If I Wanted to Move Abroad in the Next 6 Months, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do

(From someone who’s done it 3 times, survived, and still loves a good croissant)

Let me start by saying: if you’re here because you’ve got that itch—a serious, can’t-ignore-it, stay-up-at-2am Googling “how to move abroad with kids while broke” itch—you’re in the right place.

Because honey, I’ve been where you are.

Three times, actually. Three international moves over 11 years.

I’m basically an expert at the chaos, the panic, the excitement, and the “OMG what have I gotten myself into” spiral.

And let me save you a little time and mental energy right now:

Nobody—nobody—feels ready to move abroad.
Nobody.
Not me, not the woman with a dozen passports, not the girl who packed her entire life in a carry-on.

You don’t need to wait until you’re confident, fearless, or perfectly organized.

The perfect time? It’s a unicorn. It doesn’t exist.

So here’s what I’d do if I wanted to move abroad in the next six months.

No fluff. No BS. Just the cold hard truths and the juicy, practical steps that make it happen.

1. I’d Pick ONE Country and Stop Dating the Entire Continent

First thing’s first: stop scrolling.

Stop bookmarking.
Stop pinballing between Portugal, Mexico, Germany, Japan, and “oh, what about New Zealand?!”

You’re not getting married here. You’re not pledging allegiance to a new homeland forever (unless you want to, then cool — but still, start somewhere).

Researching a million countries feels productive but it’s just procrastination disguised as planning.

It’s a comfy way to avoid decision fatigue, fear, and the real work of actually moving.

If you want momentum, pick one. Just one.

The place that makes you feel something—curious, excited, even nervous. Because clarity beats chaos every day of the week.

Pro tip: You can always change your mind later. Moving abroad is rarely a one-and-done deal. You’ll pivot, learn, adapt—but you can’t do any of that until you pick a direction and start walking.

2. I’d Scan Every Important Document Like a Type-A Capricorn on a Deadline

(oh wait, I AM a Type-A Capricorn ...)

Here’s where most people lose their minds—me included.

Because governments love nothing more than paperwork.

And the paperwork they want will come at you like a surprise plot twist in a thriller.

Except the thriller involves birth certificates, apostilles, and way too many photocopies.

Start now—don’t wait until two weeks before your consulate appointment and definitely not the day you book your flight.

The checklist looks something like this:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months, preferably longer)

• Birth certificates (yours, your spouse’s, your kid’s, your mom's if you’re asking nicely)

• Marriage certificates (or divorce decree if your passport name ≠ birth name)

• Academic transcripts and diplomas

• Job letters or proof of income

• Police clearance or background checks

• Proof of accommodation

• Health insurance info

Scan every document twice and back it up to the cloud AND an external drive.

You don’t want to be that person frantically emailing themselves a blurry PDF at 3 AM.

Trust me, a little paranoia here saves major panic later.

3. I’d Stop Telling People Who’ve Never Left Their Hometown What I’m Planning

This is one of the hardest but most underrated moves you can make.

When you start talking about leaving, people will respond with confusion, concern, or unsolicited advice. And most of the time, it’s not helpful.

They’ll ask:

• “Why would you leave everything behind?”

• “But what about your job/friends/family?”

• “Are you sure this isn’t just a phase?”

These questions sound innocent but they slow. you. down.
They make you second guess yourself, drown in guilt, and stall your plans.

Your dream is yours.

Guard it like it’s your last cookie on a bad day.

Share it only with people who get it or who cheer for you regardless.

4. I’d Make Tiny, Boring Moves Like Someone with Main Character Energy

You don’t have to have a five-year plan.

You don’t have to drop everything tomorrow.

But you do need momentum. And momentum comes from action—even the tiniest steps.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Cancel subscriptions you don’t use (hello, 3 streaming platforms you forgot about)

• Sell the stuff you won’t bring (yes, even that IKEA bookshelf you love)

• Open a separate savings account just for your move (call it “Escape Fund” if it helps)

• Download one visa application form and actually read it (bonus points if you fill out part of it)

• Block a weekend to deep dive on one country’s visa process

Doing one small thing every day or every week creates a snowball effect.

Before you know it, you’re actually moving—not just dreaming.

5. I’d Stop Asking If I’m Ready and Start Acting Like I’m Done Settling

Here’s the kicker: you’ll never feel ready.

You’ll always have doubts, fears, and that annoying little voice whispering “what if it doesn’t work?”
The question is: are you done waiting?

🤨 Are you done spending years in a life that doesn’t fit you?
🤨 Are you done telling yourself “someday” while everything around you feels stuck?
🤨 Are you done with feeling powerless?

If yes, then the answer is simple: you start now.

Scared, messy, imperfect, but moving forward anyway.

Real Talk: Perfection is the Enemy of Progress

Wanting to have everything planned, perfected, and lined up before you start is the biggest trap. It’s how people get stuck.

Moving abroad is messy.

You’ll make mistakes.

You’ll change plans.

You’ll stress.

But you’ll also grow in ways you never imagined.

So here’s my advice:

Start messy. Start imperfect. Start today.

Bonus: The Free Visa Checklist You Actually Need

Because I know that even with all this sass and pep talk, the paperwork and logistics can still feel like a brick wall.

That’s why I made a free personalized visa checklist to help you figure out exactly what you need for your unique situation. No fluff, no guesswork.

Grab it here

Final Words

Moving abroad is one of the hardest, scariest, and most rewarding things you’ll ever do.

I’m not here to pretend it’s easy. It’s not.

But if you’re ready to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start building a life you actually want, you can do this.

I did it three times, with a kid, a budget, and a whole lot of Google tabs open.

You’re already more ready than you think.

Now, get to it.