Most common mistakes expats make when moving abroad

Relocating is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life and there are many factors to consider to ensure the process is a good experience.

Most common mistakes expats make when moving abroad

Without careful planning an overseas dream can quickly turn in to a nightmare. To help you have a smooth transition, here are some of the mistakes expats commonly make.

Lack of research

With any move, research is the most important aspect. It’s vital for you to know everything well in advance. Important aspects to look into include:     

Pricing and budgeting – how much will flights cost, how much will transportation cost?

You will most likely need to have over 12 months’ worth of savings, as well as some emergency funds in case any unexpected costs crop up. 

How are you going to move your belongings?

Start looking into international removal firms as early as possible. It’s important to know how everything works so that when it comes to moving day you are completely prepared.

Accommodation – what are the best areas to live in, will you buy or rent and is the location practical for you?

Research the property market to get an idea of what’s available and the price ranges. If possible visit the new area before moving so that you can get a real idea of where you want to live.

What can you take with you? - some countries ban certain items being brought in such as alcohol and food.

Are you going to take your pets with you?

Book an appointment with the vet and find out what vaccines or medical documents your pet will need.

Poor organisation

Being organised is a key part of having a successful move as it prevents mistakes and delays to your moving date.  

As soon as you know when you’re moving and where, you should start organising what you intend to take with you and clear out unwanted items. Write a task list of everything that needs to be done before the move.

Time management

Although you may have planned to move months in advance, you’ll be surprised how quickly the moving date can approach. It’s important not to leave any tasks to the last minute and start getting things done early – otherwise you could run out of time. Remember that once you have arrived in your new home, it might take a while for your items to arrive if they are being shipped. For this reason it’s important to pack essentials in your suitcase.