Moving is already extremely stressful, and even more so when you are moving abroad. If you are moving due to a job offer, you probably do not have enough time to prepare properly. Here is a relocation reminder list that can ease the process.
- Obtain Your Work Visa
The very first thing on your list before you start planning to relocate is to obtain your work visa. Find out how long this will take as well as how long you will be able to stay in the country on this visa. If on the other hand you are already a dual-citizen, then you won’t have to worry about this step.
- Gain An Understanding About Your Contract
If the company is not offering to pay for getting you a home or accommodation, reconsider the offer or try to negotiate. You also need to assess the legal avenues available to you, if this company is acquired, decided to retrench you or went under. It is very exciting to be offered an opportunity in another country, but you need to ensure that you are protected.
- Finding The Right Place To Live
If possible, try and ensure that you are able to find a home in person. This is especially important if travels to this country is limited, make sure you conduct your own research about the area that you are thinking about finding a home in. If you will be arriving in this country without anywhere to stay, make sure you have made a booking in a hotel for the date that you arrive on.
- Who Will Be Paying For What?
It is vital that you find out from the hiring company about what they are willing to pay for as well as what amount they will be covering. For example, will they pay for the costs to relocate your pets? Will there be funds available to set-up the new home? Will they offer coverage if you have children that will be attending an International school? Avoid making any assumptions.
- Pets
When it comes to pets, it is not just a case of buying them tickets to fly overseas. Most countries will require quarantine for a specific time-frame before you are able to move them. It is important to obtain information about the National laws and then contact a company that deals with international arrangements when it comes to animals.
- Negotiating Your Salary
Even if you are hired by the company that you are already working for to carry on performing the very same job, in most cases your income will require adjustments. For example, find out about the living costs in the country you are moving to, and then negotiate on a new salary.
- Setting Up New Bank Accounts
In most cases you will need to visit the bank in person to open a bank account. When possible try and open your accounts before the actual move. Also find out how your employer plans to pay you, followed by finding a convenient and local bank to store your money.
- Think About Your Children
If your children need to go to school, find out about the different schools in the area that you will be residing in. If you plan to return to your home country in a year or two, the international schools are usually a better option, so that they stay on a similar track once they return home.
- Declutter Your Personal Items
Make use of the second-hand selling apps such as OfferUp and Letgo, for selling bigger items that you cannot take with you. Only move the items that you really need or hold value to you. It is important to compare the costs involved in transporting your items to acquiring these same items once you arrive in a new country. You can also choose to store your items if you are sure you will not be away for a long time.
- Collect Professional Moving Quotes
The company that has hired you should have suggestions on who to use if they regularly move their employees. However, it is still important to get at least 3 to 4 quotes before making a final decision.
- Research The Tax Treaties
Each country will have their own tax laws in place. For this reason, it is important to find out what you will be paying as well as what applies to your specific situation. The bilateral tax-agreements will deal with the issues associated with double-taxation when you move between 2 countries.
- Join Up With Online Communities
Before your move, try and find a few local associations where you can start engaging with others online. This can assist you in building up relationships that can help you with your job as well as a way to make new friends in a place that will be foreign to you when you arrive.
- Pay All Your Outstanding Bills
Before you leave your country, it is important to ensure all your accounts and bills are paid up. You can also choose to maintain a bank account online for some time in order to pay off anything with ease should any bills still come through after you have already moved.
- Change Your Address
Make sure that you report a change of address for any accounts or credit cards that you plan to keep. You can also visit the post office in your local area and ask for a Mover’s Guide where you can complete an international COA (change of address). The US Postal Service’s forwarding services will forward all your mail in a single package once weekly.
The overall process involved in relocating can be strenuous, stressful and tiring, especially when you are faced with lists of things that you have to do. However, when armed with enough information and support, you can turn this into an exciting opportunity for you and your family. Planning well ahead of time, will ensure that you are prepared for anything that may pop up during your relocation.
