Moving to a foreign country makes you reflect on your whole life so far. You are about to begin a life in new surroundings, with new people around you, new friends, a new job. You need to pack all your belongings and take them to your new home. It is a great adventure and it does not have to be stressful one if we follow these simple tips.

Find a new home

Take your time while choosing a new house. This part can take up to a few months but in the end, it is definitely worth it. If you are searching for a new house online, to rent or to buy, be extra careful as the offers on the Internet can be deceitful. When you see an offer for an apartment or a house, it would be great if you could ask a friend who lives there to go check it out in person as you want to be sure everything will be okay.

Prepare the documents

Don`t be surprised to see that your passport is expiring soon, time flies, indeed. Check the date until your passport is valid and get a new one if necessary. Obtaining a new passport can last a couple of weeks. Furthermore, if the country you are moving to requires a visa, think ahead and ask what are the requirements for obtaining it. Start collecting all the necessary documents and be patient as the process can last for a couple of months. If you start on time, you will save yourself a lot of stress.

Do a health check-up before moving to a foreign country

Before moving to a foreign country, you should go and see your doctor while your Health Insurance is still valid. It will be less stressful for you to go to a doctor you know and in a familiar environment. Do a physical check-up, just in case. Go and see your dentist and if there are any teeth that need fixing, the sooner it is finished the better. You do not want to get a toothache while you are in an airplane or unpacking.

Cancel all subscriptions

Are you subscribed to any magazines? Better unsubscribe because your mailbox will be full, and you won`t receive the content. Moving on to the Internet and cable, you should cancel them as well. It is best to this a week or two before moving. Contacting the bank is something you should not forget in order to avoid any issues with your bank account. Inform the bank that you are moving to a foreign country and see what it takes to open an account there. Furthermore, remember that you will not be able to use your old SIM card abroad, contact your phone provider and inform them about the move. When you move, it is best to buy a new card there and avoid any further costs.

Downsize before you move

Moving to a foreign country is probably the best opportunity to downsize your house. There are plenty of ways to do this, and it will be much easier for you to move when you don`t have to pack everything. For your furniture, books, even art, you can make a garage sale and earn some money with it, as well. Besides, there are online auctions, so you may as well try those, too. Downsizing can also be a great opportunity for you to donate. Donate all of your old clothes to charity and people in need, and observe how this makes you feel happy and relieved. And last, but not the least, you can choose to give some of your belongings to your family and friends. This is an excellent way to give your books and souvenirs to the people you love.

Moving to a foreign country with a pet

Moving abroad with a pet does not have to be a stressful experience, neither for you nor for your pet. There are a few things to keep in mind in this situation, but the most important thing is to keep your pet happy. This is what you should focus on:

• Install a microchip in your pet`s collar if possible
• Take your pet to the vet and see if it is ready for the trip
• Inform yourself about the Pet Policies on airport
• Bring enough food, water, and a favorite toy on the trip if you are not traveling by plane

When you arrive in your new home, make sure to take out your pet`s toys and blankets, everything that your pet is used to, in order to create a safe, familiar environment for it.

Save money before moving to a foreign country

You definitely do not want to be caught off guard by yet another fee you need to pay in order to obtain a visa, tickets, passport, etc. As soon as you make the decision to move to a foreign country, start saving money. This is the best investment you will ever make as it will make you feel calm when you actually start moving. You can save some money from the garage sale or online auctions and put it in your fond for moving abroad. You can even rent your old house out and earn money.

Connect with people already living there

This cannot be stressed enough. If you have someone who already lives in a country you are moving to, contact them. They will be happy to hear from you and may give you some crucial advice on how to make the moving easier. Plus, you will be more at ease knowing you will have someone familiar in a country where you don`t know a lot of people.

Throw a goodbye party

Amidst all the hectic preparations and last minute check-ups, don`t forget to have fun and spend quality time with your friends and family. Throw a party the week before you move. It will lessen the amount of stress and it will give you the opportunity to reflect on your life. Saying goodbye to your friends and family may be hard emotionally. However, this is exactly the reason why you should do it before moving to a foreign country. Enjoy the time you spend with them and look forward to your new life.