What Does Moving Out for the First Time Feel Like and How to Make It a Success

Before contacting your international moving company, ensure that you prepare a relocation checklist. You will have to think about which relocation company to hire, how to plan a budget, and how you will adjust to a new country. There are simple tips we can share with you so that you know exactly what to do and how to plan everything out on your own. Let’s see what these useful tips are!

Start With a Relocation Checklist

When planning their move, most people don’t realize the sheer number of tasks to be completed before the relocation day. You’re easily going to lose track of things and forget some basic necessities if you don’t prepare a relocating abroad checklist. If you want to avoid relocation stress, write down everything that needs to be done before the move.

Your checklist should include making a relocation budget, building a credit score, getting health insurance, finding a place to live, securing a well-paid job, and hiring an overseas moving company. What you could also add to the checklist are all the supplies and belongings you will require for your move so you can plan what you will pack and take with you.

How to Plan a Budget

You’ll be moving internationally, so you have to start budgeting months in advance. There is a special method for making a moving-out-on-your-own-for-the-first-time budget. You will definitely have to think about how you will pay your bills and rent when living abroad, so start writing your plan by taking a piece of paper and noting your monthly income and expenses.

Firstly, you’d want to know how much money you will earn each month and then you can calculate your living expenses. Determine how much money you will have to spend on utility bills, rent, grocery purchases, transportation, and student loans (if you have them). When you have a clear overview of your finances, you can start setting goals for the future. That means that you can determine how much you should save and spend on certain things.

Another wise tip we can give you is to track your monthly expenses. The best way you can accomplish this is by implementing the so-called 50/20/30 rule. If you allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to your wants, and 20% to your savings, you will balance finances abroad much easier. The key is always to stick to your budget no matter what.

Prepare a Moving Day Budget

In addition to calculating your living expenses when moving overseas, you have to think about the cost of your relocation. You will need to prepare for international moving by determining what you have to spend on professional movers. Don’t forget about the cost of packing supplies and materials you will require for the move.

Also, you should call the customer service representatives of the relocation company and get information on the cost of packing services as well as overseas vehicle shipping. If you gather all of the accurate information before the move, you can predict how much you will spend on everything.

Start Saving Before You Leave Your Parent’s House

People often ask themselves – how much money should you have when you first move out? The short answer would be – enough to get you started after moving abroad. You need to prepare money for rental deposits, any set-up costs, and furniture. Bear in mind that there are always unexpected fees, so you should stash some extra cash.

The solution to this situation is to open a savings account before venturing out on your own. You will move efficiently and effortlessly if you avoid splurging on expensive items or nice meals before the relocation. A savings account will also give you an opportunity to track your spending and realize what you can cut back on.

Secure a Well-Paid Job

You won’t be able to live in another country without a regular income. Therefore, you should secure a job before leaving your home country. Make time for creating a resume and send it to some employers. Try visiting the Numbeo website, where you can search for available jobs worldwide. There are various positions you can apply for but search for those you are most interested in and that offer a salary that could cover your living expenses when moving across the world. If you don’t succeed at finding a job in your city, try applying for remote positions available on different online boards.

Finding a New Apartment

It is not easy to find a new apartment in a foreign country, so you should start looking for available apartments at least six months before. You can visit websites that feature affordable apartment listings in the country you are going to. Another option is to check websites that target international travelers. There you can find different types of apartments for renting overseas. If you fail to find anything online, there is a chance your friends could help you. Inform your family members and friends that you are trying to find a place to live, and they might be able to recommend where to search.

Here is a video with helpful tips on how to choose an apartment.

First Apartment Essentials

Ensure that you have some of the most important items in your apartment when you move. You should also create a checklist for the furniture you will require as soon as you move in. Think about getting some:

• Bedroom essentials – It is not a wise idea to sleep on the floor the first night in your apartment, so make sure to have at least a comfortable mattress, a bed, a pillow, and a set of sheets.
• Living space essentials – You should have at least a coffee table, a sofa, and a TV in your living room in case you have someone visiting you.
• Kitchen essentials – You will most likely spend the majority of your time there preparing meals, so you will require items like tables, chairs, plates, mugs, cutlery, and dish towels.
• Home toolkit – When you first arrive at your apartment, you will have to unpack everything and assemble some of your furniture. It is vital to have items like screwdrivers, a step stool, measuring tape, and a small drill.

Ask Your Family For Old Furniture

If you are relocating on a budget and you don’t think you will manage to earn enough money to buy all the apartment essentials when you first move in, count on your family members and friends. You can ask them for any old furniture that hasn’t been used in a while as well as old household items and appliances. Their belongings that have been collecting dust in the attic can be of great use when you first move.  As soon as you get on your feet and start earning enough to cover all of your expenses, you will be able to replace the old items with new ones.

Choose Your Movers

You will want to find the most experienced and reliable team of professionals to handle your move to another country. You shouldn’t limit yourself to only searching online for a good relocation company because you can end up hiring rogue movers. The best thing you can do is get referrals from your co-workers, friends, and family members. Then, you can do in-depth research into a specific company by visiting their website and reading reviews and testimonials. You can also check the company’s track record online before calling them for a quote. Make sure you contact at least three different companies before making a decision.

Sort Out Your Belongings Before the Movers Arrive

Before your movers arrive at your doorstep, you have to prepare for a relocation day itself. You should prepare all the necessary supplies and materials such as boxes, duct tape, and markers for packing your belongings. Decide what you want to pack and what can be left behind – often, there are no good enough reasons to move some items. You should not pack any broken items or worn-out clothes you won’t wear after your relocation.

Sort out the belongings you will be shipping overseas and those items you will have in your carry-on bags, such as wallet, laptop, phone chargers, documents, money, and easy-to-carry meals. Don’t forget to label the boxes with your belongings, so you know where you have to unpack them when you arrive.

How Do I Cope With Moving Out For The First Time?

Let’s face it – it’s hard to leave your loved ones behind and get accustomed to a new environment. You should take your time and get to know the place you will be living in and new neighbors. Don’t get surprised if you experience culture shock. Explore what the city has to offer and try to find expat communities that can help you with advice. Also, don’t forget your friends and family back home. Find a way to keep in touch with friends via social media so that you can always have familiar people to talk to about your move to another country.

Learn the Foreign Language

The best way to get used to a foreign country is by learning the language of the locals. You will have a higher chance of meeting new friends and getting high-paying jobs if you know the language. Start by getting foreign language lessons, watching movies, reading books and newspapers, as well as listening to some interesting podcasts. When you feel that you are ready, you can start practicing with the locals. Once you become fluent, you will undoubtedly overcome your homesickness and feel at home.

Now You’re Ready to Leave Your Parents’ Nest

If you wish that your relocation goes smoothly and effortlessly, you will have to prepare in advance. Don’t forget that the key to a successful relocation is creating a budget, choosing reliable movers, and finding a well-paid job. Since it is your first time relocating, you will definitely encounter unexpected difficulties. But, you can always rely on your overseas shipping company to lend you a helping hand when you need it the most. What we can now do is wish you the best of luck with your move.