The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success and a major portion of that is planning. Few things are bigger than a move, and especially moving to another country. Don’t underestimate the steps needed when considering moving to another country. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Tips On Moving To A New Country.
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So you’re packing up and heading out on a new adventure? Whether it’s for a new job or just for the fun of it, there’s plenty to organize before you get going. Creating yourself a check-list is a great way to ensure you don’t miss out any of your key tasks. To give you a good head start, remember these five tips.
1 . Organize your healthcare
When you’re planning to move to a new country, one of the most important things to do is do organize your healthcare. Research the logistics of the healthcare system, find out what the procedure to register with a doctor involves and look into the associated costs. Ensure that you have a good travel insurance package and are clued up on what it does and doesn’t cover.
2. Prep your important documents
You’ll want to prepare your essential documents well in advance so that there aren’t any setbacks. Check if your passport needs to be renewed, and apply for visas as early as possible. If you are moving abroad due to a new job, your employer may be able to help you to navigate the visa process or even front some of the costs, so it’s worth checking this.
3. Do your research
Before you arrive at your destination, it’s best to do as much research as you can. Find out which are the best neighbourhoods and which are the places to avoid. Familiarize yourself with any local customs, and find out which are the must-see places to visit, whether for sight-seeing, food or nightlife. Research the groups for fellow expats, using sites like Meetup, Internations and Facebook. When moving to a new place, it can be comforting to have a support network of those in a similar boat.
4. Practice the lingo
If you are moving to a place with a whole new language, get practicing the lingo early. The sooner you master the basics, the sooner you’ll feel safer and more at home. Apps like DuoLingo can be handy to get you started, or you could try investing in a face-to-face language tutor when you arrive. Either way, don’t put off this task as it will only become harder to build up your confidence.
5. Storage or shipping
Depending on your situation, you might like to put some of your larger items in storage. This can be particularly useful if you might be returning to your home country at a later date. If not, shipping services can be useful to move items such as cars, larger items of furniture, (or anything that you can’t fit in your suitcase)! When it comes to your vehicle, ensure that you choose the best Automotive Shipping Solutions. Look for a company with plenty of expertise and experience, to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
As with any big move, the trick is to get organized early. Choosing a new home and upping sticks is an exciting time, as long as you plan in advance!
