Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving Abroad - Moving.com (2024)

Thinking about moving abroad? How exciting! While there are many dynamics with any move, leaving the country can add a new layer of planning and organization to the mix. Many people typically move for a new job or to study abroad. There’s also the allure of relocating during the post-college years, or as an awesome opportunity for a family who can take a year off to travel and explore with their kiddos in tow.

Whatever’s drawing you to a life in a new country, you’ll need to ask yourself a few things before you pick up and leave. Read on to check some common questions to help you determine if this move is right for you.

1. How you will make money?

   If you’re moving for work, this one will be obvious. But if you’re moving to another country without a job lined up, you’ll want to figure out how you will get by without having an immediate flow of cash coming in. For some, this might involve using money from their savings, or if you are planning to relocate for awhile, you’ll need to find a job and figure out what work permits you might need.

2. Is your job secure?

   For those who have a job lined up, congrats! However, you’ll want to make sure that you clearly understand the terms of your contract. The last thing you want is to arrive in your new country, only to have your job end prematurely. Or if you do need a permit, you’ll need to make sure that your company helps you obtain one beforehand, or quickly after you arrive.

3. What type of work permit or visa will you need?

   And onto permits, in many countries you might find that you might need special paperwork, like a permit and/or a work visa, to obtain employment. Make sure that you know what specific paperwork you need and what the process is like to obtain these documents before you move. The last thing you want is to be stuck and unable to get work due to a lengthy process or missing items.

4. How long do you plan to be away?

   You should figure this part out pretty early on as this will also help to determine what type of move you’ll have. If you’re thinking of a short-term stay, you might be able to move into a furnished apartment, without having to move with furniture. If you want to relocate for over a year you’ll probably need to move the majority of your stuff.

5. Do you speak the language?

   While English is a universal language, it could still be challenging to go about your day to day life in a non-English speaking country. If you don’t know the language, you’ll want to make sure that you take lessons beforehand, brush up by using a language app or take classes when you arrive. The main thing is to have a plan so that you can immerse yourself as soon as possible.

6. Do you understand the culture?

   Obviously there will be many cultural differences when you relocate abroad. In your planning process, make sure that you are aware of anything that is gleaming as you might have to adapt and change your ways to acclimate.

7. Where will you live?

   Knowing where you’re going to live is a big part of any moving process, and is especially important to have ironed out before you relocate. There are agencies that can help you find a new place. Additionally, Craigslist is an option or reaching out to your network of friends or family who might have connections in your prospective area. Another option is that you can stay at an Airbnb on a temporary basis in your new country. That way you can look for places in person, which could offer you peace of mind.

8. Why do you want to move abroad?

   While the idea of a relocation abroad is super exciting, you should think about what you want to get out of the experience. Are you hoping to meet new friends? Do you want to take in new sites? Perhaps you want to be immersed in a new culture and try new cuisines. To ensure that you maximize your time in your new country you may want to ask yourself what you want to accomplish while you are there.

   See Also

   How to Move to a Different State With or Without Money

9. Can you afford an overseas move?

   Point blank: moving is expensive. From hiring international movers to securing a new place and obtaining insurance, you can expect the cost of an international move to be a bit pricey. Make sure that you have the moving cost budgeted and at least three months of income saved up to have some wiggle-room as you look for work and obtain a permit.

10. Can you afford storage?

    Since you’ll likely be downgrading your stuff during an international move, you’ll need to store the rest of your stuff in a storage facility. While you can ask your family or friends to store some of your belongings, you might have to look for bigger options depending on the size of your stuff and/or the length of your move.

Relocating abroad is a fantastic way to experience a new culture and way of life. While this is an exciting move, it often involves a different level of planning and preparation as you figure out everything from where you will live to how you will make money. There’s also cultural changes, and you may need to learn a new language. We hope that these questions can help you mentally prepare for your exciting move abroad.