10 Tips for Moving Abroad

Accommodation, employment, schools for the children… Moving abroad means a lot of changes. At AGS Worldwide Movers we'd like to help you plan a smooth relocation by sharing these 10 useful tips.

1. Research the cost of living in your new country

It's a good idea to research the cost of living in your destination country and check the exchange rate. This will help you manage your finances better. It's also important to look at other areas of finance such as banking and the tax system before you move.

2. Prepare your children

Involve your children in the preparation for the move by including them in the different stages of the removal process. Help them prepare for the transition and settle in after the move. Read all our tips on how to move with children.

3. Prepare your home for the sale

If you plan on selling your property, make any necessary repairs and call in professional cleaners before placing it on the market. This will help ensure that you achieve the best possible sale price and will save you time.

4. Ask for a professional home inspection

Conducting a thorough home inspection will protect you when buying and selling a house. Even if this type of service can be quite expensive, it will save you time and afford you peace of mind. A professional home inspector can highlight any current or potential future maintenance issues.

5. Arrange temporary accommodation before moving

Arrange for suitable temporary accommodation at your destination before your move, to ensure that you're comfortable while waiting for your new home to be available. Look for a short-term, furnished accommodation.

6. Consider the location of your children's school(s)

When choosing a new home, consider the location of your children's school(s). Living close to the school will make adjusting to new routines much easier for the whole family. Once you have moved, go and show your children their new school a few days before their first day – this will reassure them.

7. Don't polish your furniture just before the move

If you want to polish your wooden furniture before moving, make sure you do it several weeks before the time. This will prevent any marks being left during the move. You might as well wait for your furniture to be moved into your new home before cleaning it.

8. Move at the end of the school year

If you have the choice, it's preferable to move at the end of the school year. It will be a lot easier for your children to make new friends and to adapt to a new school at the beginning of the school year. It will minimize their stress.

9. Embrace the new culture

Be prepared to live in a different environment. Doing some research on your destination country will help you understand what to expect and will assist you in settling down. When in the country, adjust to culture differences and be open-minded. AGS has some good advice on how to cope with culture shock and adapt to your new environment.

10. Use your contacts to find a job for your spouse

If your spouse is having difficulty starting a new career in the host country, talk about it with those around you. Locals and expats already settled in the country can give you good advice and possibly refer you to valuable contacts.