The Essential Moving Abroad Checklist

By Patrick Banks

Posted 1 year agoOTHER

Moving to another country is always going to be a massive thrill. You are not just changing careers or moving to a new city. You are opening a whole new chapter on your life, and you are going to be diving into a culture and an environment that is completely different. It’s the kind of thing that can come around once in a lifetime, and it is important to savorthe moment.

But at the same time, you know that there are going to be a lot of different things that you need to prepare before you move. You do not want to take this step without getting all of your ducks in a row, as you may need to hit the ground running when you get there. The period of time between you accepting the job offer to relocate abroad and getting on a plane to head out there is going to be pretty intense, but it is also your opportunity to make sure that you have as many things sorted beforehand as you can. If you are moving abroad for a new job, here are a few things that you cannot afford to forget.

Be As Organized As You Can

Some people are blessed with the gift of great organization, and the prospect of moving to another country won’t seem too overwhelming. For the rest of us, it takes a lot more work. So, think about what organizational tools you find most helpful and put them to work. Get your diary out and think about where you have the most time to get things done. Make a list of everything you need to do before you go. Make a spreadsheet of your costs (more on that in just a moment). This is not something that you can over-prep.

Budget Your Move

Moving to a new country is never going to be a cheap endeavor. With prices currently so high, you need to thinkcarefully about how much money you have available to spend to help you get there. First, talk to your new employers about whether they offer relocation costs. If they regularly hire talent from abroad, they may well have a system in place to help you move. Remember to factor in elements such as storage, final bills, moving companies and so on. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for money when you will have serious expenses upon your arrival.

Get Local Expert Advice On Local Properties

If you are thinking of buying a property in the city you are moving to, then you should make sure to locate some local experts. Every country has its own rules and regulations when it comes to property, and particularly when it comes to foreigners buying property. Say you are moving to Singapore, for example. The Singapore property market can be complex, especially if you need to take out a home loan to secure that dream house or apartment that you have found. It is always better to use an agency that has local experience, and experience of helping expats. PropertyGuru is the leading Singapore property website, and they can help you at every step of the way.

Do You Need To Learn The Language

One of the most daunting things about moving to a new country is knowing that you are going to be out of your element when it comes to conversation. Learning a new language comes more easily to some people than it does to others, and it is always a good idea to find out how widely spoken English is before you move. In some countries, like Singapore, English is the official language of business. In others, you may find that you need to start brushing up on your skills before you arrive. Even if it is not strictly necessary straight away, you should always have a few key phrases in your back pocket in case you need them. 

Get Your Family Involved

When you move abroad with your family, you need to remember that this is going to be a time of tremendous upheaval and turbulence for them. Even if they are very excited, you need to ensure that you are taking every possible step to make things as smooth as possible. So, if you are moving with your kids, for example, do your research on the local school situation and talk to them about which ones you are looking at and why. Remember that the last couple of years have been really hard on kids’ mental health, and you will need to be present even though you will be very busy. Look for fun family activities that you can all do together in your new location so that you can explore the city together. You also need to make sure that you are involving your partner in these decisions too.

About the author Patrick Banks

Patrick is a Berlin-based dating advisor, motivational speaker, a huge fitness and vegan diet enthusiast and the main editor at Wingman Magazine, specialised in men's health. His ultimate goal is to share with men around the world his passion for self-development and to help them to become the greatest version of themselves. He believes a healthy body and successful social interactions are two main keys to happiness.

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