When it is finally the right moment to leave the nest you’ve been living in for many years, it is only natural to have mixed feelings. Figuring out how to move out for the first time could seem overwhelming, especially if you have a limited budget. However, millions of Americans still managed to move overseas successfully, and you can too if you learn some useful tips on how to ease the whole process.
Moving internationally will require making a plan and sticking to it religiously. And especially when your finances are limited. So, start with creating a budget and a to-do list. Then put on that list finding a reliable overseas shipping company, but don’t forget about all the stuff you can DIY and save some serious cash. Also, keep in mind that some countries have universal (free) health care when looking for a perfect country to live in.
Why It’s Important to Know How to Move Out for the First Time
Relocating to another country is a process that will take a lot of your free moments if you want to do it professionally and avoid the relocation stress. In fact, there are countless things to know when moving out, and if you’re not organized, even the simpler tasks can go wrong. And the additional pressure since you are relocating on a budget can only worsen.
So, besides preparing the relocation essentials, you’ll have to consider the help from an experienced international moving company that will offer you their services, like packing service and overseas vehicle shipping. And, yes, this will come at a cost. But, planning an international move without professional help will be a mission impossible.
Plan the Budget Accordingly Is the First and Most Important Step
What do you need to know before moving out for the first time? Even though you have never moved before, you can imagine that having the budget planned out is one of the first things you should do. So, how much money should you save when you first move out? Although the total sum will vary based on several factors, an international move costs about $2,000 to $10,000 on average.
So, no matter the reasons you have for this move, you just have to make moving out for the first time checklist and put all the expenses on paper. It’s budgeting time, and you should do it accordingly. If you are relocating on a low budget, you’ll have to take some steps that will take up a bit more of your schedule, which will, in return, save you some cash in the process.
Organize Your First-Time Moving Out Checklist According to Your Budget
After figuring out your budget, you should proceed with the organization. And what’s a better way to do it than having a detailed to-do list, right? But, we understand that it could be a bit confusing since you’ve never done anything similar before. Don’t worry! Just follow some tips for moving out for the first time.
One of the tips is answering the simple question, like is there a checklist for moving overseas? The answer is a big yes! And not only is there a checklist, but it will keep you organized during the whole relocation process and help you move efficiently.
To make it a bit easier, check the list of things every overseas move checklist should have. This will be a great start, and you can modify it by adding more tasks or cutting some of them if not needed.
- Find a place with a low cost of living,
- Explore the job market,
- Search for affordable and reliable international movers,
- Gather all needed documents,
- Pack lightly,
- Search for cheap overseas vehicle shipping.
Find the Perfect New Country to Call Home
Relocating to a whole other country means many different things. However, knowing whether you’ll be able to live comfortably in it is one of the many things you need to consider. That’s why while searching for one of the best countries to live in, you should.
Luckily, nowadays you can easily do your homework. Just get comfortable in your chair and start surfing the internet. There are many best places to live abroad, but not all are affordable. And you can visit Numbeo.com to check which one is the most suitable for your budget. Check the prices you just won’t be able to omit:
- Renting,
- Transportation,
- Utilities,
- Groceries.
Include Exploring Countries With Free Health Insurance and Universal Healthcare
Did you know that there are numerous countries abroad where you won’t have to pay health insurance? Considering each expense you’ll need to pay, it’s great to hear that there are places in the world where you won’t have to worry about healthcare. So, no matter your employment and economic status, gender, rage, and medical history, the following countries have universal healthcare:
- Albania,
- Denmark,
- Singapore,
- Australia,
- Spain,
- Germany,
- Switzerland,
- Sweden,
- Italy,
- Greece,
- Bulgaria.
Look for an Apartment Online and Consider Having a Roommate
Once you find one of the best countries for Americans to move to, you’ll need to dedicate some hours to apartment hunting. It’ll still be online research since you can’t physically check it yourself, but this will be enough. But what if you find a perfect place, but you won’t be able to pay the rent on your own? If that’s the case, then you should consider getting a roommate.
Although you might never have lived with a roommate in an apartment before, in a whole different country, this could actually be more beneficial than you thought. Not only because you’ll split the rent and utility expenses, but you can learn a new language more quickly if you don’t relocate to Canada or the UK.
Search the Job Market Before Moving for the First Time
We’ve come to one of the crucial parts of relocating abroad without a budget – finding a job that will cover your monthly expenses. That’s how if you are planning to live in Europe as an American, you should consider all the good and bad sides of it. Surely, one of the positive sides is the fact you probably know English better than everyone.
But how to get a job in Europe as an American? Prepare your CV, ensure all your social media profiles are updated, and nail down the LinkedIn profile separately. This means you should update your profile picture and address even before the move so that future employers will take your move seriously.
Think About All the Documents You’re Going to Need for Moving Abroad
Taking care of important documents needed to travel overseas is more than just a task on your checklist. It’s a task that will take some of your free moments because you’ll have to contact and visit the country’s embassy. That way, you’ll check what visa is needed and explore which categories are less expensive. For example, a tourist visa is surely cheaper than a permanent one.
Also, consider the double taxation you’ll have to deal with. When people move from the US, they are obliged to pay double taxes. Think of it as paying for your home in the new country and your old one. Failing to consider this can become a big financial burden for most people. So, yes, living in another country will be a bit more expensive than you thought, but a double taxation policy is something you have to consider. And keep in mind to check whether there’s a way of deducting the US taxes if you want to save some money.
Follow Some Steps to Reduce the Cost of Hiring Professional International Movers
Having an overseas moving company by your side will mean effortless relocation. However, it also means you’ll have to prepare financially for this step, too. So, better start saving some money as soon as you decide to move. And while cutting some expenses, you can start looking for a trustworthy mover that will take care of your belongings and give you the best deal.
And to do that, you should be aware of some facts that could drastically change the price of the whole move. For example, saving money has a lot to do with the following facts: avoid the relocation scams, pick the less busy period, and pack lightly, packing most of your possessions on your own or with help from family and friends. Also, the sooner you book movers, the less you’ll pay. So, check online reviews and be in good hands.
Plan DIY Projects and Cut Some Packing and Shipping Expenses
When you hire reliable international movers that will ensure the safest shipping overseas, you probably are already aware that the more stuff you have, the more you’ll pay for relocation services. So, what household items do you need to move out, and which can be left behind?
In the best possible scenario, you’ll pack only the essentials. However, in many cases, that’s not the case. So, organize your daily tasks and manage to do some packing too. But first things first – decide what to pack and what to get rid of. After that, start packing a bit every day and figure out where you’ll put some objects in your new apartment and what it will be like.
If you’re unsure how to secure some of your belongings, check the useful tips in the video below.
Keep Yourself Organized and Focused for the Effortless Move Experience
You surely need a good plan when you want to make the best of your big decision and relocate to a different country overseas without spending a fortune. You might run into some thinking that overseas relocation isn’t possible without a ton of money, but hopefully, these steps have given you some hope. So, start planning as soon as possible and have effortless relocation without ruining your financial plan.
FAQ
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers that will assist you in planning your move efficiently.
The first step is making a thorough plan of the whole relocation. Start with an extended to-do list and keep updated.
It is a lot of things and undoubtedly is challenging. However, with the right plan, it can become easier.
Start saving some cash on your emergency account. The ideal scenario would be, to begin with, $1,000 or $2,000.
You can plan the budget depending on the country you’re relocating to and its cost of living and housing costs. However, a general rule says your income should be three times higher than the rent.
Feeling lonely in a completely different country is something almost every expat would deal with. Thankfully, keeping in touch with friends and family members will make things easier. You also shouldn’t overthink what you’re missing back home, but focus on the opportunities you have in a new country. Last but not least, join expat communities where people share their experiences.