If you are a private renter that is considering leaving the UK for a lifestyle surrounded by sun – you may want to consider a few of these suggestions that our friends at the man and van London have come up with before you decide on moving.

Many private owners and renters consider moving out of the UK every year, with an estimated 123,000 Brits leaving the UK in 2015. However, before you make any commitments, there are a few things that you need to seriously consider.

Taking Your First Steps Out of the UK

It can be very tempting to load everything up and get going straight away. However, it is so important to get yourself organised and prepared effectively. Something that many removal experts suggest is to pack lightly in the early stages of moving abroad. Only take the necessary items that you need and double the amount of money that you intend on taking with you.

Another thing worth doing is budgeting effectively for absolutely everything. Just as you would if you were moving into a new rental property in the UK, make sure that you consider rental/mortgage payments, flights (either one way or return), removal costs and storage, any relevant visas, legal fees and take every emergency precaution that you can think of just to be on the safe side.

Let’s recap the first things to consider.

Make sure that you only pack your essentials. Only take the things that you 100% need during a house move. Don’t be tempted to take bags and bags of clothes and sun bathing gear – you’re not going to need it any time soon.

Another thing worth sorting before you leave is any debts or finance that you currently have in your name. It will make moving a lot easier and certainly settle your conscience.

Consider the Costs of Living

If we could, I am sure that most Brits would want to live abroad. Guaranteed sun and a great quality of life. However, there is one thing worth considering and that is the cost of your lifestyle.

For example, Berlin is considerably cheaper to live in than London. Relocating to Germany wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted a great lifestyle with cheaper costs. However, Scandinavian countries have a reputation for being rather expensive.

If you want to relocate to a new country consider the living costs such as rental payments, food, transportation, commuting to a place of work and everything else that you consider here in the UK.

Recap

Moving at the best of times is exciting, let alone to a new country with a new language and lifestyle.

Make sure that you travel light in the early stages. It will be cheaper and help you remain organised. Make sure that you carry plenty of money with you and store it safely. You never know what scenarios may arise during your time there, especially mid-move.

Costs of living in other countries could be a lot lower than they are here in the UK. For example, living costs in South Africa are extremely cheap – although they are compromised by other factors such as the crime rate and political views.