Making the decision to uproot your life and relocate to another part of the world can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Starting a new chapter in your life is always exciting, but it can also be very scary, but it can be a great decision for you and a way to enrich and give meaning to your life. If you’re contemplating a fresh start in life, here’s what you should do.

Decide where you’re relocating to

What country do you want to live in? It is all well and good to consider moving across the world for a fresh start, but you must have a solid plan in place and a destination in mind. Spend some time researching potential locations and listing their benefits so you can compare which is the best fit for you. During your research, keep the job market and living expenses in mind. You should also consider how far away you’ll be from family and friends should you need or want to return to visit.

Have a thorough clearout

It is essential that you declutter your life before considering moving it across the world. If you are serious about moving, you will want to clear out old items that you no longer need or want, leaving only the items that you are willing to take with you when you move. The less clutter there is, the lighter the container will be, therefore the less you will have to pay.

Vacate in your chosen destination

Take some time out and take a break before fully committing to moving your life to the other side of the world. Even if you believe you want a fresh start, your stress may be actually talking to you, and this may not be the best decision for you to make. Take a vacation somewhere and take some time to relax and recover. If you still want to move when you get home, it’s a good decision that comes from a good place. Vacating in the destination you have in mind will also help you discover more about the area and help make sure your decision is well informed. You’ll also be able to discover local attractions or beauty spots, so pack a small tactical backpack and spend some time exploring where you want to relocate to!

Talk to your family!

A family will always be the greatest impediment to your desire to relocate, and they will be the source of your doubts about yourself and your decision. First and foremost, there will be the family members you wish to accompany you. It can be difficult for your children to leave their friends, and they may need some convincing, so make sure to show them all of the benefits of a new life. Your family members who will remain at home, such as your parents and grandparents, may be upset that you are leaving, so make sure you are certain you want to go before you speak to them.

Be organised with your packing

Packing your belongings to move across the world is always a huge undertaking, and it will take a lot of planning to ensure that your belongings arrive safely and that you are there to receive them. Timing the packing and transportation alongside your flight can be complicated, so get a quote for shipments and ask them when the container will arrive. As mentioned above, making sure you have a cleanout before packing will make this part of the process a whole lot easier.

Find the perfect home

If you intend to relocate across the globe and begin a new chapter in your life, you must ensure that you have the best house possible. Travel to your desired location and look at a few houses to get a sense of what you want and what you can afford. Whether you buy a luxury apartment in Spain or a townhouse in England, it will be a big decision, and it may take some time to find the perfect place for you. If you’re unsure, perhaps you could spend a few months renting a place before making a big commitment.

Go through your finances

Money is what makes the world go round, and it is required if you want to relocate across the world to begin a new life. It is important to remember that different currencies and exchange rates exist, and that items that cost $1 here may cost $5 elsewhere. Make sure you can afford the bills, groceries, and day-to-day living expenses in your chosen destination; otherwise, you may be in for a nasty surprise. Speaking to a financial advisor may benefit you greatly here, as they will be able to advise the best course of action for your money once you relocate regarding banks and taxes.

Get a job!

When you are abroad, you must ensure that you find a good job that pays well and allows you to support your family. Don’t worry if you can’t find the exact same job role over there; you can always look for something similar in the same industry, or you can use your skills to do something completely different and have an even fresher start in life. Have fun looking for work and make sure you get one before you leave.

Alternatively, you could take advantage of the luxuries of working from the comfort of your new home. If you’ve got a particular set of skills that can be utilized online, you can freelance your skills through sites like Upwork and Fiverr. The great part about freelancing is that the sky is your limit when it comes to earning!

Research the visa you’ll need, and get one!

If you intend to stay in another country for an extended period of time, you must ensure that you are legally permitted to live and work there. Take a look at the various Visa types and, if you are unsure which one is best for you, consult with an expert who will be able to guide you and tell you which one is best for you. This is one of the most important decisions you can make for your business and personal life, so it is always worth double-checking to ensure that you have made the right choice.

Arrange your transport once you’ve moved

It’s unlikely you’ll be taking your car with you, especially if you’re moving far overseas. Take some time to arrange a car for your arrival, and familiarize yourself with the driving rules of your new area. Remember that rules that apply to you now might be completely different, and some countries drive on the opposite side of the road, so make sure you’re prepared for the change to avoid any problems when you arrive.

Don’t leave it too late to book your flights

When it comes to finally booking your flights to go to greener pastures, this can be one of the most exciting parts of your journey because it marks the beginning of your new chapter in life. Make sure to book your flights well in advance, as well as the transportation of your car and other belongings with an international moving company, so that you can time everything correctly and begin your new life stress-free.

Plan your moving day

When it comes to moving in on the day, this will most likely be the most stressful day of the entire process, but it will also be the best day and one that you will remember for a long time afterwards. Consider planning a day out to make things easier for everyone, and keep food and drinks on hand while unpacking boxes because you will need to stay hydrated! Make sure you know how to read the metres and deal with your energy provider, and try to get someone in on the first day to install your stove to get it out of the way.

Take your time to settle in

Settling into your new way of life will be a significant change, but one that you will thoroughly enjoy for the first few months. Adjusting to a new way of life can be amazing, and it will be the ideal way to begin a new chapter with the people you care about and live a life you love every minute of. Make sure you settle the kids into school, make new friends in your neighborhood, and spend plenty of time on weekends exploring your new surroundings and discovering some of your new favorite places. You’ll be able to make the best memories here, and it’ll be the best way to begin your new life.

Moving across the world to an entirely new country can be exciting, scary and exhilarating all at the same time. Use this list when planning your move to make sure nothing is missed and you can begin this new chapter of your life in complete bliss and harmony. Good luck and enjoy every second of it!