Questions to Ask Before Moving Abroad

Moving abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime, but it is not a decision to be taken lightly. While you may daydream about living in a far-flung, exotic location, the reality can be very different. Moving abroad requires a lot of thought and preparation to ensure your transition goes as smoothly as possible. To help you consider whether an international move is for you, we’ve put together some key questions to ask yourself before moving abroad.

Do you speak the language?

Being able to speak the language of the country you’re moving to will be a huge asset and, in some cases, a necessity. Not only will day-to-day tasks be made a lot easier, but it will likely make finding employment and making new friends a lot easier too. To prepare, try and take language classes before your move, otherwise you’ll have a steep learning curve to overcome when you arrive in your new destination.

Can you afford it?

It can be a tempting idea to just up and go, but an international move can involve a lot of unforeseen costs. It is a wise idea to have enough money saved to keep you going for at least a few months in case your initial accommodation or work plans fall through. An emergency fund is also a good idea to have, especially since you likely won’t have the same support networks of friends and family at hand. Do your research into your desired new country to establish other monetary factors such as average living costs, visas and tax.

Where will you get an income from?

To ensure you have sufficient money to fund your living costs and lifestyle abroad, you will likely need to find a job to gain a regular income. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may want to have a job lined up before you move out to ensure you have money coming in from the get go; alternatively, if it’s not necessarily a career you’re looking for, you may decide to look for work on arrival. In either case, it is very important that you check whether you will need a work visa to legally gain employment in that country – you may not be able to get any work without this. Government websites should provide information on any necessary visas and documentation.

Where will you live?

When you touch down in your new country of residence, you will need to know where you’re headed. Having contacts in the area can be very useful, not least because they can help you find your feet, whether that’s providing somewhere to stay initially or advising you on good areas for your new home. Whether you are staying at a friend’s, a hotel, rented accommodation or you’ve bought a new house, it is important to have this prepared before you leave, not least so your international moving company will know where to send your belongings.

Research is key in finding somewhere new to live, especially if you plan to stay long-term. Make sure your new home will suit you and has all the local amenities that you desire, such as shops, bars, restaurants, schools, good public transport, doctor’s surgeries etc.  

Do you know the country’s laws?

It is imperative that you are aware of the laws of the country you are planning to move to before you make any final decisions. You may be surprised how different laws, and the degree to which they’re enforced, can be. For example, some countries have strict laws around the consumption and sale of alcohol. Although not enshrined in law, countries will likely also have customs that you may be expected to adhere to, for example regarding dress or behaviour. If these laws and customs are likely to markedly encroach upon your lifestyle, then you may want to reconsider the country in question.

What will you miss?

Coping with what you will be leaving behind is just as important as dealing with matters in your new location. Before such a drastic move, consider what you’ll be giving up – whether that’s friends and family being closeby, your country’s cuisine, classes and clubs or even just being able to converse in your own language. Make sure that you understand and are prepared for such a commitment, and don’t just like the idea of an extended holiday in your country of choice. See if you can find an expat community online in your desired location, or look up forums on moving abroad in general, to give you a realistic impression of relocating from those who have actually made the leap.

If you make the decision to move abroad, Darvills & Benns can provide you with a reliable, professional overseas removals service. Our team of experts can help make your move go as smoothly as possible – from help with planning and logistics to the provision of effective packing protection for your prized possessions. Our careful and comprehensive removals service is available locally – across Bradford, Halifax and West Yorkshire – and for international relocations. For more information, get in touch with our team today.