Moving overseas can provide a wealth of opportunities while allowing you to experience things you would have never come into contact with otherwise. Having said that, it can also be a stressful and possibly even upsetting process, depending on how you handle leaving behind the life you’ve known.
It’s completely normal to miss what you had, but if you’ve committed to the move, it’s important to give it your all and do everything you can to make it a positive experience. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips for managing the emotional journey you’ll experience when moving internationally:
Get the Right Assistance
The first thing you need to handle is the logistics of your move. That may mean finding cheap removalists in the Melbourne area, assembling your crew of mates in Sydney, or finding an international company that can handle the process end-to-end, regardless of where you’re starting and finishing. The right moving team can ease the financial burden of your move and help decrease your stress levels. They’ll also ensure your things are transported safely, giving you peace of mind while everything is in transit.
Don’t Forget About Taxes
A common mistake people make when moving overseas is forgetting that they still have Australian tax obligations. This can cause serious issues at a time when you probably already have enough complexities to juggle.
To avoid having to deal with this extra stress, file an online tax return at the end of the financial year, or lodge a form confirming what you earned and the tax you paid in your new country of residence. If you’re unsure about where your tax obligations lie, reach out to an Australian tax professional who works with expats.
Keep in Touch with Those Close to You
Living in different time zones can disconnect you from your loved ones – but that’s the last thing you need when you’ve just uprooted your life. By putting in the effort to keep in touch with those close to you, you’ll be better equipped to adjust to your new surroundings.
Cook Your Favourite Meals
Food is often associated with comfort, and you can use this to your advantage in your new home. Get yourself a quality set of non-stick cookware so clean up will be easier, and set to work whipping up some of your favourite dishes from home. A meal that sparks joy can really make a house feel like home.
Focus on Self-Care
Finally, one of the most important things you can do to ease the emotional rollercoaster you’re on is to focus on self-care. Making space for your feelings and looking after yourself can help bring peace in the chaos of your move, and the value of this should never be underestimated.
If you have a bathtub, draw a nice hot bath, grab your favourite book (or put on your favourite podcast), and settle in for a nice soak with bubbles and a warm beverage. If working out is more your style, spend some time finding the right gym in your new location so you can sweat out your stress whenever you need.
An international move is a massive decision, and while it can be one of the best choices you’ve ever made, that doesn’t mean the process will be smooth. These tips can help make things less stressful, but it’s important to remember that with any major change, there’s going to be tension. As long as you manage this correctly, however, things will get easier, and you’ll soon settle into your new surroundings.
Photo: Danila Hamsterman / Unsplash
