If you’re on the cusp of a move overseas, this is an exciting time! But it’s a stressful one, too, and it may feel as if the list of things to do and get sorted out is insurmountable.
With proper planning, an overseas move can go more smoothly than you think. Use these tips and hacks to get started with the process so that when the big day arrives, it’s as hassle-free as possible.
Ensure Your Important Documents Are Up to Date
First up, check in good time that essential documents, such as passports and visas, are up to date. The last thing you need just before the move is to find out that one of the family’s passports expired the week before.
Put together a list of all your essential documents – both digital and paper – and work through it at least three months before the move to ensure everything’s in order and ready for the day itself.
Consider Taking Out a Home Warranty
Avoid any nasty unexpected bills when you move into your new property by taking out a home warranty policy to come into effect on the day you pick up the keys to your pad.
A policy such as a Sears home warranty will cover all the major systems and appliances in your property, meaning that, should the worst happen, such as a plumbing incident or a boiler breakdown, you’ll be covered.
Most warranty providers offer the facility to extend your cover to, for example, additional elements of your home, such as swimming pool pumps or trash compactors, for ultimate peace of mind in your new home.
Book a Removal Service
It may be tempting to save money by trying to manage the logistics of the move yourself. However, with any move – and especially a relocation abroad – enlisting the assistance of a specialist removal firm can save you a significant amount of time and stress.
Opt for a company with lots of experience in moving people abroad – check out plenty of reviews, and shop around to get a good idea of price and the service you can expect for your money.
Removal staff have the skills and experience necessary to move your items – including bulky or breakable items of furniture – safely over the border.
Open a New Bank Account
Having your bank account and finances set up in the new country ahead of time is a great idea and will enable you to hit the ground running in your new home.
Many banks now offer overseas account transfers, making the process much easier. Enquire as soon as possible before the move whether this would be possible with your current bank to get the ball rolling.
You may also wish to keep a bank account open in your current country of residence, especially if you plan on returning for visits frequently or if there’s a chance you could be returning in the future.
Arrange Health Insurance
It’s vital to have this element of your affairs sorted before you move to ensure you have uninterrupted coverage in case of the worst happening.
Some insurance companies offer health packages specifically for those moving to another country – part of these plans often include a guarantee that the policyholder will have access to English-speaking medical staff. Speak with your provider to find out if this is an option for you.
Get Sorting
Before boxing and packing up your things, take the opportunity to have a major house-wide sort-out, and get all the family members involved in the process. This will save you carting loads of unnecessary items to your new property (thereby keeping the removal costs as low as possible) and could also net you some extra cash, too!
Be ruthless: if it’s an item you no longer use or love, then, where possible, donate it to charity or sell it. Have a yard sale, or list the goods on an online auction site to get them shifted – you may be pleasantly surprised at just how much money you generate!
Prepare to Settle into Your New Country
Before the move, taking time to learn as much as possible about the new country you’ll be living in and its culture is time well-spent – this can help mitigate the inevitable culture shock of the relocation.
Research as much as possible by reading guidebooks, looking at blog posts, watching videos, and anything else you can get your hands on that’ll give you a picture of the customs, traditions, recent and modern history of the new country. It’s also a good idea to connect with an ex-pat community before you move, which is likely to be a rich and invaluable source of advice on the move and settling into your new home.
Finally, be sure to ask the realtor to ensure there’s a bottle of fizz waiting for you in your new home – and then, on the final night before the move, relax, and savor the feeling of being on the cusp of the adventure of a lifetime.
