If moving to another town still in your country can feel like a hassle, a mess and a big inconvenience then moving to another country altogether require even more preparation.
Whether you move countries for a job, to start a new life with your partner, or just to create a fresh change in your life, then there are some rules that never change to make it a success.
If you are relocating for love, then be sure to check our article on that first to learn about the pros and cons of relocating for love, after you finish reading this one! You can find the link to it in the last paragraph of this post. So keep reading for now!
Some things need more time to organize than others and it’s natural to forget to do all that’s needed, in the middle of all the stress. To make sure that your move will be as successful as possible, here are five important things that you need to check before moving to your new country.
5 rules to follow before moving countries permanently:
1. Make sure to have enough savings:
The first expenses we think of when we plan on moving to another country are the plane tickets and the rent for your new house. Of course, you learn when making research about the fluctuation of the prices of the tickets, the average rent price in the city you plan to live in, and other factors.
However, try not to calculate your finances on the dot or to only take the exact amount of money you think you’d need. You should always save enough money to cover emergencies, and not underestimate the chances and risks for them to take place. Remember you are going to a different country and this is an unfamiliar setting, even if you’ve been to that place on a holiday, it is not the same as when you relocate to live permanently there!
You should have in mind that the rent might be a little more than expected. And you should understand that you might not immediately get a job or if you already have one guaranteed that you may lose it quickly or not like it, once you move! Or in case of a medical emergency; you should have already sorted out medical insurance in that country. The most likely scenario is that everything goes well, and no major tragedies happen, but you should feel safe and secure to go with peace of mind. So make sure you have more savings than you’d possibly need.
Another thing to take into consideration is that you will need to open a bank account in that new country and transfer all the money from your country of origin there. You can’t be sure how long this is going to take; so try to contact banks in your country of destination and, at the same time, go to your bank and ask about the transfer fees. Depending on the country you’re planning on moving to, these fees can be quite high.
2. Apply for the right type of visa:
Applying for a visa usually is the step that takes the most time, so you definitely should start by doing this. If you’ve already got a job promised in your country of destination that’s great!
However, just because you’re moving abroad to work or study, doesn’t mean you should go for the obvious type of visa that fits the purpose of your trip. Sometimes, there are easier options that are cheaper and that guarantee a longer period of time to stay in that country or that guarantees that option at least.
For example, if you have a property in that country or if your spouse is from there, you can possibly use a different type of visa instead of a work permit. This way if you don’t like your new job there, you won’t be stuck in a lengthy process and it is easier for you to change the job or reconsider it with peace of mind.
There’s no way to tell how long it will take for your visa to be approved, as it varies from country to country. What matters most is not to let this be the last thing to take care of, it’s unnecessary to put yourself under such big stress.
3. Do a lot of research:
If you have been living in the same place for a long time, you are led to believe that that’s how life is everywhere in the world. Of course, we are aware that countries are different when it comes to details, but those details matter.
Your adaptation to a new country will be easier if you’re already prepared for the differences, in advance. It’s important to know how people react to foreigners, how public transportation work there, and what is reliable and what isn’t.
Also make sure you have low expectations about the good things in that country and whatever it is that you heard is bad about that country then multiply the horror by 10, in your head. This is because it’s better to be surprised that it is better than you thought Tham to be disappointed.
4. Pack all the things you need & leave behind the things you don’t:
Many of us like to think that packing our bags is easy, but if we do it the day before, then chances are we are going to forget something of high importance. You need to gradually pack the things you need to take with you, at least three weeks in advance.
You’re moving countries after all and you are planning on not coming back for a long time. Another thing you need to think about is what to do with the things you don’t need to take with you.
Maybe you will take them the next time you’re back to visit your family, but in the meantime, it’s ideal to pack them all and store them in a safe place. Don’t get rid of all your things or burn them all as if you were sure of never wanting to be back, maybe you will go try your new life for a couple of months and want to go back to your previous life!
At the same time; don’t pack your entire house. Don’t try to take with you many unnecessary items; that is too cheap or easily replaceable as this will only hinder you and even possibly cause you frustration.
-Things to take when relocating permanently:
When you’re relocating permanently, there’s not much you need to take with you. Your important documents, like your passport and birth certificate, can go in a small box. And the tools you use daily, like your makeup and hair straightener, for instance, can fit in a carry-on. But there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you have when you move.
First, pack an extra set of clothes in case your luggage gets lost. You’ll also want to bring a pillow and blanket so you’re not stuck sleeping on a bare mattress. This is only true if you still didn’t arrange properly the place you’ll be moving to and run the risk of finding yourself stuck with little furniture, etc.
And don’t forget your medications! Even if you don’t take prescription drugs, it’s always good to have over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen on hand. Finally, make sure you have your chargers for all your electronics. Nothing is worse than being stuck without a way to recharge your phone or laptop.
With these items packed, you’ll be ready for anything when you move to your new home even if it’s a new country.
5. Make sure you have a backup plan:
Whether you’re moving countries for work or not, you’re going to take your electronic devices with you. It might not be ideal to replace them unless they broke down, during a time of uncertainty where you’re trying to stay smart financially.
So make sure that everything is in good condition and that you take memory cards and extra chargers with you. The plugs for your chargers should fit those available in the host countries.
As you already know chargers in Europe are different from those used elsewhere and vice versa. So make quick research just to be on the safe side. And before you run and relocate for love or a quick fling that you thought was the real deal, make sure you weigh all the pros and cons of moving cities or countries in the name of love.
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