Moving overseas during COVID-19 – doable or not?

Moving internationally is difficult and stressful at the best of times. When we are living through an unprecedented global pandemic, it may even seem impossible. But is it really? After all, international moving experts are still hard at work today, helping people relocate to their new homes even now. So it should be possible to move abroad despite the coronavirus pandemic. However, the answer to whether moving overseas during COVID-19 is possible is not that simple. There are several layers of consideration to take into account before you make your decision.

Is moving overseas during COVID-19 possible?

There’s really no simple yes or no answer to whether you can move to another country right now. Logistically speaking, you should have no issues. You can still get high-quality overseas relocation services from many moving companies. Most airlines are operating with additional safety measures and you can drive across state and country borders. However, different countries (and different states for that matter) are handling the pandemic differently and implementing measures of different severity. So whether you personally can move right now really depends on where exactly you are moving.

Do your research thoroughly and stay updated

The majority of US states are currently in some phase of reopening and relaxing the safety measures. Similarly, most countries in the world are going through a staged reopening. Some, however, are further along than others. This means that certain countries are still keeping their borders closed. On the other hand, others may be encouraging travel to stimulate the economy. It all depends on whether they have the pandemic under control. So it’s important to look at the regulations of the country you’re moving to.

If you’re moving from USA to Europe, you might face some problems. Many EU countries are rejecting American citizens at the border. Certain non-EU countries (particularly in the Eastern block), however, have opened their borders to US citizens. The situation is also very different across different Asian and Latin American countries, with some maintaining strict lockdowns while others allow travel. Official advice and regulations are changing, too. So it’s important to keep an eye on the situation in your destination country constantly.

Is moving overseas during COVID-19 smart?

The question of whether you can move abroad is not the only one to consider. You should also ask yourself if you should move right now. The answer, once again, is not a simple yes or no.

Postpone moving if you can

People don’t make the decision to move to another country lightly. You might be relocating for work or starting your studies at a foreign university. If that’s the case, you might have deadlines you need to meet. Maybe you’ve already sold your home or your lease is up and you have nowhere to stay. So postponing the relocation may not be a realistic option for you. However, if there’s any way to do so, it’s better to push your relocation to a later date. When the situation is more stable, it’ll be easier to plan and execute a move. Not to mention, you’ll be safer during it.

Avoid moving if you’re at risk

While COVID-19 is highly infectious and almost anyone can be affected by it, some are more likely to suffer than others. People with compromised immune systems are far more likely to catch the disease. And that’s not the only concern. The elderly, the immuno-compromised, and people with underlying conditions (especially of respiratory nature) are more likely to deal with severe cases and consequences if infected. If you belong to any of the at-risk groups, moving right now could be dangerous for you. Even if you’re moving from USA to Australia, a country with excellent healthcare, you would still be exposing yourself to serious risks of long-term consequences. So for your own good, you should try rescheduling your move.

How to make moving overseas during COVID-19 safer?

If you cannot postpone your relocation abroad or are simply willing to take the risk, you should at least know how to protect yourself and others as much as possible. Minimizing the risk of transmission during the move is in the best interest of both you and everyone around you.

Minimize contact with unfamiliar people

During an overseas move, you will certainly come into contact with all sorts of new people. From your movers to your fellow passengers on the plane, everyone is a potential COVID carrier. To avoid catching the disease, you should avoid contact with others as much as possible. Rely on the help of the people you know and are already in frequent contact with. Hire movers you can trust and then let them pack your home while you’re not there. Book plane tickets for your entire family to sit together. All this will lower the chances of you getting sick.

Follow medical advice and legal restrictions

The safety measures advised by medical professionals are there to keep you safe. And in some places across the world, they’re implemented strictly. So make sure to read up the latest information on COVID and how to protect yourself from it both from US sources and the officials of the country you’re moving to. Wear gloves and a mask, keep your distance from others, avoid big crowds, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently.

Take good care of yourself and your health

You don’t want to start your new life in a foreign country sick. So take every precaution you can to protect yourself. Eat well, rest a lot, take vitamins to boost your immune system and follow the advice from experts on how to protect yourself. If you notice that you’re not feeling well, seek medical help. Moving overseas during COVID-19 and staying safe at the same time is not impossible. But it will require some extra care and effort.