5 Things You Need to Organize When You Move Abroad

Moving to another country is an exciting and adventurous journey. However, it doesn’t come without its challenges.

When you’re becoming an ex-pat, you need to organize a range of different things before your big moving day to ensure you can legally live in your chosen country. There are legal documents you must complete and submit, including documentation for visas, employment, banking, and accommodation.

It’s not just documentation that you need to consider, either. Moving to another country also entails the organization of a reliable long distance international courier, safe packaging for your belongings, and an international driving license if you plan on driving a vehicle in your chosen destination.

Below, we have covered some key things to organize when you’re planning an exciting move abroad. 

Visa and Associated Documentation

Most countries require new ex-pats to obtain a visa before they can legally live there. You’ll need to apply for a visa early enough for your application to be processed and approved before your desired moving day.

You can’t apply for any old visa. There are many different kinds, and you’ll need to make sure you apply for the right kind, as submitting the wrong application could delay your move and add unnecessary complications to your ex-pat planning.

For example, if you plan on working as an ex-pat in your destination country, you may be required to obtain a working visa to earn money while you’re living there. If you want to move abroad to study at your dream college or university, you’ll most likely need a studying visa.

If you’re unsure of which visa you need to apply for, check the government website of your destination country. The official government website will have the most up-to-date and accurate information. However, there may also be reliable third-party websites with helpful information regarding visas.

Healthcare Insurance and Providers

The healthcare system in each country differs, and it’s important to research the unique healthcare providers in your chosen country as an ex-pat. Generally, you’ll need active health insurance in order to access healthcare services in your new country if you’re not a citizen.

There are lots of different types of health insurance, each of which offers unique coverage. You must make sure you purchase a healthcare policy that aligns with your bees and covers the treatments you need. This is especially important if you have a chronic condition that requires ongoing medical intervention.

For those of you who have a job lined up in your destination country, you may be able to get health insurance discounts through them. Be sure to inquire about the health benefits that your employer offers so you can take advantage of them when you move. 

Finances and Budget

Moving to another country can be expensive. Hiring an international courier to transport your belongings can lead to a hefty bill, especially if you have a lot of furniture. 

There are also costs associated with organizing legal documentation, such as visas. Living as an ex-pat comes with ongoing costs that you need to factor into your budget.

Staying on top of your finances is crucial when you enter ex-pat life. Not only does it make things easier and quicker for you when you move, but it also makes your life more enjoyable and less stressful once you’ve settled into your new home.

Be realistic when planning your finances. Consider all of your expenses so you can plan your budget accordingly and avoid overspending.

Transportation

When you’re moving to a brand-new country, transportation is a significant consideration.

You can pay to transport your current vehicle overseas or sell your car and buy a new one after you’ve relocated. If you decide to continue driving once you’ve moved, you’ll need to learn the rules of the road and consider the roads and routes near your accommodation.

Alternatively, you can embrace public transport, such as buses and trams. This is a great option if you’re moving to a major city, where car parking can be extortionately priced, and it’s easier to walk or take public transport.

Consider the cost of each option and your preferences so you can plan transportation in time for your big move. Arranging your transportation as early as possible will relieve some of the stress from your shoulders nearer the time of your moving day. 

Utility and Internet Providers

It's a good idea to organize your utility and internet providers before you move, so you don't need to deal with this task when you're already living in your new home. Arrange a provider for water, electricity, and internet at your new property, and make sure to update your address with your existing providers so they can cancel your current contracts.

How to Choose the Most Reliable Long Distance Mover

Moving is a major aspect of life; at one point, you will either decide or be forced to move due to several reasons such as career prospects, need for a bigger house, a new environment, among other reasons. Regardless, moving is often meant for the betterment of both you and your family. However, moving is usually an arduous and time-consuming task, which can be hard to accomplish if not done properly. This is true if you are conducting a long distance move, such as moving to another state or across the country.

Photo by HiveBoxx on Unsplash

Such a move is not only more costly, but the risks of possible damage are much higher when your belongings are being transported over a long distance. This is why such a move requires serious considerations and planning to ensure that the whole process is completed smoothly without any hitches or losses. Arguably, one of the major factors to consider when planning a long distance relocation is the moving company that you are going to hire. The success and timeliness of your move are highly dependent on the expertise and professionalism of your moving company.

Choosing the wrong moving company can not only leave you frustrated but also suffering huge losses. Your choice of moving company isn't a decision that you should take lightly. With that being said, you might be wondering how one identifies the most reliable long distance movers from the sea of moving companies claiming to be the best at what they do? Fortunately, here we are going to look at some of the top factors to consider when choosing a long distance mover.

1. Experience

As discussed earlier, long distance relocation involves a lot of risks. Hence, to ensure that these risks are minimized, you need to ensure that the company you choose is experienced in long distance moving. A company that is in the business for many years knows how to effectively and safely carry out the move. Their staff is professionally trained, and considering their experience; they are aware of the mistakes that can hamper the success of the move. They know which measures to put in place to avoid these mistakes. They will ensure that your items are well secured and are not exposed to any harm.

Also, they are aware of the legal requirements involving out-of-state moves, for example, additional licenses and paperwork.

Photo by Maxim on Unsplash

2. Licensing and Insurance

The most important factor to consider when choosing a long distance mover is to check the licenses and insurance cover the company has. You should not fear to request the mover to provide you with proof of their license. This will indicate to you that the company is legit and not just another scam off the streets. Licensing and insurance often go hand in hand.

You should find out what insurance they provide to their clients. Find out whether they have replacement value protection, which helps to ensure that your belongings are covered up to a certain amount in case of any damage or loss. It is important to note that even with the best movers, accidents can happen, so you should always be protected.

3. Get a Written Estimates

When conducting a long distance move, a verbal estimate doesn't do you any good. You should request free estimates from various companies. These estimates should be detailed and clearly show what each cost covers. A professional mover should visit your home and assess before giving you the estimate. It is worth noting that a written estimate is legally binding; hence, it provides more guarantee.

When you obtain written estimates from multiple companies, you will be able to see what each company charges for each service. This will help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

4. The Reputation of the Mover

You don't want to hire a long distance moving company without first checking what previous clients are saying about their experience with the company. In addition to requesting a list of references, you should also make use of the internet.

Sites such as Better Business Bureau and Yelp will provide you with an abundance of customer experience information. The FMCSA website is also another website to consider as it provides safety reviews.

5. Signs to Look Out For

Apart from the above factors that you should take into consideration, there are signs you should watch out for to help you identify a potential scam. First of all, avoid companies that demand advance cash payments or unusually large cash deposits. This is a major red flag.

Also, you shouldn't hire a company that makes use of a rental moving truck or a truck that is unmarked. Any serious professional and reliable moving company staff will show up with their truck showcasing the company name or logo.

If the mover insists on carrying out the planning process over the phone, including giving you the estimate over the phone and other planning aspects, then you should move on to the next moving company.