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Moving abroad with your family can be a big challenge, but it could also be the best decision you ever make. Millions of families have done it, many have moved to another country and have loved it so much they had made it their permanent home, or others have gone for an experience, and when they have done that, they had some fun and perhaps saved some money, they have gone home. You could be considering a move for work purposes or just seeking a new adventure for your family, but either way when moving with a family then finances will likely be top of the list of considerations, followed by finding schools and childcare services and healthcare facilities, so it’s important to do your homework and get the right place for you.
Moving to a new country doesn’t come without its challenges as most things worth having can be tough, but once the hard work is over, it’s worth it. There’s paperwork to contend with, finding an immigration law attorney, learning new customs, adapting to new laws, learning new languages, or overcoming language barriers and cultural differences. There are days when you will battle just to open a local bank account and get your first SIM card, and this can either be all part of the fun or very stressful. However, you look at it, moving to a new country is always going to be an emotional transition that takes time to adjust to. But what are the reasons you might consider uprooting your family for, and are they worth it?
Many people move abroad for a better quality of life, and this includes a lower cost of living. While you might initially look at the accommodation prices and think they are expensive, often, what you get is far more value for money than you would at home. For example, in London, you might pay over £1000 for a tiny room under the stairs, but in another country, you could get a huge apartment which comes with access to a gym and a pool. Also, you have to look at what you would be earning and a relocation package. Many jobs offer a package that will pay for your kids’ school, your spouse may not have to work, your health insurance is covered, and you get a flight home each year.
International schools offer an excellent education for kids, but also some other countries have excellent education systems, for example, Children’s education and kids’ well-being in New Zealand topped the Family Life Index with 91% of expats saying they are generally satisfied with the friendliness of the locals towards families with children in New Zealand. Expats in New Zealand say they don’t find it hard to get used to the local culture, with 77% agreeing that they feel at home there. New Zealand’s schooling system is similar to the UK’s.
Moving to a completely new country can be daunting, which is why you may want to consider taking your belongings with you. Many people may choose to start fresh when they arrive in their new location, but if you want some familiarity and items to remind you of back home, it may want to consider shipping your possessions. You can transport your furniture, pets, and anything else you want to take with you. If you are looking to transport your vehicle, you should use a place like https://carsrelo.com/what-we-ship/car/ to ensure your car gets to the new destination as safely as possible. Having these familiar items with you may allow you to settle in much quicker.
If you are considering moving abroad but you are not sure where to go and are not dictated to by a job or family, then have a look at the Family Life Index to see where certain countries rank and what others have to say about their experience living there.