BE SURE: Moving can be extremely stressful, make sure it’s the right move for you before you go. If possible visit the country before deciding, do not trust other people’s impressions. Ask yourself if the new culture is really good for you (and your family).

BE PREPARED – …For anything and everything to go wrong. Don’t assume you’ll be able to find the perfect job or home right away. If possible, make sure you have enough money to get you through the first few months at least (preferably longer). And for that you will have to…

BUDGET: As unglamorous as it sounds, a good budget could be the difference between a successful relocation and disaster. Before you go, find out how much everything will cost for those crucial first few months when you’re trying to find your place in a foreign land.

DON’T DELAY – Start preparing as soon as possible, just getting all the necessary paperwork in order can be time consuming. Make a checklist of everything you need to do!

CHECK YOUR BENEFITS: If your business has started your move, you may be eligible for relocation benefits. Be sure to ask if you haven’t already been told!

HEALTH: Make sure the country you are moving to has adequate healthcare facilities and infrastructure for you (and your family), especially if you have a medical condition that requires treatment or medication.

YOUR HOME – Think about what you want to do with your current home (eg sell it, rent it out, leave it empty) and what type of accommodation will be most suitable in your new country. If you don’t know anyone in the new country who can help you find accommodation, consider the services of a relocation agent.

EMPLOYMENT – Will you be looking for work in your new country? If so, consider starting your job search before you go (use the internet!) Will you be able to use your existing qualifications or will a training period be necessary? If you’re moving to a place where they don’t speak the same language as you, then you should…

LEARN THE LANGUAGE – Few skills will have as positive an impact on your relocation experience as being able to speak, or at least understand, the local language. Getting familiar with the local lingo before you go is a great idea.

PAPERWORK – No matter how insignificant that old document in the back of the bottom drawer may seem now, take it with you, chances are you will have to show it to someone at some point. Moving countries can be a bureaucratic nightmare at the best of times, but if you come prepared with the necessary paperwork, you have the best chance of a stress-free relocation. Things to think about include birth certificates, wedding certificates, educational certificates, medical certificates (including those for your pets!), etc.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY – Don’t forget to let everyone know your new address and when you’re leaving (unless you don’t want them to find you, of course 😉 Seriously though, saying goodbye to friends and family can be the hardest thing to part with, prepare for an emotional roller coaster as departure day approaches.

YOUR BELONGINGS: Will you take everything with you or leave some items in storage (or even get rid of them entirely)? How will you move your belongings? Can you transport them yourself or do you need the services of a moving company? Reserve those things that you need to take with you personally so that they are not accidentally packed (passports, tickets, etc.)

INSURE – Once you have decided what you are going to take with you, insure it. If you haven’t taken out appropriate insurance (health/life/travel, etc.) for you and your family as well…DO IT!

BANKING – You may need to open a new bank account in your new country; search for information on the one that suits you best. Do you need to close your current bank account? At the very least, you’ll need to tell your current bank that you’re moving.

CREDIT CARDS: Credit card companies must be informed of your move. Also, will the credit cards you carry with you be widely accepted?

DRIVING – Depending on where you are going and how long you are going to be there, you may need to apply for a new driver’s license or even take a driving test. Will you be taking your car with you or will you buy/rent/lease one when you arrive in your destination country?

PUBLIC SERVICES, etc. – Gas, electricity, cable companies, etc. they must be informed of their departure and the contracts terminated when appropriate. Arrange for final meter readings and bill payments.

MAIL REDDRESSING: Having your mail redirected after you leave can prevent you from missing something important.

ELECTRICAL DEVICES AND MOBILE PHONES – Check if your TV, video, hair dryer, alarm clock, etc. will work or not in the new country. You may need to subscribe to a new network for a mobile phone (or buy a new one with a subscription); watch out for roaming charges with your current phone if you use it.

EMAIL: If moving means you can’t keep your current email address, consider a free web-based email account that you can access from anywhere.

And finally, a couple of important tips for when you arrive in your new country…

MAKE FRIENDS: Whether you’re a local or an expat, nothing will help you more than being able to rely on your friends for help when you need it. Do not think that socializing is a waste of time, it is what makes a new country feel like home.

DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF – Moving to a new country is hard. Even when everything goes according to plan, it’s still difficult. There will be times when you are physically and emotionally exhausted, but try not to let things get the better of you. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help or support, there are many people who have been there before.

Good luck!