Finding your feet abroad: Coping strategies for international relocation from Washington state

Moving abroad, whether temporarily or permanently can be a cause of big emotional distress. It can trigger the fear of the unknown, especially if you’re relocating on your own. Leaving everything behind, and starting a new chapter of your life is a huge decision. Therefore, doing a lot of research about the logistics of international relocation from Washington state, as well as reading as much as you can about your new location can lower the fear that arises from unfamiliarity. The goal of this article is, thus, to help you ease into international move planning while giving you solutions for common challenges that come with it. Hopefully, the advice from some of the best movers in Seattle will help you to find your feet in a new country. Keep on reading to find out more!

The growing trend of international relocation

Due to globalization, ease of travel, and advances in technology, the number of people leaving their home country and moving abroad is constantly increasing. Even though the U.S. doesn’t formally track its expats, the number of people moving out of the States is considered to be nearly nine million. Since 1999. that figure has more than doubled, as more and more residents are relocating internationally.

After the election of Donald Trump in 2016, and the election of Joe Biden in 2020, the number of Americans looking to move has spiked. As much as 15% of Americans stated they’re considering permanently leaving the country. However, the biggest reasons aren’t political. The main reasons include looking for a better quality of life, work opportunities, and education. It is worth mentioning that a lot of Americans move after finding a partner while working or studying abroad, thus deciding to stay there.

The biggest number of Americans (an estimated 40%) who leave the U.S. move to Canada, South America, and Central America. The next most popular location is in Europe, with 26% of expats choosing it as their new home, while the least amount of expats ( 3%) choose Africa. The most popular countries include Ecuador, Mexico, and Malta.

How to solve the main challenges that Washington residents face with an international relocation?

Language barrier

One of the biggest challenges of international relocation from Washington state is the language barrier you’ll experience. Unless you’re moving to an English-speaking country, or you already know a foreign language. this is an uncomfortable occurrence you have to face. To overcome this challenge you should try to use online resources, such as language learning apps, to become slightly more familiar with it. While lack of fluency can be a problem, even the knowledge of some common words and phrases can help tremendously. Therefore, before hiring international movers Seattle has, try to learn as much as you can. Additionally, upon arrival, you can sign up for classes, and talk to locals to become more fluent.

Culture shock

Culture shock is another common issue of moving overseas. Depending on where you’re emigrating to, it may be more or less extreme. Generally speaking, moving to other developed Western countries from Washington state will be easier than moving to, for example, third-world countries. You have to get accustomed to the way people dress, to the different societal rules, different climates, etc. While there isn’t a foolproof way to overcome this obstacle, doing excessive research on the culture you’re relocating to can be the most helpful way.

Financial issues

Moving abroad is an expensive process. Once you start calculating you’re expenses it can seem like they’re never-ending. First of all, moving can be costly, then the plane tickets, passports, visas, and housing can all seem overwhelming. Try to tackle one thing at a time, and research specific costs of each moving necessity. International relocation may require you to start saving money long beforehand, as a way to solve this problem. One other thing to try and do is lower the moving process expenses. You can do this by finding affordable moving services Seattle offers and obtaining free packing supplies.

Finding housing

One of the biggest challenges of moving abroad is finding proper housing. First of all, if you plan on staying permanently you need to decide whether to rent or buy. Renting an apartment is almost always the better option, at least for the first few months. Since you’re unfamiliar with the area you may end up not liking your neighborhood after living there for some time. Therefore, it is better to keep your flexibility with renting. Additionally, it can be harder to find housing when you don’t know the regulations on how to real estate market in that country works. To battle this obstacle consulting a local real estate agent can be the best option.

Feeling homesick

The majority of emigrants who end up returning to their home country have one common reason, and that is homesickness. Moving to a fairway country where you don’t know anyone while being separated from friends and family can be emotionally difficult and exhausting. There isn’t a way to stop missing your loved ones, but there are things you can do to help you deal with your feelings. Most importantly, try to communicate frequently through video calls so you don’t lose track of each other’s lives. Secondly, if you’re budget permits, try and visit at least once or twice a year!

How to prepare for international relocation from Washington state

Start planning early

Every successful international relocation from Washington state starts with a detailed plan. Since you need to find movers or freight forwards, obtain documents, find housing, pack your belongings, empty your self storage Seattle unit if you use one, and complete multiple other tasks, making a checklist early on is the key to keeping you sane. It will lower the chances of forgetting something, while also helping to keep you on schedule.

Hire international movers

Unless you’re planning a DIY move, one of the first steps of your planning process should be researching moving companies. Relocating overseas is a lot more complicated than an instate move. Thus, not all movers are equipped and experienced in international relocation. You have to find a moving company in Washington state that has a lot of knowledge about international moves and can, therefore, help you overcome any challenges that arise along the way.

Additionally, make sure they have previously completed moves in the country you’re relocating to. Once you pinpoint companies you find to be reliable you should obtain free moving quotes from them. This will help you once you start calculating how much money you need to spend on your move.

Make a budget

International relocation can be incredibly expensive. Even the more affordable moving companies or housing options are costly. If you’re moving to a faraway country, the plane tickets alone can cost over $1000. Therefore, budgeting is crucial. You might even need to start saving money months in advance. First of all, the average cost of international movers is around $10,000. Secondly, since you’re relocating to a new country it is vital to have some money saved on the side, in case of any emergency. Deciding on a budget can greatly help you from overspending your money during the whole process.

Research your new location and its culture

Before you hire one of the best shipping companies in Seattle and leave Washington state you should do as much research as possible regarding your new location. If you have the time and resources visiting would be even better. However, with today’s technology, you can find everything you need to know through online resources. Using Google Maps can be convenient, but also reading what locals say about the place.

Additionally, learning about the culture is as important as learning about the logistics of living in your chosen location. It will help you avoid any potential issues due to cultural differences as a foreigner, and help ease the transition as well.

Obtain necessary documents

First of all, to enter a country you will need a valid passport. If you obtained you’re passport after the age of 16, it is valid for 10 years, while passports obtained before the age of 16 are only valid for 5 years. Make sure to check the expiration date early enough. Getting a new passport can take up to 14 weeks, sometimes even longer. The general recommendation is to apply for renewal 6 months before your moving date. Additional documents to keep track of include:

• Child custody papers
• Birth certificates
• Medical records
• Social security cards
• Financial records
• School records
• Driver’s licenses.

Depending on the reason why you’re moving you’ll need to apply for a visa. If you’re moving for work, you’ll need to apply for a work visa, or a student visa if you’re relocating to study in a foreign country. If you plan on becoming a permanent resident you have to get citizenship. Make sure to check the laws and regulations regarding citizenship and visa procedures for the specific country you’re relocating to, as well as how long they last, and how many times can you renew them.

Inform government agencies

Before moving to another country, you will need to notify some government agencies in your state, as well as the government of the country you’ll move to. Some of the agencies you have to let know about your relocation include the USPS, the IRS, the Social Security Administration, the Federal Voting Assistance Program, and Washington state’s DMV.

Join Washington expat groups

If you’re planning an international relocation from Washington state multiple instate resources can help you make a smoother transition. Local expat groups in Washington can be useful to join and learn more about overcoming the challenges of overseas relocation and adjusting to life in a new country. You can a lot of them throughout the state, and meet fellow residents who have lived abroad. These groups can offer a lot of first-hand advice and support you might need.

Adjusting to a new country

Learn the language

As it was already mentioned before, the language barrier can be frustrating. It can slow down the process of integrating into your new culture. Therefore, as soon as you arrive, you should sign up for language classes. Once you start to speak the language everything else will become a lot easier.

Explore your city

Instead of sitting at home, try to go out and explore as much as possible. One of the best parts of international relocation from Washington state is that you get to experience a completely new world. You should explore the city, starting with your neighborhood. Find local groceries stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and parks. Once you get more familiar with your surroundings it will ease the fear of the unknown. Last but not least, exploring a new city is one of the most fun parts of moving, enjoy it!

Try to socialize and meet new people

Meeting new people can be a great way to make new friends and settle into a new country. There are multiple ways to meet locals, and make friends. You can join clubs and groups in the area, and meet people with shared interests. Once you settle in, start attending local events, or volunteering in different programs, and organizations. Additionally, if you manage to find expat groups, joining them is also a good way to spread your social circle. If you’re studying or working in the city, you can socialize with people from school or work, too.

Good luck with your international move!

If you carefully research everything and make a moving plan you’re international relocation from Washington state will be much easier. Don’t forget to start learning basic langue phrases early on, and check laws and regulations regarding visas at least six months before. Finding reliable movers is half the job done. Once you arrive try to go out as much as possible and expand your social circle to combat the feeling of loneliness and homesickness. Embarking on this journey takes a lot of courage, but the outcome is likely to be worth the stressful process. Hopefully, you will enjoy this new chapter of your life. Good luck!

Reference: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/23/american-emigrants/

Why Choose Us

History

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism

We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.