If you need to make an international move you know that a plan is necessary. And the more you can prepare the better. As a homeowner you need to plan to sell your home or rent it out while you are abroad. Then you need to find somewhere to live in your new location and move your things to your new home. Here are our five top tips to help you move worry free to your new location.

5 Tips to make your international move stress-free

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Whether you’re making an international move for work, education, or other reasons, relocating to a new country could be exciting and, at the same time, challenging. You have all the exciting possibilities that await you in your new home: exploring a new culture, trying new cuisines, experiencing a different way of life, and making new friends.

Organise what will happen to your current home

While on the other hand, you have to sort out your current residence, decide what you have to take along or leave behind, pack your belongings in boxes, navigate the hundreds of logistical obstacles involved in international relocation, ensure custom clearance requirements, and bid farewell to friends and family.

Relocating can be stressful

It’s no wonder that the process of relocating can be overwhelming. After all, you’re leaving behind your place of comfort, the people and places you’ve grown to know so well, and the culture you’ve become accustomed to.

An international move away from the Venice of America

This shift especially affects people moving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to another country – across the ocean or within the same continent. Because this “Venice of America” is bustling with life. From its vibrant cultural scene to its stunning beaches and picturesque downtown skyline, there’s everything one could want in a city.

Although it’s not easy leaving such an idyllic destination and moving to another country, you can take steps to make your transition smoother. Here are a few tips to consider before you go:

1.    Approach experienced international movers

When it comes to moving abroad, it is best to opt for the services of experienced international movers. Such movers understand the intricate processes involved in packing, shipping, customs clearance, and other regulations.

What to look for in a service provider for an international move

However, hiring a licensed and insured service provider for an international move from your area is imperative to transfer your possessions safely. For instance, if you are moving from Fort Lauderdale, choose a company specializing in moving internationally from Fort Lauderdale for top-notch service. These movers will be familiar with the local regulations, have access to the best resources and equipment, and know what needs to be done for a successful move.

2.    Sort out your finances

Moving abroad comes with several expenses, including flight tickets, visas, health insurance, tax payments, etc. Therefore, planning your finances before moving and having a budget to ensure you can cover them all is important.

Research the costs of moving and living in your new destination

Research the cost of living in the new country, get familiar with the banking and tax rules, and open a local bank account.

Make a moving plan

Moreover, it’s crucial to devise a plan for transferring funds when dealing with international payments. Consider utilizing a reputable international money transfer service or opt for an international money order to facilitate the process.

Ensure you have contingency in funds and your time plan

In addition, building an emergency fund to cater to any unforeseen expenses that may crop up during or post-relocation is equally vital. It will be the financial buffer to fall back on, providing peace of mind throughout your move. It is equally important to plan a little contingency in time if you can ahead of your international move.

3.    Make a packing checklist

You don’t want to scramble to find and pack all your belongings at the last minute. Making a packing checklist can help you stay organized while ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Start the packing early for your international move

Begin the packing process by making a comprehensive list of all items you need to take along, including clothes, furniture, appliances, electronics, and more. As you pack, cross each item off the list to keep track of your progress. Try decluttering, donating, or selling things you no longer need or use.

Ensure you check all your documentation

Remember to add documents like birth certificates and ID cards to your packing checklist, as they can be easy to overlook and challenging to replace if misplaced.

Packaging for your international move

Select sturdy and superior-grade boxes and moving supplies to guarantee the safe arrival of your belongings at their new abode. Tape all boxes securely and label each with the corresponding room for a faster and more seamless unpacking experience.

4.    Learn the local language

Learning the local language for everyday communication in the new country is recommended. You may feel intimidated in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language.

Start learning the language before you international move

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to achieve fluency in a foreign language. You can opt for online classes, local language courses, or even hire a personal tutor to guide you through the learning process. Additionally, immersing yourself in the local culture, attending events, and meeting new people can be an excellent opportunity to practice speaking the language. If nothing else helps, you can always use translation apps and tools to communicate with the locals.

Just start with a few simple phrases

First, focus on learning simple but essential phrases like greetings, expressions of gratitude, numbers, and directions. Next, learn how to ask basic questions like where is the supermarket, pharmacy, or post office. Make sure to get familiar with their currency, too, so you can easily make purchases.

Practice and be brave

Don’t be shy even if you use the wrong words or make grammatical mistakes. With practice, soon you’ll be able to communicate and connect with the locals like a pro.

5.    Take it easy

Moving overseas can feel like an overwhelming challenge, with much stress and anxiety that can easily take hold of your mind. However, it’s essential to remember to take it easy and pace yourself to avoid burnout.

One step at a time – An international move is a big step

Instead of taking on everything at once, focus on one challenge at a time. For instance, if you’re packing up your old home, take it one room or area at a time. Or, if you’re searching for a new place to stay, start your search area-wise and explore all the housing options available.

Simple daily tasks help you achieve a lot

Relax and focus on other daily tasks to give yourself a break from the move. Reach out to old friends and family and make new connections with people in a similar situation.

Final word on making an international move stress free

Moving abroad is not easy. You may feel mixed emotions, including eagerness to explore a new place, fear of making such a big change, and anxiety over the unknown. However, proper planning and preparation can make the experience less stressful.

Packing list

Create a packing list of items and use it to pack your belongings in an organized manner. Have an effective financial plan, including budgeting, setting up a bank account in the new country, and figuring out how to transfer funds. Learn basic phrases in the new language, and research the new place’s culture to adjust quickly.

Hire experienced movers

Hire experienced international movers to safely and securely transport your items to the new destination. They will provide help with packing, customs clearance, and shipment tracking.

Build in breaks to your preparation timeline

In addition to these practical steps, take breaks from packing and other preparations to stay healthy and relaxed during the move.

FURTHER READING FOR A NEW HOMEOWNER MOVING HOME

At Housesitmatch.com we like to offer useful and practical articles on topics for our readers. In this selection we offer you a number of suitable pieces from our own blog on buying, moving and preparing new home.

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