Setting yourself up for success and happiness
For many people, the idea of picking up everything and moving to another country is nothing short of terrifying. The idea of taking that kind of chance and heading into the unknown finding a new job, new friendships, and creating a new life for yourself can be far too intimidating. Then there are those who look at it as an opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to learn about the world, different cultures, see incredible sights and challenge themselves in ways they never thought possible.
If you fit into the group that sees it as an opportunity and challenge that you’re more than happy to take on, then you may be considering a big move in your future. While packing up and moving to a different country can seem exciting and even romantic in some senses, there is a practical side to it that you’ll want to address. By ticking off a number of boxes, asking yourself important questions, and preparing yourself for what lies ahead, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying success and happiness in your new life.
We’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of tips, advice, and practical information that will help your move to go as smoothly as possible and help you to realize your dreams.
Choosing a Country to Move To
Perhaps you already have a country in mind that you want to move to, then again, maybe you’ve got a short-list of a few possibilities. Choosing the country that you wish to move to can be one of the biggest decisions you’ll be faced with. There are all kinds of things to consider such as whether there is work available, what kind of lifestyle you can have there, if it’s better for singles versus moving with your family (if this applies), what kind of documents/paperwork/work visa, etc., you will need, the climate, and what kind of accommodation will be available.
If you aren’t willing to make big concessions in terms of your lifestyle and what you are used to, then you will probably want to find a country that has a similar way of life as your native country.
Study the Language in Advance
This particular tip is ideal to jump on the moment you decide which country you will be moving to, and well before you actually make the move. Learning at least the basics of the local language will help you to find employment and assimilate into the environment that much faster and easier.
If you want to learn the language fully and really get a good grasp on the foundation, then language courses through www.educations.com can be a wonderful option. You can study languages such as French, Japanese, Spanish, and more. Again, the more time you’ve got to prepare and learn the language, the better it will be for you in the long-run.
As well, if you’ve already secured a job in another country, or maybe your current company is planning to transfer you, then you may want to speak to your employer about covering at least part of the cost of the courses.
Take Time to Learn About the Culture Before and When You Arrive
Culture shock is a very real thing, especially if the move you are making is a big one. It can feel as though you’ve stepped into a whole other world and way of life that you have no experience or knowledge of. This is why it’s a good idea to take some time and learn about the culture before you leave. Not only that, but you may want to schedule some downtime when you first arrive so you can explore and get to know the area.
You can learn about the culture through books and online, and if possible speak to people either from the country you are moving to or who live there now. This will give you a much more accurate picture of what to expect.
Figure Out Your Accommodations Before Taking Flight
Before you jump on the plane and make that big move, it’s also wise to figure out your accommodations. Sure, it can be hard to look for a place to live when you’re not there to tour different places in person, but at least you won’t be feeling panicked when you arrive and are rushing to find a place. If you feel unsure about what kind of accommodations are best, and the best location, look for a short-term contract/agreement so that you can stay there while looking around for something that suits you better.
It’s also a good idea to enlist the services of a local real estate agent who deals specifically with those moving from other countries. They will know the best neighborhoods and can give you a bit of a reality check when it comes to what you can get for your money.
A few things to keep in mind about housing are:
- You will likely need one and even two months’ worth of rent, and possibly a security deposit – all in cash.
- You’ll want to have some extra savings to pay for things like furnishings and stocking up on the necessities such as food when you arrive.
- Make sure a local agent walks you through the details of any contract before you sign it.
Downsize Your Life
What’s incredible is how much people can accumulate over the years. Chances are when you start to pack you’ll be shocked to discover all the “things” you have. Rather than pack everything up and pay to have it all moved, now is the time to downsize. You’ll acquire new items in your new home, and let’s face it, a lot of those “things” just aren’t necessary.
If you’ve got so much stuff that you find yourself considering a storage unit to keep in your native country, then it’s really time to do a massive decluttering and downsizing exercise.
Host a Going Away Party
Rather than taking it upon yourself to go visit all of your friends and relatives before you leave, which can be extremely time-consuming and stressful, why not keep things light and easy and host a going away party. Some people even turn it into a packing party and have their friends and family lend a hand in the preparations. This is a great way to head off on a high note and gives you a chance to see everyone at once and not miss any goodbyes.
Set Up a Web Page or Facebook Page of Your Travels
Even if you’re excited to move and are ready to take the challenge head-on, it can still be lonely at times when all your family and friends are so far away. Thanks to technology, staying in touch and sharing your experiences has never been easier. Why not set up a webpage or Facebook page that chronicles your travels and adventures, and gives you a way to stay in touch with your loved ones?
Preparing to Move is a Multi-Step Process
In preparing to move to another country, it doesn’t take long to realize it’s a multi-step process that is a whole lot more than just packing up your belongings. By taking these steps and staying organized, you’ll be ensuring that your big move and new life get off to a very positive start.
