Immigration: Five important questions to ask before you go

There are many reasons people consider immigration – uprooting and settling in a country not their own. For some, there are work opportunities abroad that better suit them. For others, living abroad enables them to seek adventure and to try something new. Personal circumstances also often determine where you decide to live – people with children choose to live somewhere where their children’s safety and future outweighs their need to stay in the country they were born.

If you find yourself in any of these categories and are considering a move abroad, there are some important questions you should ask yourself before you do so.

Why are we moving? Is immigration for us?

Okay, that is technically two questions, but they need to be considered together. Decide as a couple or as a family if immigration is something you really want to do. Consider other options such as changing cities before you decide to move abroad. Because of the stressful nature of relocating, it is definitely worthwhile considering that immigrating is not for everybody. Speak to friends who have done it, and get advice from people you respect.

Think about why you want to move. If the reasons carry weight and make you feel excited about the future, then immigration is probably something you should consider. If you’ve been offered a job or have exciting work prospects abroad, the decision has largely been taken from you.

Where will we live?

Once you have decided to go, you will need to consider where you will go. Narrow down your decision gradually by doing online research, by asking people who have already moved, and ideally by visiting the country you have chosen.

If you are moving for work, you will not have as much say in where you go, although you can still choose which suburb you live in based on work and/or schooling needs.

What will we miss when we go?

If you are moving as a couple or a family, sit down together and discuss what you will miss most when you leave. Things you will miss may range from important things like family and dear friends, to more superficial things like favourite foods and restaurants. Make an effort leading up to your departure, to see people and places you will miss as much as possible. This will give you memories to hold onto when times are a bit tough as you start your new life.

Are we aware of important laws and customs?

Added to the usual stresses and strains that come with immigrating is the fact that you may not be aware of certain laws and customs in your new home town or country.

It is important to people who already live in a country that immigrants attempt to immerse themselves in the culture of the country as soon as possible. This shows respect to the people of your new country, and will also help you to integrate more rapidly into your new cultural surroundings. Watch videos, attend workshops, read books – make yourself aware of as many customs and laws as you can before you arrive.

Packing up: What are our immigration necessities?

Whilst this is a very personal choice, there are certain guidelines that can be followed to make immigrating a little more streamlined.

If you are not moving with any belongings apart from clothes, start selling or donating your things as soon as you have decided to move. Planning ahead will help you not to feel flustered as your time to depart draws near.

If you are moving with belongings, go through everything you own and decide how important it is for you to take. There will be certain irreplaceable items that you may want with you, but there will be items that are easily replaced. Leave these items behind. It is more beneficial to arrive in your new country with less than you need rather than more than you need as you will need to find storage for excess goods, and that can be costly.

The experts at 1st Move International will go out of their way to help make your move as streamlined as possible. Contact them for a quote so that they can help make your move and straightforward and painless as possible.