Moving to Europe can be an exciting life change. It can also be one of the most stressful. Figuring out how to move is hard enough, and moving to another continent takes things to another level.
There’s no reason for you to be scared about your big move. So long as you stay organized, your move should go smoothly.
In this article, we’ll go over the things you should do before you take the final steps.
- Pick a Country
Europe is a continent with many diverse cultures.
While there are many similarities between countries, some are very different.
For example, Italian culture is very different from German culture. Do a bit of research and figure out which country best suits your lifestyle.
If you’re moving for work, you might not have the luxury of picking which country you want to live in.
In this case, learn as much as you can about the country before moving.
Read some books by local authors. Try some of the country’s famous dishes before moving.
Reach out to people you know who’ve visited and ask what it’s like to live there. There are lots of websites featuring information for expats.
You don’t want to travel all the way to a new place only to learn that you don’t like it.
- Know the Laws
Going through the legal aspects of moving differs from country to country. Make sure to check with the country’s laws to ensure that you can actually move and work there.
Once you arrive, you’ll need to know what rules to follow.
Europe has a reputation for being a destination for partying and a free lifestyle. However, not all countries have legalized substances like marijuana.
Here is a list of European countries and their laws regarding cannabis.
Other laws to consider are laws regarding taxes, working hours for foreigners, and health care.
- Find a Place to Live
If you’re taking all of your stuff with you, you’re going to want to unpack as soon as possible.
You’re not going to be able to unpack if you’re staying in a hotel.
Ideally, you’ll want to have a place picked out before you move.
If you don’t want to put a deposit down on a place you haven’t seen, look into renting an apartment for a few months.
A long-term rental will give you the opportunity to look around and find a place you really love.
Sometimes you might not know where exactly you want to live until you get there.
Property laws can be tricky for foreigners. Consult with a real estate agent for accurate information.
Keep in mind that having a house in Europe is relatively rare. Most people live in apartments because of the limited space.
- Learn the Language
The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it.
That being said, it’s not a bad idea to at least learn some basics before you head out.
If you have the time, take a language class before leaving or hire a tutor.
For those who don’t have much time, a language learning app is a good way to learn some of the basic building blocks of a language.
Here is a list of some of the best language apps.
Apps are great for building a foundation, but don’t expect to get fluent with them.
The only way to truly learn a language is to speak it on a regular basis. This will be difficult when you first move. Keep trying and don’t get discouraged.
Luckily, most Europeans speak very good English. When it comes to important stuff like legal contracts, make sure there’s no miscommunications.
- Have Fun
Europe is a wonderful place to live.
The food is great, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed than the U.S.
You need to go through all the legal hurdles and logistics of moving, but don’t forget to relax a bit.
Travel to nearby countries and visit as many museums as you can. Or take a trip to the opera.
Enjoy everything Europe has to offer.
Conclusion
Moving is going to be stressful. But if you make sure to go through these steps, the process should be a bit easier. Bon voyage!
