Are you planning to move abroad but don’t know where to start with your relocation planning? Cross country moving can be overwhelming. In this article together with relocation expert Louise Wiles we are offering ten things you should know before you are moving to a new country. We hope they help you experience a smooth relocation and transition to your new home and life abroad.
One: Why?
This is such an important question to ask yourself. Why do you want to move abroad? I know: adventure, life experience, travel and yes, I agree with all of that, but there has to be something deeper as well because when the adventure wanes, the experience frustrates and travel gets disrupted you will be left asking: so why did I do this? Get deep into your reason ‘why’ you want to relocate including thinking about where you hope this whole relocation experience will lead, longer term.
Two: An international relocation is more complex than a job change
When I was conducting research for my book: Thriving Abroad: The definitive guide to professional and personal relocation success, one of the contributors, Ingolf Thom, Global HR Director said:
“People don’t know what they don’t know. The decision to move overseas is a more complicated decision than the decision to change companies, and yet few people do as much homework.”
Wise words. It is so important to research thoroughly and think carefully before embarking on an international move. You are not simply swapping locations – you are changing many aspects of the way you live your life professionally and personally. Hopefully, it will all be very positive but do research comprehensively before leaping and identify what you don’t know, but really should. Some of the following points will help with that.
Three: Start with a feasibility study
As a result of the pandemic and conversation about remote working, we have perhaps been given the impression that we can simply choose to work from anywhere. Sadly, this is not the case. It is important to work out the visa entry requirements for living and working in your target country. Get specific and detailed with this information for each country you are contemplating and consider paying for professional help. This is something it pays to get right.
Four: Cost of living and moving to a new country
It costs to move countries. The visa process is cost number one, but then there are the costs of closing up at home, moving possessions, securing new accommodation, setting up utilities and buying cars in your new location. It always costs more than expected and there are always hidden costs for example, extended hotel stays when property rentals take longer to sort, travel costs for re-routed flights especially in pandemic times. Investigate the cost of living and remember to think about taxation. If this looks complicated seek professional advice. Work a realistic budget and keep a beady eye on it – and don’t forget a financial contingency fund as well.
Five: Documentation and Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy and the associated documentation will be a feature of your life, especially if you are moving during the pandemic. Don’t gloss over this. Be prepared. Have all of your documentation to hand and ensure you have multiple copies of each, and please don’t pack the essential documentation in the sea freight – it has been done!
Six: Health
One word “pandemic” should be enough here to have you running to the nearest insurance provider. You need to be clear on what you will do in a medical emergency and if you have underlying health conditions how you will manage those. Check the local health provisions and their accessibility and don’t forget to consider how you will communicate your needs if you do not speak the local language.
Seven: Loneliness hurts – so make a plan
One of the most often cited reasons for failure when people relocate internationally is loneliness. This has been particularly topical during the pandemic when getting out and about has been so restricted around the world. It takes effort and energy, creativity and guts to get out and meet people, especially if the local language is new to you. Don’t underestimate the challenge and do set the expectation that it may take time to feel settled in this respect. Remember people generally love to help, so do ask!
Eight: There will be up days and down days
Any change comes with highs and lows and relocating internationally is no different. Good, even delightful things will happen, so will bad. Some days will be a pure joy, others a struggle. It can all feel a bit overwhelming and what you need to know is that it takes time to settle. People refer to the lows of culture shock and while that does exist, in my experience it is not a one-off reaction. Be prepared for a longer period of disorientation and adjustment. Just keep on keeping on and it will all work out in the end ….
Nine: Have a contingency plan
I’m following the tip on struggle with one on contingency plans for a reason. Hopefully you will make it through, but just in case things go awry, be sure to have a contingency plan. What does this look like? Funds for return tickets, rent and food that will keep you going for a good number of months until you can decide what will come next.
Ten: These skills will help you enjoy the experience to the maximum
As you plan, move and adjust you will be drawing on more skills than you ever imagined. Flexibility (as things don’t go to plan), humour (as a preferred response to when things don’t go to plan), grit and determination (for dealing with bureaucracy), curiosity and creativity (as you respond to the bureaucratic ‘no’ and other challenges), an open mind (as you observe beliefs and values quite different from your own), a growth mindset (as you work out how to behave and fit in).
International relocation is a fantastic self-development opportunity. One that comes with huge opportunity. In research, people told me that while they wouldn’t ever change their experience, they would have done some things differently. Hopefully, these tips will help you to get those things right and set yourself up for the experience of a lifetime. Wishing you safe and happy travels.
Louise is as a former expat, repat, coach and learning and development professional who uses her professional and personal experience to support employees and their partners as they make international moves. Louise supports people embarking on international moves from the initial decision-making stage through to the creation of thriving professional and personal lives abroad. Louise offers one on one or group coaching programmes and workshops. Louise is author of Thriving Abroad: The definitive guide to professional and personal relocation success and host of the Thriving Abroad Podcast.
