Moving to an apartment or a house at the end of the block is tiring and requires preparation, but moving to a whole different country requires much more preparation. You may be used to traveling a lot and have no problem packing a little bag to go off for a couple of weeks, but the airline tickets aren’t the only things you’ll have to worry about when you’re moving or migrating to another country. While there are some variables or factors that determine the cost estimation, which are mainly dependent on the country you’re moving from and to, there are some staple considerations that anyone has to factor in before they move to a different country. This guide shall help you use the information you have to make a rough estimate of the costs of moving to another country.
Moving Company Costs
Moving to another country involves taking with you more than the usual bag or two. The bulk of your moving costs are going to be reserved for moving your belongings and furniture from your house to your new house in the new country. Naturally, the bigger and heavier your belongings are, the more the moving process will cost. The long distance between countries means a longer transportation schedule and more fuel consumption which translates into higher costs. The route taken by the movers, usually when it’s a ship, affects the price as some routes are more competitive than others. The biggest factor will be the method or medium used to transport your stuff. By sea is the most budget-friendly choice with a long timeframe while via air would cost the most but finish the job quickly. To understand and calculate the costs accurately, click here to see how each one of those affects the moving costs. You can transport anything from cars to little boxes.
The packing and unpacking of your things can sometimes be an extra charge by your moving company. This is because certain countries require the moving company to be responsible for the transportation of the stuff and ensuring there is no contraband, whether it’s drugs, weapons, or anything illegal entering the country. Most moving companies can be flexible on the packing and charge you less if you decide to pack and unpack your stuff with them only. Expect to pay for packing supplies in whichever direction you choose to take anyway. You might as well sign up for insurance as they are significantly lower than the potential losses of damaging your belongings, which is something that rarely happens, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Customs, Taxes, and Visa Fees
The problem with customs and taxes accompanying the transportation of the entirety of your belongings to another country is that every country has different rates; some are duty-free when items are of household nature. Always know the estimate of the customary rate on your belongings to know the correct costs. If the country you’re going to doesn’t require a visa from your end, then you shouldn’t worry about visa fees. Study and work visa fees are different for each country; some could reach over 1,000 pounds so you should budget it in early.
Housing
This is one of the most important and expensve expenses you’ll have to take into account very early. You should keep in mind that you won’t instantly start working and receive money from your job. Most of the time, it can take a couple of months to find one. You should understand that renting or buying a house in a country can differ greatly depending on the area or region you look at. Some countries impose taxes on owned property. Rentals sometimes require you pay a deposit that could reach 3 times the value of the rent. You’ll also want to make sure that you sustain yourself while you wait for your first paycheck, so prepare for worst-case scenarios by budgeting in the cost of living in the country you’re going to.
Moving to a different country is a very exhilarating experience. You’ll feel that you’re on an adventure with almost everything being new or unfamiliar to you. It’s ok to sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the requirements from securing transportation to the visa, but you shouldn’t let it get to you as it’s only a phase that will pass and you’ll soon forget all about it once you’re nestled in. Always have some extra money stashed for emergencies, buying clothes for exotic or extreme climates, and a safety net. The more time you take to prepare for your transition, the easier and smoother it will be.