Planning a move abroad? Discover three common mistakes expats make when relocating and how to avoid them. Get expert tips to ensure a smoother transition.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing to Move Abroad (And What to Do Instead)
Moving abroad is more than a change of address—it’s a major life transition. While packing boxes and booking flights often take center stage, some of the most critical parts of the process are less obvious. Based on my experience as both a seasoned expat and an expat coach, I’ve seen how a few key oversights can make settling into your new life more difficult than it needs to be.
Here are three common mistakes people make when preparing for an international move—and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Overlooking Emotional Closure
When preparing to relocate, most people focus on logistics—housing, visas, paperwork. But there’s another layer that often gets overlooked: emotional closure.
Saying goodbye isn’t just about people. It’s about acknowledging the end of a chapter in your life. Without this closure, you might find it harder to adjust once you arrive in your new country.
What to do instead:
Take the time to honor your relationships, routines, and surroundings. Host a farewell gathering, write personal notes to friends, or revisit favorite places. Small gestures—like gifting a keepsake or sharing a meaningful memory—can create powerful moments of closure that help you move forward with clarity and peace.
2. Waiting Too Long to Make Connections
A common myth about moving abroad is that friendships will naturally form once you settle in. While it’s possible, building meaningful relationships in a new country often takes time and intentional effort.
What to do instead:
Start before you even leave. Use online communities, Facebook groups, or expat forums to find people in your destination country. Reach out, introduce yourself, and schedule a virtual coffee chat. Having even a few familiar faces when you arrive can ease the transition and help you feel more connected from day one.
3. Focusing Too Much on Why You’re Leaving
It’s natural to reflect on why you’re making this big move—maybe you’re seeking a better lifestyle, escaping a frustrating situation, or pursuing a dream. But becoming overly fixated on your “why” can actually hold you back.
What to do instead:
Shift your focus to your “what for.” Ask yourself: What am I looking forward to? What do I want to build, experience, or grow into in this next chapter? Clarifying your purpose adds motivation and positivity to the process. If you’re moving with family, encourage everyone to define their own hopes and goals—it creates alignment and shared excitement.
Start Your Expat Journey on the Right Foot
Avoiding these three common mistakes can make all the difference in your move abroad. Emotional closure, early connection-building, and a forward-focused mindset are the foundation for a smoother, more fulfilling transition.
Looking for expert guidance on your move abroad?
The Expat Journey Program offers step-by-step support, live workshops, expert interviews, and a private community to help you prepare, move, and thrive abroad.
Start your journey with confidence—click here to learn more.
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