Whether you’re moving to explore better opportunities abroad or to start a new life together in the same country, it’s exciting to move abroad with your significant other. While you won’t be going through the relocation alone and have the support of your partner, there are also challenges that come with couples relocating together abroad.
Relocating together is a significant decision made by both of you, and at times, it may test the strength of your relationship. To make the journey a little smooth-sailing, we share some tips for couples looking to move and start their expat life together.
1. Define your goals
Whether you’re going overseas for a new job, to have a change of pace, or even if you have interest in learning the local culture and language, defining your goals as a couple is the first essential step that should be taken.
Undeniably, you and your partner wish for a challenging yet fun experience together, but it’s crucial to discuss your specific expectations and aims of these expat dreams. Get to know how long both of you will be staying there for, when to return home or if travelling to neighbouring countries will also be an option. It’s necessary to ensure both of you are on the same page as this will pave the way for couples relocating together.
2. Manage stress properly
Relocating is taxing, and it’ll bring a plethora of challenges. From sourcing for a job and an apartment to making new friends, you’ll inevitably be homesick and might face financial setbacks throughout your journey. Stress is part and parcel of life, but if stress is not managed properly, this can lead to a breakdown in communication and emotional regularity.
It can be hard on your partner to constantly provide emotional support, especially if the relocation stress affects the both of you. Manage your own stress and find ways to relax and unwind. If there is a problem that needs to be addressed, talk things out with your partner calmly and work things out together. At the end of the day, both of you are a team, and getting through this without lashing out at each other will strengthen your bond.
3. Make big decisions together
As a couple, you are already used to making decisions together – but this is especially important when you’re travelling or living abroad. Whether it’s finding a new apartment or managing finances, these decisions are often packed with emotion and tension, so the potential for conflict is always present. It may seem insignificant, but your partner might want their opinion to be heard and valued too. Couples relocating together should decide on things together and how it can benefit the both of you, or be upfront and honest if it’s something that you wish to do for your own needs.
4. Establish a new routine together and separately
Feelings of isolation can set in especially during the first few months overseas as an expat, when the surrounding culture and language are foreign to you. Going abroad as a couple can relieve that loneliness but keep in mind that it also places more pressure on your relationship when your significant other is your primary social outlet.
Make the effort to form friendships and build a new social circle. You can do this by joining gyms, taking classes or chat up with someone online. Create your own routine and have some breathing room between you and your partner for a healthier relationship. When it’s time to spend some time together, establish new norms and patterns that the both of you might not be able to bring along from your home country. This can be scheduling for date nights or even everyday routines like carpooling together to work.
Conclusion
To further ease your relocation experience, engage our trusted international moving services here at Moovaz. Whether you’d like to relocate to Manchester, or if you’re looking for reliable relocation services to Singapore, our dedicated removalists will take you anywhere in the world! From packing to storage, we also assist to deliver your belongings safely and provide you with resources for a smooth moving journey ahead.
