Moving abroad can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Aside from making dozens of arrangements with international movers and other third parties related to the move, you also need to prepare yourself for a change in culture, a possible change in language, and a whole new adventure ahead.

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for a move abroad will put you ahead of the game when it’s time to start planning your relocation. In order to help you start thinking about planning your move to another country, our team at RC Mason Movers, a top-rated Boston moving company, will share some of our greatest tips for surviving an international move and what you can do to make the most out of the experience.

1. Hire Professional Services to Organize Your Move

Local or long-distance moving can be complicated and stressful. For international moves, however, relocation can be downright chaotic. Plenty of organization, time, and patience is required to handle everything that goes into a move abroad—from filling out and registering address changes, visa applications, passport registry, subscription, and services cancellations, packing, crating, and shipping.

When moving abroad, it makes sense to hire professional, international movers who can assist you with almost all aspects of your long-distance move—from packing down to the transportation of your items.

2. Find Housing Before Your Arrival

When moving abroad, you’ll likely need to make arrangements for temporary housing in a hotel, motel, or an air-bnb before arriving into your permanent home. If you are moving for work, discuss moving with your employer and learn what they are willing to provide for you upon your arrival. Learn all that you can about move-in dates, lease agreements, and rental deposits (and any other information that you can) before arriving into the new city, so that there won’t be any issues or surprises.

If you’re responsible for finding your own housing or moving independently, it’s essential to meet with a real estate agent to properly plan your move. Consider making a separate trip before your actual move to set your housing plans in stone. Whether you’re renting or buying your home, making sure that the deal is legitimate and confirmed with a legal contract is essential to the moving process.

3. You Will Get Homesick

Homesickness is normal after moving abroad. Culture shock, along with regret for the friends and family you’ve left behind can sometimes feel depressing and intense, especially if you’re feeling isolated or alone. As normal as it can be to feel homesick sometimes, it shouldn’t overtake your experience completely.

Try and look at your new experience in a foreign country as an exciting adventure, and as an opportunity that you can use to grow as a person. Meet as many people as you can, and become involved in hobbies or activities that you love. Connecting with others will help you become more attached to your environment and will keep the feelings of homesickness from diminishing the richness of your experience.

4. Learn to Go with the Flow

It’s true that every country has its quirks. For instance, dinner starts at 10pm rather than 6pm in certain countries; afternoon naps are common in some and nonexistent in others; and in various parts of the world, there’s an entire day that’s dedicated to relaxation, rest, and comfort—a custom that might not make sense to those coming from other cultures.

Resisting these differences won’t help you adjust to the new culture—and will likely set you back in your efforts to acclimate and enjoy your new lifestyle. Instead, embrace these differences and learn to go with the flow—which will make you much happier in the long run.

5. Mastering Different Cultures and a New Language Takes Time

Unless you’re a certified genius with an extraordinarily exceptional memory, learning a new language obviously takes time and effort. Along the same lines, learning a new culture (and mastering it) takes plenty of time and effort as well. With this, it is important to take some effort in reading on basic etiquette and manners particular to the country you’re moving into. This will help you know what to expect when interacting with new people and making friends in your new environment.

The Most Trusted International Movers

Are you looking for a way to enjoy a hassle-free move abroad? Since 1948, R.C. Mason Movers has been the most trusted Boston moving company, providing quality and secure services such as packing, moving, and crating. Being a proud agent of Atlas Van Lines, we can assist with local, long-distance, and even international moves.


With our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, modern moving vehicles, efficient system, and highly trained staff, R.C. Mason Movers can make your relocation as smooth as possible. If you want to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call today to speak with one of our moving consultants. You may also fill out this online form to schedule a free, in-home estimate and consultation for your upcoming international move.