How to move to another country, with as little stress as possible

When it´s time to leave your home country for a while, perhaps it’s half a year, perhaps it’s even for the rest of your life, how can you make this break with as little stress as possible?

Moving abroad, especially packing up your home is never an easy task but the most important steps to take can be broken down, so that the mountain of paperwork, packing and research turns into just a small hill to climb.

Our golden tip: remain flexible! Whatever your expectations for your move overseas, try to remain flexible. What you can be sure of, is that the start of your new adventure will not go smoothly! Try to stay open and flexible to change, to set-backs and to having a positive attitude.

ExpatInfo has put together a step-by-step guide to help make your move less stressful and to help you breeze through the first few months.

Step one: Effective packing and turning your new house into a home

Most people want to bring everything they own to their new home abroad. This can create comfort and helps you to get accustomed to the new situation. But can you realistically pack up your entire home into a few boxes and feasibly have it transported half way around the world? If your move is temporary, why not hire a storage facility, especially if you have large furniture. There is something truly liberating about taking a journey with just a suitcase and a one-way ticket.

Once at your destination, surround yourself with photographs and other personal items. Having your own things around you can help you to settle and slowly turn your new house into a home.

Step two: Get your paperwork in order

It is essential to take control of your healthcare, your banking and other necessary paperwork before you leave. Moving to another country not only requires a new address and a new bank account, but you could also be facing new costs, a different tax system, specific healthcare or life insurance. It is imperative that you give this considerable thought in the lead up to your move and make the necessary changes.

Step three: Do your homework

You need to be prepared for whatever your new life throws at you. Confused about registering for residency? Not sure how to submit taxes? Need help to learn the local language? Take a look through online forums for tips from expats who have been in your position!

Step four: Give yourself permission to be homesick

It is only natural to miss home, family and friends, so don’t be too harsh on yourself and allow yourself some personal time to feel homesick and miss your friends. If you’re feeling low, remember that this feeling connects you to your friends, family and culture. Get Skype and keep in touch with loved ones but make sure you make plenty of effort to meet new people in your new country! Learn a new language and get involved in the local expat community. Soon enough, you will have new friends and home is just a flight, (or train or boat) away!

The first few months in any new place, especially a foreign country, is going to be stressful.

When you are finding things difficult, just remember that you are experiencing something wonderful and unique. Try to feel grateful that you have this opportunity. If you are friendly with new people and open to embrace the culture, you will feel at home in no time.