Packing up your things and moving abroad can be a nerve-wracking but exciting adventure that enriches your life and provides you with limitless opportunities.
Whatever the reason for your move, it is important that you are completely prepared to ensure that your relocation goes as smoothly as possible.
From making friends to packing your belongings, here is the complete guide to moving abroad.
Potential reasons for moving abroad
If you are wondering how to move abroad without obstacles like visas and jobs getting in the way, there are lots of ways to move to another country, depending on your personal situation and what works best for you.
Here are some of the most popular ways to move abroad:
Work remotely
Nowadays, more companies are giving the option of a remote working environment to their employees, opening up a plethora of opportunities for people.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic when businesses were forced to operate online, many companies discovered the benefits and opportunities that can come from this new working model and decided to keep it even after the pandemic.
Countries across the globe are beginning to offer digital nomad vias which are designed for remote workers who meet a certain income requirement and generally don’t plan to stay more than a year.
They’re a great option if your employer has given you the green light to work from anywhere in the world, or if you’re a freelancer who manages your own remote clients.
Teach abroad
Teaching abroad is another great way of moving abroad. Programs in countries like China, South Korea, and Thailand will provide assistance to secure work visas before setting off.
Teaching abroad offers limitless opportunities and an affordable cost of living meaning your salary can go far.
So, if you have a passion for teaching, why not try teaching abroad?
Study abroad
If you are planning to get a master’s or PhD, why not complete the course in another country? In between studying, you’ll get to immerse yourself in beautiful new surroundings and cultures.
Many countries allow students of postgrad courses to stay and seek work after graduation.
How to choose a country to relocate to
The country you choose will completely make your experience, so it’s important to do lots of research to ensure that you are choosing a location that is best suited to you.
Here are some important things to consider when choosing a location:
The climate
If you’re used to the miserable, unpredictable weather of the UK, the climate of the country you choose might be an important factor in your decision.
However, it’s important to note that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side… a few days in the sun on a holiday is one thing but living and working in a hot country is another.
Ask yourself if you will be able to manage the hot heat of a new country. Will you be able to continue working, going to the gym and completing your responsibilities even on stuffy, hot days?
Do a bit of research into what the weather is like year-round in the country you are thinking of relocating to. How hot are the summers, and how cold and rainy are the winters? If you are going to be there 365 days per year, you need to know what you’re letting yourself in for.
The job market
Another crucial factor to consider is the job market. Consider what skills you have and do some research into the industry you want to go into to ensure there are plenty of jobs available.
You need to make sure that you are financially stable enough to live abroad, so take some time to find a country with lots of jobs in your area of expertise.
Transport routes
If your goal of moving abroad is to travel and explore new areas, a location with great transport links is essential.
Look for locations near train stations or airports so that you can travel and visit family and friends at home. Check out the cost and frequency of flights, train connections or ferries to make sure you stay connected to the rest of the world.
Visit the area first
While the area you are researching might seem like your dream location, your opinions might change once you have actually visited the area.
Don’t wait until you have fully committed to the move to experience the area, book a few days’ holiday to give yourself a clear idea of what it would be like to actually live there.
Manage your finances
It’s a good idea to start planning your finances in advance by working out exactly how much you will spend each month.
Try to overestimate the amount of money you’ll need so that you end up with more money than you need rather than scrambling to cover what you need.
Some possible costs that may pop up can include:
- Accommodation rent
- Accommodation furnishing
- Plane ticket
- Taxi or van to accommodation
- Visa fees
- Food
- Transportation
- Bills
Packing checklist for moving abroad
Now that you have decided on a location and planned your finances, you’ll need to think about what to pack.
Packing for an abroad move might seem overwhelming, but you actually don’t need to bring that much. This list covers the essentials for a long-term trip or international relocation:
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Important documents (passport, visa information, birth certificate, medical records, travel insurance, credit cards, driving licence etc)
- Medicines
How to move your belongings abroad
Now that you have decided what to bring, it is time to decide on a suitable method of transporting your belongings to your new home abroad.
If you are looking for a removal company that offers stress-free European removal services, then look no further than Essex Removals. We have an expert team with a fleet of purpose-built vehicles to ensure a hassle-free move. We operate reliable removal services anywhere in the UK and beyond.
How to make friends abroad
One of the biggest concerns people have when they move abroad is that they won’t make any new friends. Although making new friends can be intimidating, it is easier than you might think.
There are lots of people who will be in a similar boat to you and are looking to make new friends.
Here are some tips for making friends when you move abroad:
Join a sports club
While this might seem like an obvious suggestion, joining a sports club is one of the best ways to meet people. Local sports clubs are always looking for new people to welcome to their team so you should be able to find lots of clubs near you.
Sports are a great way to bond with people as they require lots of communication and teamwork, and also regularly host sports events which give you the chance to mingle outside of the court or pitch.
Most sports clubs have a Whatsapp group, so make sure you join this and contribute to the conversation.
Volunteering
Volunteering is the perfect way to meet kind people with strong morals and a similar mindset to you.
You’ll meet lots of different, interesting people with a passion for helping others while giving back to the community.
Volunteer options could include helping at local youth clubs, homeless, age-related groups, children’s homes, hospices, communities etc.
Use social media
One of the best things about social media is its ability to connect people with each other.
Joining a Facebook language group is a great way to meet people in the same boat as you. Most of them organise regular events hosted in small cafes and bars, creating a really friendly environment, where you’ll meet locals and other foreigners all eager to speak to you to practise their English.
There are also lots of apps available online which enable you to meet new people in the local area, although it is important to remember to be safe and always meet in a public place.
Essex Removals: Export removals service
If you are looking to take the plunge and move abroad, at Essex Removals, we are here to help.
We know that relocating can be a time-consuming and costly process, which is why we have a team of experts who are trained to the highest industry standards. Although we usually operate throughout Essex, London and South East England, our professional movers can help you relocate anywhere in the UK or beyond.
We also offer a range of other services including commercial removals, vehicle removals, antique removals and more.
If you are interested in the wide range of high-quality services we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team here today for more information. We are always on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have.
