Moving abroad?
Five things to do before you emigrate
Moving overseas to begin a new life is both exciting and scary. But the more preparation you do during the initial stages, the more you will see it as an amazing adventure. K&D Property Buyers have come up with a list of five useful tips so you can be sure you’re doing the right thing at the right time.
1. Decide where you’re emigrating to
Chances are, if you’re planning to move overseas, then you’ve already decided where you want to go. But hey, if you just want to get out of Britain, then choosing the right country and city will obviously be crucial to your planning process.
Check out The Economist’s cities guide for in–depth, up–to–date information on many of the world’s cities, or the Lonely Planet website for a little inspiration. The list of things to consider goes on and on – job market, economy, living standards, schools, politics, religion – but the more research you do now, the more likely your move is to be a happy and successful one.
2. Sort out your passport and visa
FCO.gov.uk should be your first port of call when sorting out visa and passport requirements, followed by the embassy website of your destination country.
Make sure you prepare early and have plenty of time left on your passport as these things often take the longest to sort out. Direct.gov.uk has some useful passport and visa advice along with a help directory for people moving abroad.
3. Contact the foreign embassy of your destination country
The Foreign Office has a list of all of the representatives in London of Foreign States and Commonwealth Countries. Make contact early to save nasty surprises later on – and be sure to ask lots of questions about working and residency permits, property ownership and schools.
4. Sort out your stuff
Deciding what to do with your worldly possessions shouldn’t be left until the day after your leaving party. If your home hides years’ worth of memorabilia and memories, you might find it hard choosing between things you want to take and those you leave behind, or – shock horror! – get rid of altogether. We don’t often quote Anthea Turner here at K&D Property Buyers, but she’s quite right in saying if something’s “not beautiful, useful or seriously sentimental, then throw it away”.
Taking stuff with you is expensive, and storage rates will be a constant drain on your foreign earnings. So get ruthless and take it all to charity shops, flog it at car-boot sales or on eBay... you’ll be doing someone else a favour and also make a bit of cash to spend on your new overseas pad.
5. Talk to people who’ve done the same thing
Expat Focus is a website where people who have emigrated share their stories and experiences with others. Have a look and read some first-hand accounts of what it’s really like to move abroad ...
At K&D Property Buyers, we’ve helped many people out of their financial difficulties by purchasing their houses and then letting them rent them back – meaning they never have to move house, and the neighbours never need to know.
If this sounds like an option that could help you then give us a call on 0121 369 0000 or fill in our contact form today.
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