Moving aboard is a very complex undertaking. Unfortunately it is not often like the Rom Coms, where the lead decides she needs a new life and jets off to start it immediately, with only her hand luggage.
Regular readers will know that our little family is moving to France in a little over a year; so we are now starting to make arrangements and firm up our plans. We are really lucky that Mr Hubby’s employer will be helping us quite a lot with our relocation, but we still have a lot to do!
5 Things To Do When Moving Abroad
1. Sort out your stuff
I know, as a family, we are not alone in having a house that is jam packed full of ‘stuff’. Moving all your possessions hundreds or even thousands of miles away takes a fair amount of organisation. If you are moving permanently, then you may be well advised to sell your furniture and buy new/secondhand when you get there; as shipping costs can be prohibitive, especially for international crossings. You may even choose to put some items into storage, especially if you are returning. Researching all of your options and working out the associated costs is vital to ensure that you make the best decision for your family.
2. Complete your paperwork
The paperwork you need will depend on which country you are moving to. You may need a visa, which will have a long lead time, so you need to plan ahead. There will also be new tax forms to file and bank accounts to set up. If you have children who are school age, there will be paperwork associated with their new schools and you will all need to register with a new doctor’s surgery.
3. Look after your health
Again, depending on where you intend to live, you and your family may need to obtain certain health clearances and possibly even injections. Pets may need health checks and they will definitely need a passport.
4. Arrange your finances
It is a good idea to start saving as soon as you make the decision to move. Moving anywhere is always more expensive than you think, as something always crops up. Moving abroad makes the chances of issues arising increase substantially. It would be advisable to have a financial safety net, just in case.
5. Learn the language
Again this will depend on your particular destination. If, like us, you are moving to a country that speaks its own language, then it is advisable to learn it! In France, English is obviously spoken, but to live there, make friends and immerse yourself in your new life it is advisable to learn the language. I am currently looking into private tutoring, as I have no French language skill at all. Wish me luck!
Would you ever move abroad? Have you? If you could live anywhere where would you live?
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Comments 1
Great tips! I’m a serial expat now having lived in France in my late teens, Spain (twice) and Malta (twice) and I’d definitely say trying to get to know the area before you move is a biggie. Visiting before you leave and having a good look around at the kind of place you can afford to move into, the areas you would consider living in, the schools and nurseries etc is always a good idea.
Visiting expat forums to see if you can gain an insight into what it’s like living in your chosen area or country and investigating everything from how easy it is to open a bank account (there’s a whole host of hidden charges and exclusions especially for us ‘foreigners’), to how to register as a resident in the country and get access to the national healthcare system. They’re also handy when you need a friend in your new home country or someone who understands what you’re going through when you move.
I think the saying expect the unexpected pretty much sums up a move abroad but although it can be confusing at times, it’s also a wonderful adventure x