Family Finances

Are you moving abroad? Regardless of whether you’re being posted overseas with the military or just craving a new adventure, you’ll have a few things to do before you start packing.

There’s a lot of work involved with moving overseas. But with good planning, your move doesn’t have to be stressful. While those of you moving for a military assignment get support from your command, there are still things you need to do yourself. And if you have a family or pets, you’ll have some extra steps to cover.

Whether you’re heading to South Korea, Qatar, Japan, Germany, or somewhere in between, an overseas move can be an exciting time. Start your planning as early as possible and use this handy moving abroad checklist to make everything go as smoothly as possible.

Use this moving abroad checklist to smooth your move

These recommendations apply to anyone—military or civilian—who has an overseas move in their future.

• Build an emergency savings fund. Even if the DoD is moving you, there will still be expenses you’ll need to cover yourself.
  
  
• Learn as much as you can about your destination, including language, food, weather, money, holidays, and even cultural norms such as tipping, attire, and more. Pay particular attention to information oriented to expats—people living outside their home country. If possible, talk with someone about their experience living overseas as early as you can.
  
  
• Many people find it helpful to stay organized with a physical binder or folder on your computer to store the information you find. Divide it into sections (i.e., paperwork, housing, money, etc.) so things are easy to find.
  
  
• Determine what documentation is required and get your paperwork in order (passport, visa, work permit, military orders, birth certificates, and others).
  
  
• Consider learning some key phrases in your new home’s language if English is not widely spoken. You may also want to familiarize yourself with some online translation apps that can be used if you get into a language jam.
  
  
• Housing is one of those things you don’t want to leave until the last moment. Even if you’re squared away on housing, you may need to stay in a hotel or a short-term rental until you can move in so be sure to budget for these types of upfront expenses. You may need to ask for help to get set up for utilities.
  
  
• Your living arrangements will help you decide what household items you need to ship versus store or sell. Moving household goods can be very expensive, so only bring what can’t be purchased in your new country. Plus, pay attention to the voltage differences of foreign countries, and make sure you can even use what you’re taking. And when it comes time to move, make sure you keep detailed documentation of everything, with pictures and purchase receipts if you are able.
  
  
• Identify your banking options and determine how you’ll manage money while you’re overseas. Some people struggle with this at first, since living overseas can feel like a big, long vacation. This is why it’s even more important to set a realistic budget and track your spending.
  
  
• Experts recommend that you keep your existing bank relationship, so that you can continue to make online bill payments. This also helps protect your credit.
  
  
• Determine how you’ll get around. Study your public transportation options or learn about your driver’s licensing requirements if you plan to get a car. If you plan to drive, either your own vehicle or an occasional rental, talk with your insurance broker to determine the type of insurance you’ll need.
  
  
• Plan your communications: get a local SIM card for your mobile device and learn about your internet/Wi-Fi connection options.
  
  
• Determine how you’ll get health care and get additional insurance if needed. If you’re not in the military, your access may depend on your visa and work arrangements. And don’t forget about your prescriptions; not all may be accessible in your new home, so talk with your doctor about your options
  
  
• If you have children, you’ll need to research schools to learn about enrollment options.
  
  
• Choose a moving company that specializes in international moves and talk with them well in advance of your moving date to get a firm quote and secure their services. They will have advice for sorting, organizing, and packing your items. Be sure to also ask for savings tips.
  
  
• Meet with your accountant since you’ll need to continue to file your U.S. taxes even while you’re living abroad. Also, meet with your financial advisor so that your financial goals and savings plans can be adjusted according to your new situation.
  
  
• There are many requirements for taking pets abroad, so if you want to take Fluffy or Fido with you, you’ll have to take extra steps. Also, research to identify veterinarian services in your new country, so that you know what to expect.
  
  
• Once you arrive, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows the U.S. Department of State to notify you of any safety threats in your new country.

Special considerations for military moves

If you’re facing a PCS abroad, you’ll also need to take some extra steps.

• Learn about and take advantage of all financial support you are eligible for from the DoD. Track your expenses, keep all your receipts, and don’t delay the process to get reimbursed.
  
  
• Deciding whether to live on or off base is a big decision, but depending on your destination, you may have to wait for on-base housing. Rely on support from the base housing office for assistance here.
  
  
• Learn about any restrictions you have regarding communications. You may want to consider getting set up with a secure messaging app like Signal or WhatsApp if it’s allowed so that you can still stay connected with everyone back in the States.
  
  
• Start thinking now about what you’ll take with you, what you’ll ship, what you’ll store, and what you’ll sell. Don’t underestimate the amount of time it takes to manage your household goods!
  
  
• When moving your household goods, know that there will be some restrictions on what you can take, or when it will arrive. Again, your base housing office will provide guidance. You should also coordinate through the Defense Personal Property System for moving and storage services.
  
  
• Shipping a vehicle is another consideration, but you’ll need to learn about any size and weight restrictions in your new country. Or you may want to take advantage of special new car pricing for military personnel stationed overseas.
  
  
• Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools are often the first choice of those serving overseas, although private or local schools may also be an option. It may be helpful to talk with other parents at your new duty station about what they chose to do for their children and why.

Embrace the experience

Even if living abroad wasn’t part of your plan—which can be common with military careers—living overseas is a dream for many, a great time to try new things and learn about new cultures. Reduce the stress of moving with some planning and this helpful checklist. And then do your best to enjoy the adventure.