What things do I need to do before moving abroad? Getting overseas can be complicated and overwhelming. This post has the ultimate expat moving abroad checklist to help you get on your way!
Moving abroad sounds really cool, and then when it comes time to actually DO IT, we get overwhelmed!
If that’s you right now, don’t panic! This expat moving abroad checklist covers the MOST important aspects of moving abroad, so you can make sure to cover all of the bases!
Let’s jump right in!
The Ultimate Expat Moving Abroad Checklist
1. Make sure you have a valid passport & visa
If you don’t take care of this step, everything else can potentially fall apart! Many countries will require your passport to be valid for 6 months or more in order to apply for a visa. So make sure your passport is “young”!
Also, make sure you have the right visa for your study abroad or work abroad situation. The last thing you want is visa issues preventing you from getting into or staying in your expat country!
2. Handle Home Banking & Legal Matters
How will you manage your home banking while living abroad? Do you plan to send money home? What about your credit card: if you use it abroad, how will you handle monthly payments?
One of the BEST things about this day and age is the ability to handle SO many things on an app! Most US banks and credit card companies have apps that will let you handle banking/credit card issues from wherever you are!
The only catch is that these apps often require two-step logins (sending a code to your email or phone number), so you’ll need to make sure you are set up to receive codes at your email, since your may not have your number!
3. Do Health Checkups & Personal Health Preparations
Every country has its own health concerns. Thankfully, doctors usually have on hand a list of vaccines that are recommended for each country.
Some countries REQUIRE certain vaccines in order for people to work or live there! All of these things you should look into before moving.
Also, make sure to stock up on personal medication from your home country. Sometimes its hard to find an effective equivalent in your expat country.
Every time I visit home, I stock up on ibuprofen, Benadryl, Advil, Imodium, and Pepto-Bismol. Even if I don’t use them, SOMEONE I know will!!
4. Handle Your Local Phone Number
Are you able to keep your phone number while moving abroad? Believe it or not, it’s possible!
There are several hacks to keeping your phone number your OWN, varying in price depending on how you go about it. Of course, you can always just cancel your phone plan.
But if you want to keep your phone number when moving abroad, I go over how to do so in this post.
5. Pack Important Items
Packing to move abroad is one of the single most stressful parts of the whole process! While most other steps have to do with logistics, packing is very tangible and personal.
In short, you’ll want to bring:
- Climate-appropriate clothes
- Necessary documents
- Personal hygiene items that you can’t get in your expat country
- Any home items to make your place feel like your own
- Medicines for cough/cold/allergy from your home country
- Things that you can’t find in your expat country that you need (see Number 8 in this post!)
I’m working on a post about this now, and I’ll link it here when it’s done!
(Update: I finished my moving abroad checklist post, and you can read it HERE!)
6. Get Insurance for the Move
Did you know that there are several ways in which you can get insured when moving abroad?
They include: travel insurance (for your health), trip insurance (for flights and such), and insurance for your belongings (in the event that they get lost or damaged).
For all of my travels, I book through VisitorsCoverage. Their website has an amazing policy-searching tool which can help you find a policy in less than 5 minutes (tried and true, by yours truly!).
Moving overseas is such a big life adjustment, and it’s normal to have a few bumps along the road.
Buying insurance can at least bring some peace of mind, since no matter what, you’ll have some kind of coverage for you and your belongings.
7. Spend Time with Family & Friends
This is SUCH an important things to do before moving abroad. Maybe it should even be number one on our expat moving abroad checklist!
So many expats struggle with expat guilt and expat grief, and usually due to things undone with their families or left out of their control.
Do yourself the favor and prioritize some time before you move to have quality, meaningful time with loved ones. It’s so, so important to make sure you’re leaving home with no major regrets or unfinished business.
8. Research the Country You’re Moving To
How can you possible pack without knowing something about where you’re going?
Do you need to bring your Canada Goose to your new home in Vietnam? Probably not. But you’ll definitely want to bring some things that can survive rainy seasons!
For packing purposes, mental preparation, and general getting-readiness, it’s SO important to research the country you’re moving to before you leave.
Even better: if possible, visit that country as a tourist first. That way, you’ll have a better sense of what you should bring with you, and what you can leave behind.
Summary
Each of the items on this expat moving abroad checklist will help you cover the most important aspects of your move.
Of course, there are so many more specifics (some of which I discuss in this post), but at least these 8 points will help you to cover the most important aspects of the move!
Moving abroad doesn’t have to be scary! By being well prepared, you’re sure to sail right into your new adventure. Is there anything you’d add to this expat moving abroad checklist? Let’s talk in the comments!
You May Also Like:
Preparing to Move Abroad: Helpful Tips and Advice
Move Abroad and THRIVE! Making Your Expat Life AMAZING!
What To Do Before Moving Abroad: The Ultimate Checklist
Moving Abroad Insurance: Advice from an Expat!