Moving to a new country may be costly, especially as you become older and accumulate more valuable possessions. It’s simple to sell everything you own, pack a few suitcases, and couch surf till you get back on your feet when you’re young and single. However, this is not a realistic scenario for many. When people move overseas, they usually need or want to bring their belongings with them. The issue now is how to move abroad on a tight budget!
After all, some items have emotional value; some are simply too expensive to replace in your new country. However, whether relocating abroad for business, retirement, or any other reason, cost, and budget are generally at the forefront of travelers’ minds.
Unless you’re working with attorneys to aid with a visa, shipping your belongings is usually the most expensive part of an abroad relocation. The good news is that there are methods for lowering your relocation expenditures. Here are some ideas on how to move abroad on a tight budget.
1) Get at least three quotes from moving companies
It is sometimes unavoidable to hire an international moving company. You may have sentimental items you can’t bear to leave with or a large package that can’t be checked as luggage. If you decide to use a third-party shipping company, receive three quotations from three separate companies. The three-quote approach may be used in any case when you’re employing a company, whether it’s for a move or a bathroom renovation.
It guards you against being overcharged and working with low-quality service providers. You shouldn’t see huge price differences between companies because international shipping charges are computed by weight and volume. Insurance coverage and delivery timeframes, on the other hand, will vary, and you get what you pay for.
Of course, choosing the cheapest provider is one of the best ideas on how to move abroad on a tight budget. You must, however, think about factors like reviews, timelines, and insurance amounts. Shipping your $3,000 television with a company that does not provide TV protection is a major risk that might cost you a lot of money.
2) Get multiple moving quotes to ensure competitive pricing.
If you were purchasing a car, you’d seek many quotes. As a result, make sure you get three to four moving quotations from trusted companies. Getting more than that will be a nuisance for you to manage, and selecting an international mover solely based on pricing might be a slippery slope.
3) Figure out if you can reside there on a tourist visa
If you’re a digital nomad with no need for physical employment in your new country, you might be allowed to stay there on a tourist visa for a time. This is easier and less expensive than obtaining a work visa. When they’re about to expire, you may be able to extend them. Just make sure you’re not breaking any laws in the country you’re visiting.
4) Avoid shipping by air
There will most likely be two or three prices on your moving quotes: one for air, one for sea, and potentially one for land, depending on your region. The air shipment estimate might be a high price. As you can see, air shipment is not an option for people who are relocating overseas on a tight budget.
Many people are left with the sea route when it comes to international transportation. Of course, each strategy has advantages and disadvantages. Although air shipping takes only a few weeks, it is quite costly. Although shipping via water is 4-5 times less expensive, it might take 3-6 months to receive your items.
See also:
Steps to Adapting in a New Country
Part-time job ideas for international students
5) Live with a roommate
For most people, rent is their highest fixed cost. In addition to rent, if you’re moving into an unfurnished property, you’ll have to purchase furniture, which is a significant cost. Finding someone who already has a completely equipped house and is searching for a roommate is a smart method to lower your overall rent and the need for furnishings. Almost every large city has a website that makes finding roommates simple.
6) Consider selling bulky items and replacing them after moving
Everything boils down to measurements when it comes to transferring goods. It costs nearly as much to send an empty 10’x10′ box as one does to transport it filled. That implies that shipping big things will be costly no matter how heavy they are. Many people who are relocating to another country believe they will be able to ship some of their belongings with them.
However, shipping fees might potentially increase the cost of that “little dresser” you adore. Unless you have a lot of luxury furniture or pricey artwork, selling bulky goods and replacing them in your new country is nearly usually more cost-efficient. Especially if you’re moving into partially furnished leased housing.
7) Transfer your money wisely
Small fees pile up rapidly, and moving money to a new bank account is one of those things. The most costly method of money transfer is a bank-to-bank transfer. TransferWise is a peer-to-peer marketplace that might be the most cost-effective option. There are also dozens of money transfer websites that provide better rates than banks.
8) Pack using duffel bags and plastic storage bins
While each airline has its luggage regulations for checked and extra baggage, most major airlines are fine with non-standard packaging. Just make sure to verify the airline’s and flight’s size and weight restrictions. Duffel bags are great since they fold up and take up very little space.
Furthermore, the plastic bins are stackable and may be utilized to store seasonal decorations in your new home. Plus, everything may be reused for future transfers, whether local or international. Most foreign flights offer two checked bags and one carry-on bag, so you may just need to pay for a few more baggage items to have everything moved.
9) Check airfare deals before you book your flights.
Wait until you find a great deal or discount for travel to your destination if your move date is variable. This can save you hundreds of dollars on a normal flight. You may sign up for price notifications to be notified when prices fall. Airfare Watchdog, Skyscanner, and even Kayak Alerts are some of the sites that provide these services. Looking for flights to adjacent cities and then taking the train to your final destination is a similar technique. This works best in regions like Europe, where train infrastructures are large and economical.