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Is moving abroad an item on your bucket list? If so, make it a reality, but do not forget to take these six vital things into account before making the leap.
- Family and friends
Deciding to move away from all you’ve ever known can be a challenging one. It isn’t simply akin to relocating a few hours south or to the next state. This is a lifechanging action, and it is imperative that you are sure it is one you really do want to make. It is advisable to chat with family members and friends to see how they feel about it and if they have any advice. If you have an elderly or aging family, are you going to be able to reassure them that you will still see them regularly? The Covid-19 pandemic has shown many older people just how alone they are, seeing hardly anyone during lockdown. Would you feel comfortable knowing that you are leaving a family member to potentially cope alone? It is something worth thinking about properly. Perhaps you could invite them to come with you.
- Pick the place
You may know that Australia is the place for you or Canada, perhaps. However, those are both enormous countries. Choosing a more precise location is imperative. To narrow down your options, we advise a visit to several different areas that appeal to you for whatever reason. Having international travel insurance is a must. You do not want to fall ill or have an accident and be left with an enormous bill for medical expenses. Prior to choosing these, be sure to check out the likelihood of you being able to afford accommodation and securing employment. Finding out average house prices, in terms of both buying and renting, is essential. Furthermore, having an idea of what the neighborhood is like at day and night is advisable.
- Check the small print
Many countries have tight immigration rules. Therefore, before setting your heart on a particular location, it would be wise to check out you chances of actually being granted residency. Some countries refuse to have anyone even enter them if they have a sniff of a criminal conviction. If you have anything in your past that may prevent you from escaping the country, be sure to do your research properly. Some places may also only allow you a permanent stay if you have something to bring, such as experience or expertise in terms of work. Essentially, in order to ensure you have a fighting chance of being accepted, you must read all the small print to allow yourselves to be fully informed about the rules and regulations.
- Work and finances
The physical move from one country to another comes at a cost. Even if you do not have masses of personal belongings, transporting just a few boxes can be pricey, depending on how far it must travel and the modes of transportation. Before committing to anything, ensure you have enough money to cover the cost of everything and also several months’ worth of living expenses in case you are unable to secure a job.
In fact, it is recommended that you secure employment prior to jetting off. This would not only save you the hassle and stress of rushing around finding a job upon arrival, but also ensure that you will be financially stable. Be sure to, as stated above, check that you are entitled to work. You may need a work-sponsored visa, so apply for that as soon as possible.
A bank account in your new country is a must. To obtain that, most will require forms of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. If you do not yet speak a high level of the native tongue, if that is the case for the country to which you are moving, finding a member of staff at the bank who is able to liaise in English will help significantly. We do advise this is done prior to the move if at all possible.
- Find a home
Once you have finalized the area to which you would like to move, you ought to consider the property you’d ideally like to live in. Check out what is available within budget. Of course, seeing a house in person is the best option. However, this is not always possible for obvious logistical reasons. If this is the case for you, you may be better renting an apartment for the short term while you are house hunting. That is, if your ultimate goal is to own your own property overseas, of course. It may also be a better bet to find a furnished place, thus allowing your furniture longer to arrive. However, if you have not found a permanent place and your belongings do make the distance, you will need to consider a temporary storage solution.
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