There is a right way and a wrong way to do most things. This includes moving to Europe.  It’s definitely going to be the adventure of a lifetime, but success is guaranteed if you will follow a few simple steps and plan ahead as much as possible

Although moving can seem stressful, the good part is the excitement of moving to a new place with new things to learn and new opportunities.  A new life awaits you in Europe!

You will want to learn as much as possible about Europe before moving there.  Although it is the second smallest continent in the world, it holds great importance all over the world.  The history of some of the world’s greatest empires was in Europe and their influence is felt all over the globe.  With over fifty countries, there is a wide diversity of languages and cultures.  You can learn about the history, geography and important people from Europe through the internet and your local library.  The more you understand before moving, the less stressful your move will be.

As someone moving to another country, you will be considered an expatriate.  This is someone simply decides to live in another country.  While the word used to have a more negative connotation because someone was leaving the country of his or her birth, expatriates today are expected and welcomed into most countries.  There are many online message boards and groups specifically for expatriates where you can learn about adjusting to life in a new country and get advice about most any subject.  Sometimes, that extra support during a move can be most helpful.  Learn as much as you can about Europe before moving.

There are some obvious, common-sense things that you must do in order to live in Europe.  The most important thing to do first is to apply for a visa.  Either a work or student visa is required if you plan to stay for longer than three months.  There are different requirements and regulations for different visas in various European countries, so be sure and fill out the correct forms, asking for as much help as necessary.

Before you move, you need to get a complete physical by your medical doctor.  While there, be sure and tell your physician your plans for moving, as you may need prescriptions or immunizations.  It doesn’t make sense to get overseas and then try to take care of your physical needs.  Do that while you are on familiar territory, with people you know and trust.

Get your money in order.  This means having accounts at banks that are known internationally.  Talk to the people at your bank about your plans so they can help you figure out what will work best for you financial situation overseas.  If you are moving due to employment opportunities, you may need certain records for your taxes, so find out ahead of time what you will need so you can plan accordingly. Work with your employers also to find out if they do direct deposits or how you will be paid and reimbursed for your expenses.  If you are unsure about rather or not to keep a receipt or document, just plan to keep it until you find out otherwise.  You should have a couple of copies of contracts, references, bank statements, your passport, and any forms that show financial security.

You need to call an international moving company as soon as you have an approximate moving date.  Before you move, get an idea of what you need to ask.  It’s best to get estimates from at least three companies to make sure you are not paying too much or too little for moving your things overseas.  It may take you awhile, but you need to have an idea of how many cubic feet of belongings you need moved.  If they can come to your home to visit and make an estimate, it would be best.  However, not everyone lives near a moving company that ships people’s belongings abroad.  For example, you can easily find an international shipping company in New York if you live there.  If not, you can still contact one of the larger companies and they will work things out with you.

Moving is never easy.  Rather you are moving around the block or to another country, there are things that just have to be done in order for the move to be successful and not have any major regrets.  Planning ahead and take the time to deal with things rather than procrastinate is half the battle.  It can become tiring, especially when things don’t go as expected.  With some extra rest, good(( notes and a plan of action, however, you can make a move to Europe that will go smoothly with no regrets.  Take one day at a time, crossing things off your list and before you know it, you will be living in the remarkable continent of Europe.
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Written by Einat Mazafi
Einat Mazafi is the owner of NY International Shipping, an International Shipping and moving company based in New York. She is also a specialist in providing the best relocation solutions to clients worldwide.