Starting a new adventure in a different country? It’s both thrilling and a tad overwhelming, right? Well, I’ve been there, done that, and there are a few things that often get overlooked in all the excitement when moving abroad. So, here are seven practical tips for moving abroad that will save you a few headaches down the road.
My husband and I have moved 4 times in the last 5 years, 3 of those being international moves.
I vividly recall the message I received when sharing our move to Switzerland from a woman who had recently moved back to Europe. It read:
“Make sure to not pack any valuables in your shipping container.”
“Bring your laptop and camera in your carry-on luggage with you.”
“Bring an air mattress and pillows if you don’t have a bed yet.”
Now, bless her heart, but let’s just say, I could practically hear the echoes of my future frustrated self when I read that. Fast-forward to our arrival, and I found myself mentally cursing for the crucial details she missed. Hence, this post—advice from a regular gal who’s moved abroad not once, but three times. Because trust me, there have been tears shed over the things I wish I would have done before I moved that no one told me about.
Table of Contents
- 7 Practical Tips for Moving Abroad
- Virtual Mailbox
- Ensure You Have a Reliable Credit Card
- Consolidate Bank Accounts
- Sign up with Google Fi Wireless
- Don’t Get Rid of Everything
- Voter Registration
- Visit the Doctors
- Bonus Tips For Moving Abroad
7 Practical Tips for Moving Abroad
Photo by Alicia Christin Gerald Unsplash
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
I first want to explain that this post provides my perspective and experience as an American moving abroad. Thus, many of my tips and resources will be most beneficial for other Americans planning to move from the USA. If you are living in another country, I hope this guide this still provides you with recommendations you can research in your own home country.
Virtual Mailbox
This is the best thing we ever did before moving. We signed up with EarthClass Mail 3 months before we moved to start registering things with this address, and it’s been a lifesaver. It’s impossible to think of all the mail you get, and changing everything before you go isn’t always realistic. There are also a lot of things you still need an address for as an American living abroad, and this makes my life so much easier. Services like EarthClass Mail (not sponsored, I just love it) allow you to manage your mail incredibly easily – they scan your mail, send you notifications, and can even forward it to your international address.
Ensure You Have a Reliable Credit Card
Don’t underestimate the power of your credit cards. Trust me, after living abroad, I’ve come to appreciate the perks and security that US credit cards offer. Our Swiss accounts? Not so much (think terrible customer service, zero perks, and even refund fees!). Having a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and comes with great travel perks makes spending and, I think, saving much easier! My husband and I love our Chase credit cards, as well as American Express for not only amazing perks, but also for the reliable customer service from afar.
Consolidate Bank Accounts
Going off of the credit card tip, next is consolidating bank accounts to streamline your financial matters. This may look like consolidating savings and checking accounts, and even potentially moving to an online saving platform such as Wealthfront. All of this will make keeping track of cards, accounts, and limiting fees so much easier.
Sign up with Google Fi Wireless
I remember when I moved to Singapore, signed up for a new phone plan and phone number, then tried to log into Instagram and got the dreaded “please verify via text code.”. I had to call my parents in the US, have them find my old SIM card, and switch it into an old phone. They had to get the verification code. You need your phone number for almost every account password verification, and it can be a huge hassle if you don’t change your number before you leave. Google Fi Wireless makes it so we can keep our US numbers, get those verification texts, and, when we visit the US, have a plan we can rely on. There have also been times living in Switzerland where our Swisscom phone plan has had zero service, and we switched to Google Fi no problem (and without crazy fees).
Don’t Get Rid of Everything
Letting go—of stuff. Most moving blogs will tell you to purge, purge, purge, but this advice has steered me wrong. With each move, I’ve gotten rid of so much that I only need to rebuy or miss. It’s tricky, because I do align with the thinking that “stuff is just stuff”, and my husband and I do live fairly minimalistic, but it’s super easy to get caught up in getting rid of things because you feel like you have to get your whole life to fit in x amount of boxes. It’s a balance, and from my multiple moves across the globe, I’ve learned to pack thoughtfully. Think about what you genuinely use, what you don’t, and what carries sentimental value. It’s about finding that sweet spot between simplicity and comfort, instead of simply just ‘purging’ to start over.I also recommend researching the items you’re thinking about discarding to see if they’re readily available in your new country. Can you easily buy them again once you’ve moved? If not, consider keep it or finding a way to make it work.
Voter Registration
We all know how important voting is, but this is one piece that often gets overlooked! Simply register for an overseas ballot so you can still make your voice heard even from a distance. This is an easy detail you can take care of before you go for a more organized and stress-free move abroad.
Visit the Doctors
I wish, WISH, I would have gotten one last dental checkup and annual physical before moving. Navigating healthcare in a non-English-speaking country can be daunting, so having your health in order beforehand gives you time to research practitioners and address any immediate concerns. Before the big move, schedule one last checkup with your doctors. Get that dental checkup and annual physical. It will buy you time to figure things out and avoid awkward, chilly experiences in foreign clinics. I learned this the hard way in Zürich, and you can read all about my healthcare misadventures on Substack.
Bonus Tips For Moving Abroad
Relocating internationally is a significant milestone, and it’s easy to neglect self-care amidst the whirlwind of planning and transitioning. | Photo by mauro mora on Unsplash
Connect with the Expat Community
Loneliness is a common challenge when moving to a new country, and it can sink in fast. Seek out local expat communities and join forums BEFORE you leave home. This can make it easier for you to connect with others who share similar experiences can provide a sense of camaraderie and a network of support as you get settled.
Prioritize Self-Care
Amidst the hustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself! Moving is physically and emotionally demanding, and it’s crucial to carve out moments of self-care. Whether it’s a quiet walk, a favorite meal, or a few minutes of meditation, prioritize your well-being.
Celebrate Small Wins
Adjusting to a new environment is a series of small victories, and they all deserve to be celebrated. It might be navigating public transportation successfully, striking up a conversation in the local language, or simply finding your way back home without Google Maps.
Prepare Yourself for Culture Shock
I am 100% guilty of moving with a very naive outlook. Culture shock is real, and it’s not always Instagrammable. Social media often paints life abroad with rose-tinted glasses. It showcases the highs, but ‘real’ life often gets missed. Click below to read my Substack letter on this topic! Joining local expat groups on Facebook can provide a more nuanced view. It can help you understand the cultural differences and lifestyle changes you might face, ensuring a smoother transition.
Moving abroad is a significant life change, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out immediately. I know it can feel like everyone has it figured out at times, but I promise you, they don’t. Be patient with yourself during the settling-in period. Allow room for mistakes, uncertainties, and the natural ebb and flow of adapting to a new chapter in life. Tears are expected!
So, there you have it—a few practical tips for moving abroad and heartfelt advice from someone who’s cried over forgotten necessities more than once during cross-continental moves, and wants to save you from any added stress. Happy moving!
Feel free to drop any questions in the comments; I’d love to hear from you!
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