The Essential Moving to Another Country [Checklist]

1. Get the basic information about the country and city you are heading to.

Culture 

Moving to another country usually there is going to have cultural differences. For instance, cultural norms such as interpersonal habits differ between the French and Spanish. The French tend to be more cautious at the start of a relationship, whereas Spanish individuals often display spontaneity. To prevent inadvertently causing offense, understanding the cultural habits of your intended destination is vital.

Language      

One of the most important barrier they could be is the language. Not every country speak the same language. Knowing English is enough to work or study, but to truly integrate it is important to know the local language.

Weather

The weather will affect your daily life and what you pack before going abroad. So get ready for it and check the temperatures throughout the years to back your luggage accordingly.

Cell phone services

Not every cell phone provider can offer you a service in another country, it is recommended to check with him. Otherwise, you can unlock your phone and buy a local SIM card upon arrival. 

Access to money 

As everybody, you will need to have access to your money. Ask your financial institution if they can offer you services in the country you want to move in. If that not the case, it's recommend to open a new account online with one of the bank of your new country.

2. Consult a professional of immigration 

Specific document to move in another country may be required. An immigration specialist is an expert who can help you make sure you have everything you need to legally move to another country. They will help you understand immigration laws, application deadlines, vaccination requirements and other policies related to importing household goods, especially if it is a fragile goods. Visit one early in your research for immigration to know what document will be required.

3. Organize your accommodation

Having to find accommodation from afar maybe really challenging. To help you with that, you need to consult relocation consultants to find the house that best suits you. They understand local laws and real estate market, they can do the search for you.

4. Research for moving companies

When embarking on a move, it is essential to do a thorough research on moving companies. Start by doing an online search to identify reputable carriers in your neighborhood. Check credentials or movers certification, to ensure professionalism. Request a full quote from the shortlisted companies, including all potential costs, including packaging and shipping. Dive into customer reviews and study benchmarks to gauge their reliability and service quality. Check out their coverage to protect your goods during transit. Comparing services, costs and communications availability will help you make an informed choice. Once you've finalized your selection, plan ahead by confirming dates, reviewing contracts, and making sure all arrangements are in place for a seamless and stress-free move.

5. Create a budget aligned with the cost of living abroad 

When you want to move to a certain city, it's essential to have a good understanding of the cost of living. It is what's determine or not if you can or can not move to this city. Also understand the cost of living helps for getting a visa because most of the application require proof of finance. For example, the cost of living is different in every country or the food does not cost the same.

• Conduct in-depth study of tax regulations

If you are planning to move to another country, you may be subject to taxes in your home country, or you could have taxes. It is recommended to meet with an accountant to be informed to find out which tax status you will have if you're going living abroad.

• Explore available healthcare choices

Thinking about your health is important, depending on the country all the disease are not going to be the same. This why they are recommended vaccinations that can protect in dangerous areas. To know the recommended vaccination, you can consult your department of heath or your health clinic. It is important that you check early, some vaccination becomes effective after a lot of time. Your certification of vaccination should always be in your travels documents.

6. Gather and organize your documents

Get your essential documentation ready

When you think moving to another country, the first thing you should think about is the paper you need and the visa (if you need one). It is mainly to avoid having the problem to not be able to do something because you don't have the right document. 

The documents you may need could be : 

• Your Birth certificate or adoption papers 
• Your Child custody papers (if that's the case) 
• Your Divorce papers or Marriage certificate(if that's the case) 
• Your Driver's license
• Your Social Security card
• Your Medical/Dental records
• Your School records

Get your pet documentation done 

Depending on the country, it can be difficult to import pets for laws reason and for the nature of the country in question. So It's essential to do some research first, some countries are not going to allow some animals to move in. Most of the time, it's only required to give a certificate to show they are up-to-date for their vaccination. In some cases, they may be under quarantined at their arrival. Check this article to learn more about moving animals requirements.

6. Search for suitable accommodation options

As a new arrivant in the country, it is hard to know where and how to find a house. One of the best ways to find one is to use a trusted housing platform or ask your work or university if they have any lead. You could also check Facebook groups. In the case you are planning to rent a House abroad, here are a few things you should consider : 

• Bear in mind that it could take time to find a house to rent. In cities like Barcelona find housing could take 1–2 months but in some cities there is house crisis it can take more times to find a rental.

• Have a realistic budget. Some neighborhoods are more expensive than others. Likewise, renting an apartment with a friend and splitting the cost is often cheaper than renting a studio alone. So, look at neighborhoods and average rents for rooms, studios and apartments to decide where you should live. 
• Check if there’s good connectivity. Either you want to go working, going into the city or at university, it is important to look for an apartment well-connected to public transport.

7. Evaluate your travel options before moving to another country 

Depending on which country you are moving, it is important to choose its way of transportation accordingly. If you have much luggage, and you are moving to a country not too far away, it is best to use a car. Otherwise, you can still use buses, trains or ferries. If your country is far away, planes are the best choice, especially in mid-week.

8. Make a packing decision

Preparation is everything, especially when it comes to moving. It is important to choose wisely what you are going to bring because you can buy what you don't have in your new country. Here is a list of thing you should take with you : 

• Your daily medicine 
• Your keys 
• Basic first aid kit
• Chargers 
• A portable alarm clock 
• Clothing 
• Cash/credit cards/Check
• Paper and pen
• Snacks

9. Countdown until moving day 

The month before you move is a very busy month for you. Here is some advice for you to help you have a smooth trip.

One month before the date

• With your international moving company, confirm all the dates and details
• Complete all the last minute paperwork including permits, custom forms, vaccination certificates, and more.
• Refill any medication you will need during the trip.
• Buy a travel guide to learn more about the attractions in your new country.
• Start packing. 

Two weeks before the date

• Perform mail forwarding/address change with the post office. Also, make sure your friends and family have your new mailing address.
• Take care of last-minute shopping for the essentials you need for your trip. Get the items you love, knowing you won't be able to buy them in your new country.
• Buy a multinational adapter. It's a must if you don't want to damage your electronics while charging them in your new home.
• Make a copy of your passport, ID card, credit card and other important documents. Leave copies with a trusted family member or friend. This is a precaution that can help you if your wallet is lost or stolen while traveling. 

One week before the date

• Get cash or buy traveler's checks for instant cash.
• Notify your credit card company of your upcoming move, so purchases in another country are allowed.
• Confirm your flight or make other travel arrangements. 

10. Prepare yourself for what’s coming next

After you arrive in your new home country, you will have a ton of things to do to have a good start in your new country : 

• Register at the town hall
• Register for taxes and social security if you work
• Get a local SIM card
• Open a bank account
• Get health insurance
• Change your driver's license if you have one 
• Apply for your residence permit (if applicable)