Strategic Planning: How to Prepare for Your Move Abroad 1 Year in Advance

Moving, in general, is daunting.  And moving abroad can be pretty painful.  There are many other things to consider when moving to another country that we would not typically think of when moving within the same town or country.  Impact-Site-Verification: a95fb828-1431-486b-b1bf-1ed8a5faa9b7

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a bit helpless, or you don’t know where to begin… trust me, you’re not the only one.  

I’ve been there and I want to help ease the stress a bit. So where do we start?  

If you already know where you are moving to, you’re already ahead of the game!  Now, it’s all about research research research!  That’s the most important thing. 

You can never be too prepared for anything, especially this!  

The below article is going to break down suggested activities you should consider and complete if you have approximately 1 year to plan. 

*Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through a link. I only recommend products and services I use and love. Your support helps keep this blog running, and I appreciate it!

 Approximately 1 year before

First things first, whether you know where you are going to move to or still trying to figure it out, start saving as much as you can now. Even if you think you have enough (what is "enough" anyway?), it is always better to have a larger reserve for those "just in case" moments.

If you are still in the “consideration” phase - here are some things to think about:

Why do you want to move? What are your motivations?

 Examine your current situation clearly and understand what your true motives for moving abroad is/are.  Is it the challenge?  Safety in your current city? Are you too comfortable?   The worst mistake you can make is to move away for the wrong reasons. 

Which area in the world are you thinking about?

Narrow down the countries and/or cities.  Some things you may want to consider are the taxes in that country, the lifestyle, the culture, and the standard of living - can you afford it?

*Tip* - The best way I found to choose a place is to just connect with people there and ask.  I’m a bit more risk-averse so I need to know this stuff before planting myself there.  But if you like adventure and mystery, you will learn it all there first hand - good luck!

If you already know where you are moving to -

Update your CV and start applying for jobs

If you aren't relocating with your company, then it's advisable to start searching for a new role before getting there. Especially since most companies now conduct virtual interviews, this makes it easier to apply.

Visa Requirements

Start researching what the visa requirements and application process will be like. If your current/new company sponsors you, that's great! But if not, you will need to apply for it yourself, which may require fees and other stipulations.

Approximately 7-9 months 

Make it REAL!

Start telling your friends & family about your plan.  Socialising your plans not only holds you accountable for your actions, but you’ll find the support from your friends and family is the encouragement you need to push for it.

Make sure all your documents are up-to-date

• Passport: needs to be valid for at least 6 months 

• Driver’s license: check the expiration date and renew if possible.  Also, do you need an international driver’s license where you are going

Consider your furry friend 

• What’s life going to be like for your pet?  (For example, in Hong Kong, due to the small space and amount of people, you may need to consider how your pet will be able to adapt to the loss of a backyard, or can they handle crowds?) 

• What are the travel requirements for your pet? Every country has their requirements and it can be a very complex process.

• Make sure all their vaccinations and paperwork are up to date.

Visit the place and scout it out

• If you have the time and funds, fly there and immerse yourself in the locals, even if it’s just for a few days.  

• Figure out which area you like and which areas you can picture yourself living in.  This will help when the time comes to find a place because you’ve already narrowed it down.  

Research the tax regulations

• As a US citizen, we have to pay double tax - meaning we need to file taxes in the US even if we don't physically live/work there and pay taxes to the country we moved to. Depending on your salary and # of calendar days you worked in the new country, you might not need to pay US taxes (but you will still need to file it). It is important to find out what the tax rates are for each country relative to your pay.

• I opted for the easy way and got a CPA, who has been my go-to person ever since

• If you don't have a CPA, spend some time researching online.

Approximately 4-6 months 

Save and budget

It never hurts to save more than what you think you'll need. Additional fees and costs might start appearing without notice (i.e. application fees, brokerage fees, add-ons with shipping, medical accidents, etc.)

Don't stop applying for jobs

If you haven't heard back from any of your applications, don't give up!

Start learning the basics of the local language

• If you're moving to a country where English is not its first language (i.e. France, China, Germany, etc.), it will be slightly easier to communicate or ask for help if you know a little bit of the language.

• There are heaps of language apps that can help you get started - DuoLingo, Memrise and MosaLingua to name a few.

• Google Translate will be one of your most useful and likely most go-to app, but I wouldn't rely on that completely when you're there. I mean, then what's the point in moving to another place if you're not trying to immerse yourself into something new and different, right?

Start cleaning out and sorting out your things

• Your goal is to minimise your belongings so that when you move, there isn't a lot to pack and ship. Less to worry about!

• Sell things that you no longer need (ie. handbags, furniture*, old electronics, etc.) 

• Donate them if you can 

*Tip - when it comes to furniture, you may think "But Crys, I'm going to need a couch and bed anyway, why spend extra money to buy it again?" - well, yes and no. Depending on where you're moving to, your furniture might not fit. For example, in Hong Kong, flats (aka apartments) are extremely small, so furniture sold there will be tailored to their norm (e.g. US standard queen-size mattress is 80" long, but a queen-size in HK is 75" long.) Alternatively, if in Dubai, then apartments and houses are spacious, so our US furniture sizes may likely fit. This is why it's important to research the country and city you plan to move to.

Start subscribing to social media expat groups

• Facebook has group communities dedicated to expats or apartment listings. Reddit will have the same. Discord is another good social platform.

• Social media groups can be one of your biggest resources when finding social activities, apartments, marketplace, etc.

Apply to open any bank accounts and/or credit cards

Below are a few that I have found to be extremely handy even when just living and travelling internationally -

• Charles Schwab checking account — it ties in with their Charles Schwab brokerage account, but even if you don't invest or use another brokerage platform, I highly recommend opening an account just to get their checking account. It has no monthly service fees or account minimums. Waives all ATM fees and has no foreign transaction fees.  [sign up here]

• Revolut - a prepaid account where you can transfer your home currency in and out of and use the card anywhere like a debit card

• Wise (formally known as Transferwise) - great service if you need to transfer money from your new country back home.  The transaction/transfer fee is less than if you were to do it within the same bank and much less than wire transfers. It's also all done via an app.

• Any credit card with no transaction fees - you'll likely end up getting a local credit card once you're settled in your new country, but until then, have your home country credit card handy.

Approximately 2-3 months 

Book your flight

It's real now!!

Hand in your resignation (if applicable)

This is depending on your notice period as it can be from 2 weeks to months. Check with your HR and/or employment contract.

Book your temporary accommodations (if you don't already have a rental waiting for your move-in)

Depending on your new location, the rental market may be very fast. If that's the case, book your temporary housing for 2 weeks and extend if needed.

Get shipping quotes and arrange for pick-up

• Shop around first, you'll be surprised by the price differences between companies.

• Make sure you are clear with your timeline as this will be a factor between air freight or ground/sea shipping. Needless to say, the prices will be drastic too.

• You'd want to be in your new place when the shipping arrives, so make sure you backtrack the dates when arranging for pick-up.

Get all your medical check-ups done

It's better to get these done in your home country with doctors you're familiar with. Depending on the country you're moving to, their healthcare might not be as seamless as the US.

Apply for Insurance

I can’t stress the insurance part enough, this is extremely important if you plan to move without a job and health insurance. You might not need a comprehensive package, but make sure you're at least covered in case of any emergencies/accidents.

• Insured Nomads - offers standard travel insurance but it's their long-term traveller coverage that's most appealing, especially for expats and digital nomads. It can cover emergency and routine care, options for family and couple plans, telemedicine, and mental health coverage. They also have optional coverages for vision, dental, vaccinations, and prescriptions. [sign up here] 

1 month before your move day

It's going to get a little more real now... time to start closing and cancelling things...

Cancel your subscriptions that are not available abroad

• Gym/fitness memberships - if you have Classpass, you can keep that as it's used internationally where available

• Shopping clubs (i.e. Costco, BJs, Sams Clubs, etc.)

Cancel utility accounts

• Gas

• Water

• Cable

• Wi-fi

• Electric, etc.

Cancel insurance(s)

• Medical insurance (i.e. health, vision, dental, etc.)

• Car insurance

• Home/Rental insurance

Pack your belongings

• Tip: categorise boxes/suitcases with things that you need immediately and things that you won’t need until you’re settled in

• If you're using a moving/shipping company, it would be cheaper to include your "nice to haves" than to lug it in your carry-on suitcases. Adding additional carry-on suitcases to your flight is not only costly but a big hassle for you to carry yourself.

Close and readdress your bank account(s) or notify them of your move

• If you have more than 1 bank account, you want to consider consolidating it into 1 account and keeping that one open

• Change the address to your accounts to someone you trust (parents, family, best friend, etc.)

Purchase any last minutes items 

• You can purchase all the essentials in your new country, but any items that you know you can only get in the US or that might be cheaper in the US, you want to consider stocking up on those.

Redirect your mail

• If you have another physical place to send your mail, you can do it on USPS.com.  

• If you don’t, you can use a virtual post service and they will scan your mail and send it to you electronically, but this is in the US only. 

1 week before your moving day

Cancel your mobile service

If you want to keep your number, Google Voice allows you to port your number for a one-time fee.

Go sightseeing

You may be thinking this is silly as you've been living there already and know it, but you'll be surprised how different you will view the city/town when you know you're leaving it. The sense of appreciation will be overwhelming. You might even cry a bit - I sure did!

Catch-up with friends and family

• With social media and WhatsApp, it's easy to stay "in touch" with people. But take this moment to spend time with them - grab a coffee, go sightseeing with them! Reality is, you might not physically see them for a while and you might not even have time to phone them or text them whilst you're trying to settle down and get acclimated to your new place.

• Your connections are the most precious and valuable asset. Don't forgo this.

Make sure the weight of your luggage(s) are within airline standards 

If you have overweight baggage or additional baggages, airlines will charge extra so it's better to be prepared and aware of how much money you will need to avoid last minute surprises at the airport.

Finalise the logistics with your shipping company

• Make sure you have an itemised list of all the things you plan to ship

• Finalise and confirm the date and time they will come to get your things

Get your new country's currency

• This may not be necessary if you have an international ATM card like Charles Schwab as I mentioned above. There are ATMs all over the airports.

• If you want to be extra prepared, you can request that country's currency from your bank.

0-1 day before your big day

It's time!!! It's okay if you're still feeling overwhelmed and feel like there's still heaps to do. You've made it and you're ready!

RELAX AND BREATH!!

Nerves will inevitably start kicking in at this point, so remember to breathe and remind yourself that you got this!

Time to check-in to your flight

Pre-pay for any of your overweight or extra luggages online if you can. Many airlines tend to charge more when you do it in person at the airport. Additionally, it's a pain at the airport because you'll go back and forth between the ticketing/check-in booth and the counter where you pay.

Do a final sweep of your place before handing over the keys to your landlord

As a precaution, make sure you didn't leave anything and ensure all things are in order before handing over your keys to your landlord or tenant.

Double check all your valuables are with you

You should never check-in any important items, so make sure it's in a bag or carry-on suitcase that will always be in your sight.

• Passport and other important IDs

• Cash, credit cards, ATM cards

• Jewellery

• Laptop, phone, etc.

Reconfirm your bookings

One of the worst things that can happen is when you land with your many suitcases and your accommodations lose your booking, or the chauffeur that is supposed to fetch you isn't there waiting.

Congratulations on your big move!!

I hope this checklist will help you prepare for your move abroad. The beauty of planning so far in advance is that you have the time to research and prep without stressing the timeline. The most challenging part you may experience throughout the year is your thoughts and nerves trying to convince yourself out of it. You just have to power through it and recenter yourself to why you want or need to make this move. Good luck! xx