Contents

Your Essential Guide To International Removals: What To Expect And How To Prepare

How Can Employers Support Staff When Moving Overseas For Work?

Why Choose Galleon International For Your Overseas Move?

Contact Us To Find Out More

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Your Essential Guide To International Removals: What To Expect And How To Prepare

Relocating to another country can be an exciting and life-changing experience but, understandably, it can also be a source of anxiety, particularly in the weeks and months leading up to the move. Overseas cultures, customs, and languages can be markedly different from the UK, while living in an unfamiliar place away from family and friends also pose a challenge to which it takes time to acclimatise.

For employers, whose staff are moving overseas to take up new positions, it’s natural to feel a strong sense of responsibility for their welfare. Moving abroad, while exciting and full of opportunity, can be daunting so, as an employer, you have a duty to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key considerations as you prepare for overseas relocation, the challenges that employees may face, and how employers can provide support to make the move as smooth and free from trouble as possible.

Why Do People Move Abroad?

In the 12 months ending June 2022, approximately 90,000 British citizens emigrated from the UK, with Australia, the US, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand among the most popular destinations. Emigration occurs for various reasons, including:

  • Career Prospects: Many people move abroad for better job opportunities, particularly in the IT, finance, and engineering sectors, whilst there are also many opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups in the United States and Canada.

  • Improved Quality Of Life: Some people move abroad in search of a better quality of life, such as a higher standard of living, a more relaxed pace of life, or a better climate.

  • New Experiences: Some people regard an overseas move as an adventure, offering an unmissable opportunity to experience a new culture, meet new people, and see new places.

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  • Family Relationships: Family reasons are another reason why some people move overseas from the UK, for example, to be closer to family members who live in another country or to live with a new partner.

  • Education: Studying abroad is a draw for many younger people, particularly as some overseas universities offer an affordable way to obtain a degree while providing tuition in English. Other educational institutions offer the chance for students to learn new language skills or specialise in a field that isn’t commonly found in the UK.

  • Retirement: According to statistics, more than 1 million UK pensioners receive a state pension while living abroad, confirming that, for many senior citizens, emigration offers the dream of a lower cost of living, a warmer climate, or a more relaxed lifestyle.

What Are The Challenges Of Moving Abroad?

Moving abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also pose significant challenges which can test your resilience and adaptability, particularly if you have a family. Recognising the hurdles you may face – and engaging with the support that your employer is able to offer – will help to simplify the process of moving overseas and reduce feelings of isolation or homesickness.

Cultural Differences

Every country has its own unique culture, and it can take time to adjust to new customs and ways of life. Moving abroad is especially challenging if your destination is outside Northern Europe: while countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway have a way of life that is not dissimilar to that of the UK and English is widely spoken, other regions are markedly different, with language barriers and traditions that can make it difficult for newcomers to feel at home and make friends.

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Isolation And Homesickness

Moving to a new country can be a lonely experience, especially if you are travelling alone or don’t know anyone in your new hometown or city. It’s natural to miss your family and friends in the UK, particularly if you have close relationships or an active social life, and you may feel that you don't belong in your new community. It's important to contact other expatriates who will be able to advise you about settling in, but you can also establish roots in your new home by accessing support groups and online forums which can help you to meet people.

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Administrative And Logistical Challenges

Moving to a new country can involve a high volume of paperwork which can be time-consuming and confusing to complete. You’ll need to apply for a visa, register with local authorities, and open a bank account, as well as find out about places to live, healthcare, and schools. If you’re unfamiliar with the local language, this process can be overwhelming! Contacting other British people living in the community will be invaluable as they will have local knowledge and will already have completed these steps when they moved abroad.

Adjusting To A New Work Culture

If you’re moving abroad for work, you’ll need to adjust to a new work culture, which may include different working hours, means of communication, and management styles. Language barriers may also be challenging: if you have a basic proficiency in a local language this is a great start, but communicating with colleagues or customers is an entirely different ball game, so start learning the language as early as possible. Once you’ve been living in a new country for a while, you’ll find that your language skills will rapidly improve.

Family And Social Support

If you’re moving overseas with children, you’ll need to find schools for them, and they may need extra emotional support to adjust to a new culture and to make new friends. Maintaining relationships with loved ones back home can also be difficult, especially if you are living in a different time zone. Fortunately, children are often more adaptable than adults, so will probably settle into their new life quickly.

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Your Essential Guide To Internaltional Removals

Are you gearing up for an international relocation and feeling a bit overwhelmed? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide is your key to a smooth and stress-free transition.

This guide explains:

✈ The challenges of moving abroad.

✈ How to prepare your staff when moving overseas for work.

✈ How employers can support staff in their move.

Fill in the provided form to download this FREE guide.

Top Tips To Prepare For An International Relocation

Undoubtedly, moving abroad can be a daunting task but, by following some simple tips, you can make the process easier and embrace the challenge with enthusiasm and eagerness:

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1 Research The Destination Country

This includes the culture, customs, climate, cost of living, local laws, and the job market. You can find this information online, in travel guides, and by talking to people who already live there.

2 Obtain Necessary Visas And Paperwork

The requirements for visas and paperwork vary depending on the country to which you are moving. You should start the process as early as possible as it can take many months to obtain a visa and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

3 Find A Reliable International Removal Specialist For Your Belongings And Pets

Moving overseas can be complex, so it’s important to choose a reputable removals company that has experience in international relocations. At Galleon International, we can help you to pack, ship, and unload your belongings safely and efficiently, as well as negotiate the maze of paperwork and regulations that comes with an overseas move.

4 Organise Your Possessions And Declutter!

Before you start to pack, take time to sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you don't need. This will save you money on shipping costs and make the move a lot less stressful.

5 Find Suitable Housing

If you’re moving for work, your employer may help you to find accommodation, even on a short-term basis. If not, you will need to carry out your own research and find a place that meets your needs and budget.

6 Notify Relevant Organisations

Make sure that you update your contact information with your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and other important organisations. You should also let your doctor and dentist know about your move so they can transfer your records to your new primary care provider.

7 Arrange Healthcare

Healthcare systems vary from country to country, so it’s important to research the system in the country to which you are moving to ensure that you understand how to access care and whether you will be charged for consultations. You may need to purchase private health insurance or register with the national healthcare system.

8 Obtain An International Driver's Licence

If you plan to drive in your new country, you may need to obtain an international driver's licence, which will ensure you can drive your own car legally or hire a rental vehicle.

9 Learn The Language!

If English is not widely spoken in your new country, learning the language to a decent conversational standard as soon as possible will help you to communicate with locals and carry out core day-to-day tasks, such as shopping, using the transport system, or booking appointments. Fluency in the local language may also be a prerequisite for finding work or even securing a work permit. There are many resources which can help you to learn a new language, such as online courses, apps, and language schools.

10 Find A Suitable School For Your Children

Remember that education systems vary around the world and entry ages vary. As well as local schools, there are many international schools that cater for expatriate children and teach lessons in English, so you should be able to find a school that meets your needs.

11 Arrange An Orientation Visit

Once you have secured housing and made other necessary arrangements, it’s a good idea to arrange an orientation visit, which will give you and your family a chance to explore your new town or city and to learn more about the area.

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How Can Employers Support Staff When Moving Overseas For Work?

For people who are moving overseas for work purposes, a programme of support from their employer can be instrumental in making the relocation easier, with fewer hurdles along the way. At Galleon International, we work directly with employers to help their staff with their overseas relocation.

Offer Comprehensive Relocation Support

Providing assistance with finding suitable accommodation, arranging for transportation, and helping with visa or immigration paperwork can be invaluable for employees as it can eliminate a lot of the stress from moving to a new country.

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Provide Cultural Training And Language Assistance

Employers should provide cultural training and language support to their employees to help them acclimatise to their new environment, particularly when they are relocating to countries that are markedly different from the UK. This can include language classes, cross-cultural training, and cultural immersion experiences, all of which can help employees to better understand and adjust to their new home.

Familiarise Employees With Local Laws And Customs

Cultural misunderstandings or legal issues may arise from a lack of knowledge and understanding of the customs and regulations that govern other countries, so ensuring employees are familiar with these will help to prevent problems. For example, employees should be made aware of the laws regarding taxation, employment, and healthcare to ensure that they fully comply with their obligations.

Provide Ongoing Support And Resources

The employer’s responsibilities don’t end when their worker arrives in their new home country; in fact, it’s only just the start of a long journey that will be made easier if the employer offers comprehensive ongoing support, such as regular check-ins with Human Resources, access to local support networks, and continual language and cultural training.

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Flexible Employment

Employees who are starting a new life abroad have many challenges to which they need to adjust, many of which are not work-related. Flexible employment can include adjusting work schedules, offering remote work options, and providing additional benefits or compensation to help ease the transition. Employees who are moving with their families, for example, may need flexible hours to accommodate childcare.

→ We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your relocation needs and provide you with a tailored quotation.

→ Domestic, European or International arrangement of Insurance options. Allowing full confidence that your belongings will be covered during the full relocation process., should the unthinkable happen, you won’t face financial losses.

→ We have a proven record of success in undertaking corporate relocations on time and within budget in compliance with ISO 9001 and quality assurance standard BS8564.

→ As a member of the British Association of Removers, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of service.

 

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Why Choose Galleon International For Your Overseas Move?

As a specialist international and domestic removals company, we are experts in corporate relocation to and from the UK and to overseas destinations. With over 40 years of experience in the sector, we have helped hundreds of businesses to relocate their employees overseas, on time and on budget.

1 Expertise In Overseas Moving

With a team of experienced relocation experts, we can help you to navigate the complex process of moving overseas. We understand the unique challenges of international relocation and can provide you with the support you need to make the process as smooth as possible.

2 Commitment To Unrivalled Customer Service

We are committed to providing our customers with unrivalled customer service. Because we understand that moving overseas can be a stressful experience, we go the extra mile to make it as easy as possible. Our team is always available to answer your questions and provide you with the support you need.

3 A Global Network Of Partners And Agents

With a global network of trusted partners and agents in over 100 countries, we can provide our customers with a seamless relocation experience, no matter where in the world they are moving.

 

 

4 Ability To Provide Tailored Solutions

We understand that every business is different, so we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each customer. We offer a variety of relocation solutions, including a full door-to-door relocation service, export packing, and freight forwarding, with long and short-term storage. We are here to support all individuals and businesses with their domestic and international relocation needs and are committed to providing our customers with the highest standard of service.

1 Expertise In Overseas Moving

With a team of experienced relocation experts, we can help you to navigate the complex process of moving overseas. We understand the unique challenges of international relocation and can provide you with the support you need to make the process as smooth as possible.

2 Commitment To Unrivalled Customer Service

We are committed to providing our customers with unrivalled customer service. Because we understand that moving overseas can be a stressful experience, we go the extra mile to make it as easy as possible. Our team is always available to answer your questions and provide you with the support you need.

3 A Global Network Of Partners And Agents

With a global network of trusted partners and agents in over 100 countries, we can provide our customers with a seamless relocation experience, no matter where in the world they are moving.

4 Ability To Provide Tailored Solutions

We understand that every business is different, so we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each customer. We offer a variety of relocation solutions, including a full door-to-door relocation service, export packing, and freight forwarding, with long and short-term storage. We are here to support all individuals and businesses with their domestic and international relocation needs and are committed to providing our customers with the highest standard of service.

3 A Global Network Of Partners And Agents

With a global network of trusted partners and agents in over 100 countries, we can provide our customers with a seamless relocation experience, no matter where in the world they are moving.

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4 Ability To Provide Tailored Solutions

We understand that every business is different, so we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each customer. We offer a variety of relocation solutions, including a full door-to-door relocation service, export packing, and freight forwarding, with long and short-term storage. We are here to support all individuals and businesses with their domestic and international relocation needs and are committed to providing our customers with the highest standard of service.

Galleon_Shipping_Guide-Your_Essential_Guide_To_International_Removals(10)

  • We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your relocation needs and provide you with a tailored quotation.

  • Domestic, European or International arrangement of Insurance options. Allowing full confidence that your belongings will be covered during the full relocation process., should the unthinkable happen, you won’t face financial losses.

  • We have a proven record of success in undertaking corporate relocations on time and within budget in compliance with ISO 9001 and quality assurance standard BS8564.

  • As a member of the British Association of Removers, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of service.
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Contact Us To Find Out More

If you’re preparing for an overseas relocation or are an employer who needs to move your staff abroad, our experienced team can help you to complete the move within your timescales and with minimal disruption.

For more information about our services, please contact Galleon International at +44 1708 868068 or send us a message. We’ll be delighted to work with you to expedite a smooth, stress-free move abroad.

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