Thinking About Living Abroad? 5 Things You Should Plan Ahead

Living abroad can be a life-changing experience for you, and if you’re planning on bringing along your family, it can be a great experience for your kids as well. Here are some things you’ll want to plan before you head out of the country.

Apply for a Passport

Image via Flickr by maltman23

It takes around four to six weeks to process an application for a passport, besides the time it takes to fill out the application and get a picture. This should be one of the first items on your list of things to do if you plan on leaving the country.

Find out What Paperwork Is Needed for Living in the Country of Your Choice

To live in another country, there is typically a lot of paperwork. Visas need to be obtained in order to live in another country for an extended period of time (such as more than three months, though it varies from country to country). The first thing you’ll want to do is research what paperwork is required and how long it typically takes to process. Then you can start planning on when your move will take place.

Start Learning the Native Language

If the country you want to live in speaks a language that is something other than your native tongue, you’ll want to start learning the basics. You won’t likely be fluent by the time you get there but knowing basic phrases will help you feel confident in conversing with others. The best way to learn is being immersed in the language on a daily basis, but it can help a great deal if you go there with the fundamentals.

Choose a Specific City or Area You Want to Live

Once you’ve chosen the country, the next thing to decide is the area you want to live in. This will narrow down your search for residences and will help give you an idea of what type of residence is within your price range. When looking for homes, see if there are furnished houses available and whether there are any services in that area that are available to help you find what you’re looking for.

What to Bring With You

By choosing a house that is already furnished, you’ll be able to leave most of your things at home. This will cut the cost of having to move it with you, which can be expensive and is unnecessary if you only plan to stay for a year or two.

The best option is to store your stuff in a storage unit, such as a self-storage unit or storage container. This way, when you return you won’t have to replace everything that you didn’t take with you. And if you own your own home, it will leave your home empty so it can be rented out in your absence. If you visit www.usstoragesearch.com, you can easily find a convenient storage facility in your neighborhood. You’ll want to pick something that will keep your things well protected, such as a climate-controlled unit that is not on the bottom floor or a storage container that prevents all weather from entering the container.

By preparing well ahead of your move, you can avoid being rushed and stressed as the move date draws nearer.