Moving abroad is usually a great challenge. You are getting ready to start a new life in a foreign country! However, your relocation process does not necessarily have to be stressful and complicated. If you are moving permanently, you may need to bring many things, but bringing the entire home with you will not be necessary. If you are moving only for a year or two, you can leave your things with your family or friends.
Moving Overseas: What to Think About
Moving to a foreign country always requires a lot of planning. Here are some of the most important things to think about.
• Before you start moving, tell your friends about your plans to relocate. You need to start thinking about renting or selling your apartment/house. Your friends can help you find someone who will live in your apartment while you’re away. If you want to sell it, you can hire an agency.
• Go to your bank and close your bank account. Most banks won’t let you keep your U.S. bank account if you leave the United States for good.
• Find out as much as you can about your new country. It is very important to be prepared for a completely new environment – especially if it is much different from your home country.
• Read about the climate, major cities, language, cost of living, culture, customs and people. If you have any friends there, talk to them and find out what it is like to live in that country.
• If you are moving with kids, you need to find appropriate schools for them. You can contact the embassy of your new country (in the United States) for some advice, or you can visit the U.S. embassy in your new country (when you get there) and ask for some help with choosing the right school for your children.
• If you are taking your family pet with you, visit Pet Travel to find out what documents and certificates you’ll need for your pet. You will also find other useful information on pet travel.
• You have to start planning your relocation at least three months before you actually move. You will have enough time to plan everything, and you won’t feel overwhelmed.
• The following documents must be valid:
Visa and passport
Permits
Employment documents
Tax documentation
Other certificates
Financial records
Visit your new country’s embassy and see if you need any more documents.
• If you are moving for good, you can sell your furniture, car, and all other things you won’t bring with you. Sometimes, it is much better to just sell these things and buy the new ones in your new country. If you are not moving for good, you can leave these things with your friends or family members.