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Moving to America – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to America!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in America we have put together the information you will need to make your move to the USA a smooth one.

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How Expats Can Benefit From Self-Storage

People frequently encounter various difficulties when they relocate to a new nation for employment, education, or other reasons. Discovering a location to keep their possessions is one of the biggest obstacles. Storage presents specific difficulties for expats in particular. Making a long-term rental commitment may be challenging since you may not be certain how long…

Preparing Your LinkedIn Profile For An International Move

LinkedIn is one of the most important sources of new roles today. When moving abroad it is important to ensure your LinkedIn profile gives the right message. This infographic from Hansen & Company gives top tips on preparing your LinkedIn profile for an international move.

How To Get The Most Out Of A City Break To Chicago

The USA has its fair share of incredible cities, but there is arguably nowhere more unique than Chicago. Chicago lies on the southern shores of the mighty Lake Michigan, an area that is sometimes referred to as ‘America’s third coast’ thanks to the staggeringly long coastlines of the great lakes. It’s the third largest city…

Top Job Opportunities At Disney For Expatriates

Disney has three types of international programs, but only two can get you a job in the magical kingdom if you live in a different country. These are the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) and the Cultural Representative Program (CRP), and they are designed to bring in young people (over 18 years old) from specific…

8 U.S. States You Should Not Move To

Moving to a new state can be exciting, but knowing which places may not offer the best quality of life is important. Several factors should be considered, from high taxes and living costs to environmental hazards and crime rates, before making the big move. Here are eight U.S states you should think twice about before…

Reasons Quality Of Life In Arizona Is Top For Seniors

Arizona is a state that offers a high quality of life for seniors, and it’s easy to see why. With its warm weather, access to top-notch medical facilities, vibrant cultural scene, and opportunities to stay active and engaged, it’s no wonder that so many retirees choose to call this state home. In this article,…

Studying Abroad? Follow These 7 Tips For An Easier Student Life

If you’re considering studying abroad, congratulations! It’s an amazing experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. But before you pack your bags and catch a plane, there are a few things you should know to make your student life overseas a little easier. Follow these seven tips and you’ll be…

How To Involve Your Family Back Home When Expecting a Baby Abroad

Whether you’re a digital nomad that moves around frequently or a part of a couple that’s found their forever home, it can be stressful to be away from family when you’re expecting a baby abroad. However, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your family back home in the loop while abroad….

Everything You Need To Know About Moving To Florida

The US doesn’t lack amazing places to live in, but Florida might be the richest of all the states with it comes to livability. This state receives thousands of new residents each year, mostly due to its amazing weather, great economic status, and friendliness for all. If you’re planning to move to the Sunshine…

How To Celebrate Special Occasions For Loved Ones Back Home After You’ve Emigrated

As much as moving to a different country for work, study, relationships, and a score of other reasons can be exciting, one thing is for sure. Adjusting to being far away from loved ones is among the most expected yet difficult challenges any emigrant can face. And while it will probably take a while before you…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.