Each and every year, a large number of people move around the world to several countries. Often, they're taken abroad through their employers or for new jobs, and some are merely adventure-seekers searching for a different view. Either way, moving abroad is not any simple task. There are many small details to be taken care of beforehand, as well as packing for a long trip and getting rid of your beloved items at home. Moving abroad does not have to be a total task, though, if you keep these few suggestions in mind.
Consolidate. If you're just moving abroad for a short term contract and plan to be back to your old life at your home soon, this probably won't apply. For anybody going on a more long term move, the very first thing you have to do is consolidate your whole life. For many, this is very tough. It requires giving or selling most of your personal property, sometimes including your house or car, furniture along with other bulky day-to-day things.
Plan your packing. Remember that most airlines now limit passengers (even those on long haul flights across the world) to one bag that is 50 lbs (20 kg) or less. That's not much. You must figure out what stuff you can fit into that 1 bag and how much you are ready to pay for excess baggage. Remember the fact that, oftentimes, it's cheaper to ship your belongings than pay airlines for excess baggage fees. Compare and contrast postal rates with airline baggage rates for the cheapest price and plan accordingly.
Sort out your bank. You have to tell your banking and credit institutions of your impending move, and the sooner the better. Be sure to sign up for paperless statements if offered and confirm that the bank has lifted any international restrictions on using credit and ATM cards abroad. Also, double check the fees and exchange rates for using your cards internationally.
Cancel the utilities/give notice. If you have a lease, you will need to speak to your landlord as far in advance as possible to settle a termination of your lease. If you have a 1-year or more lease, you could possibly be fined for this procedure, particularly if you give less than 30 days notice. You will also need to call the gas, electric, telephone, cable and water companies, where applicable, to terminate services there. It is a good idea to speak to them as soon as you have given your landlord notice and let them know the date that you will have vacated the premises so that they can bill you appropriately.
Plan for the 1st few days abroad. The first week abroad is going to be the most difficult. That is the time during which you'll be getting a new home, getting your phone and daily utilities set up and learning your way around. Purchase a guidebook and/or map in advance and study as much as you can about the culture in which you are about to be residing. Search for online resources about which neighborhoods are good to live in and which parts of the city to avoid.
Get your documents together. Moving internationally needs a lot of paperwork. First and foremost, you need to make sure that you have a passport with blank pages which is valid for at least one year. If your passport is near to its expiration date, contact the passport office for a renewal right away. Based on which country you are traveling to, you might be required to get a visa. Be sure to check online for visa requirements at least 2 months prior to your trip. You should also carry copies of your bank statements, marriage certificate, birth certificate, international driving license and other pertinent documents.
