of savings that could support a trip home in case you have to leave the country at short notice and to prevent you from becoming stranded without travel funds.

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Following the Money and Moving to the City

You might long to be in the great outdoors, living surrounded by nature, but unless you’re able to find a profitable location independent job, you probably won’t reach the level of financial independence that you really want. To make the big money, you need to up sticks and go to the place where money flows like water – the city. While it might not have been the first place you’d choose to live, you’ll soon find that it offers plenty of benefits beyond just riches. First, though, you need to get there and get set up. Here’s some advice on how you do it well.

following the money and moving to the city - cityscape image

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Be Patient with the Job

If you’re moving to a new city with the sole intention of benefitting from a new job, then it’s crucial that you take the time to really consider the job you’re going to take. Jobs can be hard to come by in some fields, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for anything that comes your way. If you need to take a job initially just to bring in an income, then that’s fair – but don’t settle for anything. In big cities, like London or New York, your job will be your life, at least for a while – so make sure it’s a job that feels right.

Finding Where to Live

After the job, the next big consideration will be where you live. Remember, each city has good and bad areas, and you’ll have to research to find out where these spaces are. If you’ve already got a job prior to the move, your new company will be able to help you up to a point. Competition for the best flats can be fierce, so you need to pounce on any good opportunities that arise. If you’re looking for a place before you’ve been paid, short term loans can help with the deposit required for the place (they can be a high start up cost). Also, while you may like your own space, bear in mind that living with others can be a great way to meet people.

following the money and moving to the city - worker on screen image

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Succeeding in New Job

In between everything else that has to be taken care of during a move to a new city, remember that you’re here for a job- and it’s up to you to make it a success. Of course, you won’t know everything on day one, so give yourself time to sink into the role. That being said, you’ve been hired for a reason – and it isn’t for others to walk you through your job. Apply yourself, show initiative, and you’ll make it a success.

Give Yourself Time

A move anywhere at any time can be difficult, moving to a new city for a new job and life can be overwhelming. Give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings. You will be tempted to run back to wherever you came from, but this is a normal response. In a few months you’ll have settled in, and a few months after that you’ll have fallen in love with the city!