How to Prepare for Moving Abroad

Many people today have the opportunity to live abroad for work reasons or simply choose to do so for personal reasons. It’s a big move and a rewarding one at that, so preparing for it properly to help ensure the process and transition goes as smooth as possible is worth the time and effort.

Here are a few steps to take to prepare for the big move abroad.

Find a job

If you don’t have a job already or you are moving because of your job, start the application and interview process before your move. Having a job set it up will make the transition more seamless, in terms of financial stability as well as the ability to continue ‘normal life’ after the move.

Know the language

It is extremely helpful to learn at least the basics of the local language, ideally more. You can use language apps like Babbel for example to start your language learning process or to boost your skills if you are already familiar with the language.

Language apps make it easy to boost your language skills on the go. However, you’ll learn a language much faster if you get tutored by native-language speakers.

For example, you can learn to embrace French culture through Lingoda’s lessons because they connect you with teachers familiar with slang and regional dialects. 

Once you arrive at your final destination, you’ll be very thankful that you put in the time and effort to learning the local language! It will help with work, meeting new people, and daily activities such as simply going to the grocery store.

Research visa requirements

Understanding and being prepared for the visa process can take a lot of stress off your move! Research the visa requirements for the visa you will be required to get and get a head start on any and all paperwork that you may need.

Visa processes can be challenging so being organised and prepared will make it more efficient and as stress-free as possible.

Make a plan/timeline

There are a few pieces to the puzzle you’ll want to get sorted out before moving abroad, so it is essential to make a plan/timeline. A few things you’ll want to have an idea of include: when you are looking to move abroad, when visa interviews and processes need to take place for approval and when you need to move in order to be in accordance with your visa when you’ll start working, and when you’ll start wrapping things up at home (packing, saying your ‘see you soons’) before your move.

Find a place to live 

While ideally, you want to be in-person to tour the place you’ll be living in, you can start the search before the move! Check out cities and neighbourhoods, and get a feel for what is available so you show up with realistic expectations.

If you have someone local who can help check out the spot or you feel comfortable signing on the spot with a digital viewing, having a place to live already set up upon arrival will make the transition more comfortable. Depending on how long you are planning to live abroad, finding a furnished place for at least the first living environment is convenient and more cost-effective!

Declutter as much as possible

While it is easier to simply pack up moving boxes to move across town or even to another state, moving abroad means you’ll want to declutter as much as possible. Mailing your items can get expensive, not to mention some items can potentially be damaged along the way, so you want to bring over only the essentials!

Plus, starting your life abroad with only the essentials and things you absolutely love sets the tone for the next phase in your life!

Sort your taxes and notify the government

Regardless of how long you are going to be gone for and where you are planning to work, you’ll need to sort your taxes and get an idea of what it will look like for paying taxes moving forward. Notify the government and get this all sorted before your move, so you feel confident in moving forward and you won’t get hit with more costs later.

It can be a long process but with organisation and following necessary steps everything will go as planned for your move abroad!

This post was written in collaboration with Mary Davis.

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