Imagup General Magazine 2024
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving to the UK to study, work or to start anew, the process of moving to another country can be extremely overwhelming. There is a lot of things you need to get in order before getting on that flight, and sometimes this could leave you pretty confused about where to start.
If that’s the case, then you don’t have to worry anymore since we prepared a detailed guide to help you move with ease.
We will try to answer all of your questions and help you organize your move to the United Kingdom in a clear and detailed manner.
So without further ado, let’s start the guide!
Check your passport and other travel documents
Okay, this is probably the most obvious thing to do. But still, you have to make sure to double-check everything and start the important processes like getting a visa as early as you can. You don’t want to have everything organized and then run into problems at the last second. It could lead to unnecessary delays and problems, so don’t leave anything to chance.
Inform yourself at the local embassy, and ask them about the required paperwork. At the very least, you’ll need to have a valid passport, meet UK’s financial requirements, and be able to pay for Visa and healthcare fees.
Book a flight as early as possible
Booking a flight in advance will save you a lot of money. Also, it will get you a clearer timeframe to settle other important matters in your home country.
Of course, make sure you get your visa approved and all the other paperwork ready before setting the date. If you’re able to do so, avoid peak times like summer holidays, Christmas and Easter. The tickets will be the most expensive in these periods, especially if you try to purchase them at the last minute.
All in all, booking in advance is the best option possible, especially if you’re on a budget. Even if you don’t mind paying more, it’s still better to have some extra cash at hand if something unexpected happens.
Call your bank
It’s very important to notify your bank that you’re moving because they could make the mistake of thinking something fraudulent is going on. You don’t want your assets to be frozen when you’re in the middle of the moving process. It would make the whole process much more complicated. Imagine trying to start your life in a different country and suddenly you don’t have access to your funds, it would be a complete disaster!
This is why it’s the best choice to inform your bank that you’ll be in a foreign country so you leave no space for any misunderstandings. If nothing else, it could alleviate any additional worries.
Pack your belongings
Organizing your belongings to move to another country could prove to be a daunting task. This is why you should do it at least a month before you depart to the United Kingdom. Even if you think there is not much to organize, you might be surprised when you realize how many things are essential to you.
When it comes to organizing your stuff, lists are your best friends. Make a list of all the things you want to take with you, sell or donate stuff you don’t need, and make sure to set your priorities straight.
Whatever you do, remember that the packing will require a lot of effort, so make sure to plan everything as early as you can. Many unpredictable things can happen so starting the process early is the best possible option.
Medical check-ups
Schedule every medical appointment you need to make in advance. Taking into account the COVID pandemic, you’d probably have to test negative before you’re allowed in the United Kingdom. Also, immunization against some seasonal diseases might be necessary to enter and work in the country. Make sure to inform yourself about these things before you book your flight.
Also, make sure to get all the medication you need since getting registered in their medical system can be a lengthy process. Research about the laws in the UK when it comes to medications since you might be forced to look for alternatives.
Settling in
Finding a place to stay is the most important thing to do before you move. Luckily for you, there is a wide range of different housing options available in the UK. Make sure to research everything and find the optimal location for your needs.
Since you probably don’t know anyone in the area, your life there may seem a bit scary at the beginning. Thankfully, we live in a digital age, so access to important information is only one click away. There is a lot of great online resources like Kevsbest.co.uk where you can find ratings of all the different services you need for making your life comfortable while you’re in the UK.
Notify your friends and family
If you’re going away for a long time, taking time to say your goodbyes is very important. Of course, meeting with everyone important in your life will take some time. This is why you should plan everything in detail, and ensure you won’t miss a chance to say goodbye to everyone. Who knows? Maybe someone has family or friends in the UK, and they can help you settle in.
A good way to share your decision with everyone is through social media. Still, make sure to notify everyone you want to see before your departure. Plan everything out so you don’t end up having to do everything at the last minute. Also, you have to give space to your loved ones to organize their time too.
The takeaway
Moving to a foreign country is an exciting milestone in everyone’s life. Still, it’s a process that requires a lot of planning and organizing.
To make the best of it, you should start your preparations as early as possible. Remember to prepare the required paperwork, book a flight, find a place to stay, and leave enough space to say your goodbyes. If you plan everything early on, the moving process will be simple and easy and you’ll be prepared to deal with any unexpected circumstances.
