After settling your mind on where you are going to live, it is time to get organised. Organisation is the key to making your international moving a success. It’s always better to start a new life without leaving any stone unturned. Be prepared for what can be the most rewarding experience of your life.
Cost of living – It is helpful to have a complete understanding of the cost of living of the area. Knowing in advance what to expect in terms of expenses will be a plus.
Research the city – Try to collect information about the different neighbourhoods, their reputations, the restaurants and local activities so you can make an informed choice.
Transport – This is not something that comes in mind straight away, but you need to ask yourself how you are going to get around. It might take some time before you feel comfortable driving a car so find out how good the public transport is.
Cheapflights have put together a list of tips from experts in expatriation so learning a new language won’t be an issue for you!
“Time is a luxury that many people don’t have when it comes to relocating, but the more time you can put aside to do some research, the better. While the thought might be off-putting, it will pay dividends later on and help you to avoid mistakes.
The more you know about your new surroundings the better placed you will be to connect with the locals and understand the way the country is governed. If you can, visiting your new location before you move will also help you to know what to expect.
You will feel more settled if you have somewhere to call your own, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy a house! Simply find somewhere that you can use as a base rather than relying on a hotel. If you’re relocating on your own and don’t like the thought of renting a property by yourself, look on websites for potential house shares.
Investigate local expat groups and, when you arrive, make an effort to join as many as possible. The members of these groups can be a vital source of encouragement, practical assistance and information to help you settle in. Kimberley Millhouse, Senior Move Manager at Crown Relocations.
For more information on preparing your moving to France, Italy or Spain visit schepens.co.uk, armishaws.com and removalsbrokers.co.uk and get tips on everything you need to know in order to make it a smooth memorable experience.
Read our latest post on Moving Overseas – Top tips from expert expats
(Images: Artois Bibliothèques; elston)
