How To Move To Another Country For The First Time (2023 edition)
Intro
If you have been thinking about relocating abroad for a while, this post will give you an extensive breakdown of how to move to another country as a total beginner.
Many people still feel like living across the world is for die-hard adventure seekers.
Still, in the following paragraphs, you’ll see that it’s actually easier (and often more comfortable) than staying in your country.
If you want to know more about moving abroad from a more experienced perspective, though, you can click here and read this other article.
Mindset
As with everything you do, before looking at the practical step-by-step items, you must be 100% sold on why you are making such an important decision.
Are you looking to learn a new language and immerse yourself in a new culture?
Are you looking to get a better job or get experience in a new field?
Or maybe you are just looking for a good time (there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it!)
Whatever the reason is, you need to start with your end goal in mind since that will dictate all your next decisions, such as,
The country/city you’ll move to
The type of accommodation you’ll look for (i.e., single apt vs. a house with roommates)
The proximity to train stations, airports, downtown vs. countryside, etc.
Getting a car vs. using public transportation
Once you are sure about your game plan, it’s time to organize the details. As I mentioned above, this post will not cover how to find a job abroad.
After all, most of our readers own a remote business. But if you are looking for some ideas, this other post will help you.
Documents
You will need different documents depending on where you are from and where you are going.
Some countries have international treaties that allow you to stay for up to 12 months without needing a work permit. While others require you to get a visa even if you are traveling as a tourist.
While this should not be a deterrent (feel free to explore the world!!!), you must keep that in mind, as the moving process may be delayed if you choose to go with the option that requires more paperwork.
As a rule of thumb, most capital cities host a multitude of embassies (or consulates -which are extensions of embassies), so if you already live in a big city, you should easily find a diplomatic office of the country you are trying to move to.
The best way to go about it is first to gather all the info and documents you need, then book an appointment with the appropriate office to finalize all the paperwork and get the green light for the move!
Finding accommodation
As we mentioned above, your accommodation will make all the difference.
You could have two very similar people coming from the same town in the US and moving to the same small town in France, yet they could have two completely different experiences.
One may move into a small apartment on her own and have lots of privacy and space to cook, relax and unwind.
While the other lives in a three-bedroom apartment with two roommates that don’t speak the same language and share one bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room.
Pricing aside (of course, you will pay more for privacy,) some people prefer to live on their own and look for opportunities to socialize while out of the house, while others prefer to immerse themselves in the social aspect of the experience fully.
Thankfully, most accommodations for ex-pats come with medium-term leases (monthly, 90 days, or six months,) so if you are not happy with your first choice, you can always pack your bags and find another place!
Packing
In my 36 years on this planet, I moved 12 times, two of which were international moves, so I can confidently tell you that if your goal is to be mobile and agile, you must detach yourself from the majority of your material belongings.
That doesn’t mean you need to become a serious minimalist, but keep in mind that you can always rely on a storage locker to keep your extra stuff while you are gone.
Choosing what to bring
The further you are relocating, the less often you’ll probably fly back home, so most of your luggage should consist of clothing for the whole year.
Then you’ll need to bring your work equipment (laptop, headphones, etc.) and, if you are into fitness (you should -but this is a topic for a new post), you should bring workout clothes.
Then, if you have room left, you can bring one or two sentimental items (for example, when I moved in 2005, I brought my electric bass guitar, but I didn't bring the amp)
Fortunately, in 2023, all your music, books, and movies are in the cloud, so you don’t have to compromise on space!
Choose what to put into storage.
During my second international move (in 2019), I packed all my belongings into a single pallet. That included all my books, kitchen tools, bedroom sheets, and home office materials.
Then, my wife and I donated or sold everything else.
Choosing what to donate or sell
If you don’t know what to do with everything that you have left in your apartment, head over to Facebook Marketplace and list all the items you no longer need!
We sold or donated over 70 items (from chairs to mattresses and Christmas trees) in less than three weeks.
Interacting with hundreds of potential buyers was probably the most time-consuming part of the move.
Still, once it’s all done, nothing screams “adventure” more than looking at a totally empty condo with your packed suitcases near the door!
Language
Depending on what country you are moving to, you might need to learn a new language.
Thankfully locals in most countries understand basic English, but if your goal is to immerse yourself in the local culture, you must get out of your comfort zone and speak their language.
If you don’t know where to start, join a local gym or make it a point to shop at small stores where the clerks don’t speak English. Whatever you decide to do, do it deliberately.
For example, when you can’t understand a street sign, pull up your phone and translate it (you can use Google Lens or other image translators).
When you don’t understand someone, don’t be shy and ask them to repeat it! The more you do that in the beginning, the sooner you pick up the language!
Free Time before the move
Before the move, you’ll likely spend most of your time planning, packing, and hanging out with your friends and family.
This is your time to make every minute count! I remember a few days before I moved in 2005, I invited all my friends to a pub for one last beer. We had a blast, and to this date, my best friends still remember that night.
Free time After the move
Now that you are abroad, make the best of it, and don’t let your lazy/shy side take over! When you have free time, get out of your house and meet people! Explore new neighborhoods.
If you move to a big city, you have a ton of things to do. Make sure you ask some trusted locals what areas to avoid, but other than that, take public transit and immerse yourself in the local culture.
That’s the fastest way to learn about the city and become a local yourself. When I moved to Toronto, I’d buy weekend transit passes every Saturday morning and ride on the subway to every corner of the city.
And, of course, in a matter of months, I knew the city better than my hometown!
Conclusion
Moving abroad is a bit of a process, but it’s one of the most fun and memorable experiences ever. Make sure not to wing it, especially during the preparation stage.
But once you arrive at your destination, have fun and let your adventurous side take over… And you’ll build memories for a lifetime!