Many of us share the dream of packing up our lives and moving overseas for adventure and exploration. However, before we can make such a dream a reality, some practical considerations must be considered. Read on to find out what they are, below.
Apply for the right papers
First of all, if you embrace your dream of moving abroad then you will need to make sure that you have the correct papers. This usually means that you have a valid passport from your home country that is well in date as well as a visa that will allow you to work.
Of course, visas or their equivalent can be tricky to get, and take a lot of time as well so you must apply for your well ahead of any move. It’s also worth noting that some places offer visas for specific groups of people such as key workers like doctors, bureaucrats, teachers and police. While other countries are now providing visas for those looking to work as a digital nomads, it is well worth researching all the options and locations before you begin the process of applying.
Find a mover that specializes in long-distances
Some very specific issues tend to crop up when moving overseas such as shipping items from one country to another, going through customs, and making sure they are delivered properly on the other side.
That is why, when you search for terms like “moving companies near me” online you should also add “long distance and /or international”. Indeed, by choosing a moving company that has experience with overseas moves you will ensure that your items are well taken care of during their long trip and that the entire process of moving overseas goes as easily and smoothly as possible.
Downsize your stuff as you prepare to move abroad
Most guides on moving within your own country encourage decluttering and downsizing your possessions. However, when you are moving overseas decluttering is crucial as you will just have the room to take everything with you.
With that in mind, you will need to go through every item you have carefully and decide whether to pack it for the move or not. Good rules of thumb for this process include:
- Whether you will be able to get a similar item in your new location
- Whether the item has any sentimental value
- Whether the item is small enough to be shipped overseas
For example, you may have a bed frame that you love, but it would be easy to replace, and take up too much room in a shipping container. Therefore you would not pack this, but buy a new item once you have arrived. Luckily nowadays, there are many sites and groups on which you can sell or giveaway items like Buy Nothing groups or Facebook Marketplace.
It’s also helpful to note that if you have larger items with sentimental value that you are unable to take with you, you can choose to keep them in storage. Indeed, there are plenty of reasonably priced self-storage facilities around, or you could ask a family member to keep the item in their home in case you ever decide you do want it.