A permanent move abroad is a big decision; not one to be taken lightly. There are many things you will need to arrange, both in the UK and in your chosen country. Take the time to plan your move and you can get off to a great start.

Where to go?

Make sure you've researched your location well. You need to make sure it has enough to support you all year round – not just in the holiday season. If you have children, you need to think about friends and schooling; if you're retiring, you need to see what other activities are available to you. Most of all, you want to be absolutely sure that you're emigrating to the right place for you to make a new life.

How can you fund your new life?

You will need to think about how you are going to manage your money. Will you maintain a UK bank account, or move all your money to your new country? Do banks operate in the same way in your new location, or will you have to get used to a new system? Should you give someone power of attorney over your money whilst you're out of the country? How and where will you pay tax? All of these questions need to be considered before moving abroad. Talking to an independent financial adviser can help you to get your finances in order before you move.

What should you take with you?

Now's a good time to have a clear out of your possessions. Re-cycle, sell or donate those things that you no longer want, to avoid waste. Think about what you need to take with you and decide whether other furniture and possessions need to go into storage. Get several removal quotes, including packing so that you know how much to put aside for this part of the move. If you're selling your home, make sure that you can sell it quickly, because you'll need the capital to fund your emigration.

How will you look after yourself?

In most other countries, you will have to pay for your healthcare. Make sure that you've included this in your costs, particularly if you are retiring abroad. Even if you are fit and healthy now, you never know what state your health will be in a few years down the line and you must know enough about your new medical system to be able to get help when you need it.

How will you communicate?

Unless you're emigrating to somewhere with a large ex-pat community, you might find it useful to learn some of the local language. It might make it easier for you to settle in and become accepted by local people and it will certainly help with shops, restaurants and service and maintenance issues. Even if you only pick up a few basic words before you go, it could make a real difference to how confident you feel about emigrating to a new country.

If you need help to get a faster sale for your property because you're emigrating, contact us at Discount Property Auction. We're committed to helping you, whatever your circumstances. If you want to sell your home, you can use our dedicated online auction facility, which allows you to upload your property yourself and put it in front of genuine, interested buyers. Call us now on 0800 1313 999 or email admin@discountpropertyauction.co.uk to arrange a valuation today.