Design a checklist of everything you need to get done before you leave. Make plans for every important aspect of your relocation to the new country. It is never too early to start planning for a major move.
Save enough money to see you through the first two or three months abroad. Not everything will go according to your plan after relocation, and unforeseen contingencies can be expensive.
Organize important paperwork, such as work visas, passports and health documents, into a safe spot that is easy to access during your travels to the new country. If you are missing any important paperwork for yourself or any member of your family, this will cause unnecessary stress and work during your move.
Learn the language. If you are going to a country where most people speak a language different than your own, basic communication can become difficult and frustrating. Take the time to gain at least a rudimentary understanding of the local language before moving to the new country. Work to improve your language skills every day after you make your move.
Read everything you can about the new country. Look at books, magazines and websites about the country to get perspective on the culture and environment. Knowledge will ease the process of assimilation and make the experience more interesting.
Sign up the whole family for assimilation and integration classes to help everybody adjust to the new culture. Take classes before leaving your home country to help you prepare for the move and prevent culture shock. If you move to another country for a new job, the rest of your family may have more difficulty adjusting to the country than you, since you will have your colleagues at work to help you along. Enroll the family in cultural and language classes inside the new country as well to ease the transition.
Obtain contact information of people who can help you settle into the new country. Friends, co-workers, or organizations such as churches and travel agencies can all help. Maintain points of contact back in your native country for administrative and emotional support.
