Moving abroad is a significant change, whether you are a “professional expat” or if this is your first relocation. One of the decisions you will need to make before moving is whether you will need help with it. So, should you seek help when planning your relocation or handle everything on your own? Here are some factors to consider.
Why you should seek help when moving abroad
Seeking help when moving abroad can be a good idea for several reasons.
Moving to a foreign country often involves dealing with complex visa and immigration regulations. Seeking professional help ensures that you are in compliance with all the legal requirements, preventing any potential issues or delays in your relocation.
If you are moving to a country with a different language, navigating official documents, contracts, and communication can be challenging. Professionals who are familiar with both languages can assist you in understanding important information and avoid miscommunication.
While it might seem counterintuitive, seeking professional help can sometimes save you money. They can help you make informed decisions on housing, insurance, and other essentials, preventing costly mistakes.
Relocating to a new country involves numerous tasks, such as finding accommodation, opening a bank account, and setting up utilities. Professionals can handle many of these tasks on your behalf, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of the move.
Relocation specialists or consultants are often familiar with the local culture and can provide valuable insights into the country's customs, norms, and lifestyle. This knowledge can help you adapt more smoothly to your new environment.
Professional relocation services have a network of contacts and resources in the destination country. They can connect you with the right people and services, making your integration into the new community more seamless.
Moving with family members or pets can add further complexity to the process. Seeking professional help can ensure that all aspects of your move, including the needs of your loved ones and pets, are properly taken care of.
Where to seek help when moving abroad
You can seek help and support from several sources to make the process smoother.
Relocation companies
Relocation specialists, immigration lawyers, and international moving companies have extensive experience and knowledge handling the intricacies of moving abroad. They can guide you through the entire process, ensuring you meet all legal requirements and paperwork, making the transition less stressful.
Here are just some examples of services that a relocation company can offer:
- Packing and unpacking
- Transportation
- Logistics and planning
- Visa and immigration assistance:
- Storage solutions
- Customs and documentation
- Insurance coverage
- Cultural orientation
- Language support
- Pet and animal transportation
- Settling-in services
- And more
Embassy or Consulate
Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country in your home country. They can provide valuable information about visa requirements, documentation, and other legal aspects of your move. They may also offer resources for finding housing and local services.
Online expat forums
Online forums and communities dedicated to expatriates and international movers can be valuable sources of information and support. You can connect with people who have already moved to the destination you are considering and gain insights into their experiences and recommendations.
Local government resources
In some cases, the government of your destination country may provide resources and support for new immigrants or expatriates. Check their official websites or contact their immigration offices for relevant information.
International organizations
There are various international organizations and NGOs that focus on supporting individuals and families moving abroad for work, study, or humanitarian reasons. These organizations may offer advice, resources, and services tailored to specific relocation situations.
Professional networks
If you are moving abroad for work or business, your employer or professional network might have resources or contacts to assist with the relocation process. Many companies offer relocation packages or can recommend relocation service providers.
Social media groups
Look for social media groups dedicated to expats in your destination country. These groups often have members who are willing to share their experiences and provide helpful tips and advice.
Local expatriate services
Once you arrive in your new country, there may be expatriate services and support networks available to help you settle in and adjust to the new environment. These may include language courses, cultural orientation programs, and social gatherings.
Why you may prefer to handle the move on your own
While seeking help when moving abroad can be advantageous, there are also benefits to taking care of everything on your own – and there are actually quite a few reasons why you may want to take care of things on your own.
Hiring relocation services or international moving companies can be expensive. By managing the process on your own, you can potentially save money on professional fees and service charges.
Moving on your own allows you to have complete control over every aspect of the relocation process. You can make decisions based on your preferences and adjust plans as needed without relying on external assistance.
Moving abroad can be a transformative experience, and managing the process independently can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. You'll learn to navigate challenges, adapt to new environments, and develop valuable life skills.
Taking care of everything on your own allows you to become more self-reliant and independent. This sense of accomplishment can boost your confidence and resilience.
While relocation services offer personalized solutions, you might have specific ideas or preferences that align better with your DIY approach. You can tailor the move according to your unique needs and requirements.
In some cases, moving to certain countries with straightforward immigration and visa procedures might not actually require extensive professional assistance. If you've thoroughly researched the destination and its requirements, you may feel confident managing the move on your own.
Successfully orchestrating an international move independently can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Overcoming the challenges and achieving your goals can be a source of great satisfaction.
When you manage the move yourself, you can closely monitor and control your expenses. This can be an important factor if you have a tight budget or prefer to allocate funds to specific areas that matter most to you.
So, how do you decide?
If you are trying to weigh the pros and cons of seeking professional help when moving abroad, here are some factors you may want to consider:
Evaluate your budget and the cost of professional help you may need to see if this is within your financial capacity. If you can't afford to hire a professional relocation agency, you may feel more motivated to organize the move yourself or seek help through friends, family and the expat community.
Consider how familiar you are with the new country's customs, regulations, and logistics. Professional assistance can ease the transition into a culture that you find unfamiliar and complicated to navigate on your own.
Do you have friends, family, or acquaintances in your relocation destination? Maybe you've found support in local expat forums? Whether or not you have someone to turn to at the start of your journey can influence the need for additional help.
How much time do you have to plan your trip? If your relocation is urgent, seeking professional help can help you avoid unforeseen delays. If you are a busy professional, a relocation company can take over your move and let you stay focused on your work.
To sum up
Deciding whether you need professional help when moving abroad involves going over a number of individual circumstances and external factors. If your budget allows you to hire professional help, the general rule of thumb is that it will make your transition easier, quicker and smoother. On the other hand, if you are ready for a challenge and have the time to do the extensive research that relocation requires, taking care of your move on your own can be an experience to remember.
