Moving to a new city is exciting, especially if it’s your first time doing so. You’re likely eager about the unique experiences and opportunities you’ll receive in your new environment. But there are also the not-so-fun issues that you can’t afford overlook, like the mental aspect of relocating. It’s crucial to check in with yourself before such a significant change in your life to ensure that you’re ready for your first relocation. 
Before relocating for the first time, here are 5 questions to ask yourself to see if you’re prepared for the big move.
1. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone?
The answer to this may seem straightforward, but doing it is a lot easier said than done. Whether you’re prepared for it or not, life is going to throw you a bunch of new experiences when you move to somewhere new. While some experiences may be pleasant, you’re bound to face some issues that you will need to work through and tackle.
Although you may prepare beforehand, the reality is that you can’t anticipate everything. The problems that you come across once you relocate are likely to be things you’ve never experienced before back home. Being ready to move doesn’t mean having to prepare for every single emergency you might face. But it does mean that you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and adapt to overcome these issues.
2. Are you prepared to handle the cultural differences?
You will need to adapt in order to assimilate into your new country. Lifestyle habits that you’ve grown used to throughout the years may have to be adjusted and re-learnt to suit the practices of your new country. Do stores close earlier? Does work continue after office hours? These are cultural differences that you may need to consider when you move.
However, despite adapting to these differences, you may still feel like an outsider in your new home country. There might still be subtleties that make you stand out as a foreigner, such as the way you dress and speak – and that’s okay. What’s important is that you learn to accept and make the best out of your situation.
3. Are you okay with leaving the people you know?
Moving to another country may be especially daunting if you’re leaving your family and friends behind – and it can get pretty lonely. With that said, being able to accept this dynamic change in your relationships back home is critical in your readiness to relocate. You’ll need to adjust to new ways of communicating with your loved ones.
But not to worry! It’s not too difficult now that there are many social platforms available for you to chat on and stay connected. If you’re moving to somewhere in a different time zone, there will be additional challenges in communication that you’ll need to adapt to.
Stepping out of your comfort zone also comes into play in this area as you’ll need to put yourself out there and build a new network in your new country, in addition to your existing one back home.
4. Are you capable of financing your new life?
It’s crucial that you think this one through very carefully. While it may seem exciting that you’ve gotten a new job that pays you highly, there are other factors that you need to take into consideration; like taxes. The cost of living in your new country may also be higher than the one back home, and you may now need to fork up more money for rent, insurance and other expenses.
Do your research before moving and carefully calculate your expenses to make sure that you’ll have enough funds to finance your new life.
5. Do you have a backup plan?
Things may not always work out according to plan, so it’s essential to have a backup plan just in case. Whether it’s to move to another country or back home, this is something that you need to think through before making the step to relocate for the first time. Nonetheless, don’t beat yourself up over it if it doesn’t work out. With every curveball that life has thrown you, embrace the experience, opportunity and lesson that you might not have discovered otherwise.
Conclusion
In addition to these questions, you’ll also need to think of the logistical aspect of moving. That’s what Moovaz is here for! We offer global relocation services to make your moving experience more seamless and efficient. As one of Singapore’s trusted removalists, we provide a range of services from packing and storage, to equipping you with resources to aid in your moving journey.
