Moving overseas – what’s to know

While moving to a new country can be exciting and fun, it can also carry a lot of stress with it. You will have more things to take care of than if you were to move within your country. Handling the paperwork, finding the right Miami storage facilities for your items, finding a new home… All of these things take time. However, with the right plan in place, moving overseas doesn’t have to be a nightmare, but a great start to a beautiful new adventure. So, in order to know how to prepare in the best way possible, keep on reading!

Moving overseas will require you to save money

It’s no secret that relocating can cost a pretty penny, even when moving down the street. However, with an international relocation, your budget will need to be even bigger. That is why you should start saving as soon as you know that you will be moving overseas. You will need money for the first few months of living in your destination country. Especially if you don’t have a job lined up. Moreover, there might be some unexpected expenses, which is why you will be glad that you saved in advance.

One of the best ways to save money on your overseas move is to hire a moving company that will handle it for you. Reliable long distance movers Florida will help you plan your move and give you a realistic estimate of the costs. So, during the months before your move, research moving companies and find the one that is right for you. Keep in mind that not every company will be able to handle an international move, so choose wisely.

Get all the necessary documents in advance

Depending on the country of your destination, you will need certain documents in order to enter it and live there. The most important document is your passport. Make sure you check to see if it has expired and apply to have it renew on time. If you don’t already have one, apply for it in advance, as it can take a while for the process to be complete.

Certain countries will require you to have a visa, so do research on your destination and check to see if you will need one. Again, this process is going to take some time, and in some cases up to six months. Furthermore, here is a list of additional documents you will need to obtain to have a safe and smooth international move:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Driver’s license
• School records
• Travel insurance
• Medical and dental records
• Financial records

During the move, make sure to keep these documents with you. It is not a good idea to put them in your luggage, as they are not easily replaced in case something happens to your suitcases. Instead, place them in a binder and keep them in your carry on.

Know what you will take with you when moving overseas

In order to save additional money on your move, and make it less hectic, you should declutter your home before packing it up. In the months leading up to the relocation, go around your home room by room. Set aside all the things that you haven’t used in a while and place them in separate boxes. These can be old clothes, the toys your kids have outgrown, outdated electronics, etc. Consider placing ads online to sell these items, if they are still in good condition. On the other hand, you can organize a garage sale, and try to sell them the old fashioned way. Finally, if there is anything that is broken or unusable, dispose of it safely.

If you are reluctant to give away your items, you can always consider the option of storage. Storage units are excellent for keeping your belongings safe, even if you are in another country. That way, if you ever decide that you need something, you can have it shipped to you without hassle.

Find a place to stay before you get there

Even if you have already made arrangements regarding your new home, you might not be able to move in right after you get there. For this reason, it’s a good idea to plan for temporary housing. For example, you can book a few nights in a hotel in order to take some time to get over your jet lag. On the other hand, you can make a more long-term commitment and rent a home for a month or two. However, you should never rent a home before seeing it first, or having someone on the other side that you trust. You can hire a real estate agent to help you find a place to stay, just make sure that they are reliable and have a good reputation. You don’t want to find yourself stranded on the streets of an unknown city with nowhere to go.

Visit your doctor before moving overseas

Before you set on your travels, make sure to visit your health care provider one last time. It may take a while for you to set up medical insurance in your new country, so a check-up beforehand is a good idea. Also, medical expenses might be more than you are used to, so it’s best to get everything in order. Moreover, some countries might require you to get certain vaccines before they allow you to enter. Make sure that you are up to date on all your immunizations.

If there are some prescription medications you are taking, have your doctor fill up your order. Have them also give you a letter of authorization for those prescriptions, so that there aren’t any unpleasant events at the border.

Look for a job in your new home country

In case you don’t already have a job in your destination country, make sure that you look for one before moving overseas. Look at the wanted ads online, or ask around if you know someone who lives there. It can be of great help to have this kind of security when you are moving to a new country. Knowing the language can also help you find a job more easily, so try to learn some phrases before you set off.