You’ve found the perfect property overseas and are now preparing to move. Aside from selecting the right moving company, here are a few other things to consider before moving.
Insurance
Do be sure to insure your property once you become the owner.
Whether you’re moving alone or with your family, check to make sure that your current health or medical insurance provides sufficient coverage during your time overseas.
Utilities
Contact the proper utility providers prior to your move to make sure that electricity, water, gas, telephone and other essential services will be connected and ready for use, and registered in your name.
If you are bringing electrical or electronic devices from home, check the voltage supply of your new home to ensure compatibility with your equipment.
Funds
Make sure that you do have the funds, in the correct currency, available and ready for when the property deal goes through so that you can pay the vendor, lawyers, notaries and any other charges, fees and/or taxes necessary in a timely manner. Set aside sufficient monies for any mortgage repayments, and set up a regular transfer from your home bank account to cover your monetary needs.
Set aside a petty cash fund in the currency of the country you’ll be moving to. This will help cover small expenses and emergencies for the first few days.
It’s a good idea to also set aside funds for your new home to cover any renovation or repair work, or necessary purchases of any new furniture or appliances.
Residency
Whether you’re moving for a job, retirement or just a sabbatical, find out about visa or residency permits. You may have to apply for a work permit or a residence permit, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay.
Tax
If you are planning to work or rent out your property, you may have to register as a taxpayer with the proper local authorities.
Furniture and Appliances
Does your property come with any furniture or appliances? If so, make sure that they are in good working order before you move in.
Essentials
Some of the things that you are used to may not be available in the country you’re moving to. Make sure you stock up on essential items, like Marmite, HP sauce and cheddar cheese, to take along to your new home.
Pets
If you are planning to bring your pets along with you, talk to the Veterinary Department and/or the Customs and Immigrations Department of the country that you’re moving to for advice and information on how to bring your pets into the country. Some countries may have strict quarantine laws.
Children and Schools
If you are moving with your children, find out about schooling options available and their enrolment intakes. Make sure that their academic records are in order before the move.
Moving to a new school, much less a new country, may be traumatic for your children. So, take the time to talk about the move with them several weeks or months before the actual event. This will give them time to get used to the idea and help them to acclimatize better to their new surroundings.
Fitting In
If you’re moving to a country with a foreign language, try to take language lessons prior to your move. As a guide for yourself and your family, prepare a phrase sheet with the necessary questions, answers and sentences in the correct language to help you through your first few days.
Read up on the culture, traditions and norms of the country that you’re moving to so that you won’t inadvertently offend anyone.
Finally, it’s a good idea to have a support group in place when you move. If you don’t already know people at your new home, consider joining an expat group, either locally or online, or some other social or activities group to make new friends. |