E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

Successfully moving to another country involves more than just a checklist. It requires a strategic approach that addresses your personal motivations, financial infrastructure, and the complex logistics of an international relocation, ensuring a confident transition to your new life abroad in a world of new opportunities.

The Great American Contradiction: A Nation on the Move, Globally

For over a century and a half, we at E.E. Ward have had a unique vantage point on the patterns of American life. We’ve seen families move westward, northward, and to the sunnier climates of the south. Yet, in the 21st century, a fascinating paradox has emerged. On one hand, Americans are staying put more than ever. In fact, both the number of domestic movers and the percentage of people moving within the U.S. declined from 2006 to 2019. The classic cross-country move has become less common.

On the other hand, the ambition to build a life beyond our borders is surging. While domestic moves slow, net international migration accounted for 84% of the nation’s 3.3 million increase in population between 2023 and 2024, becoming the primary driver of U.S. growth. This isn't just about immigration into the U.S.; it reflects a broader, more global mindset. Americans are increasingly looking outward, viewing the world not as a place to visit, but as a place to live.

From 'Escape' to 'Strategy': Understanding the New Motivations

The conversation around moving abroad has fundamentally changed. The old narrative was often one of escape—a romantic, but perhaps less-planned, jump into the unknown. Today, the decision is far more strategic. It's a calculated choice driven by a clear-eyed assessment of tangible benefits. The rise of the digital nomad lifestyle and widespread acceptance of remote work abroad have been major catalysts. Professionals in many fields no longer need to choose between their career and their dream of living in a different country; they can do both.

This strategic shift is rooted in a desire for a better quality of life. Many are using a cost of living calculator to compare their current expenses to those in cities across the globe and finding they can significantly improve their financial standing. They’re seeking a different pace, access to a public healthcare system, or a richer cultural environment for their family. This isn't just a whim; it's a data-backed life optimization. The goal is to make a move that enhances life in every measurable way, from finances to daily well-being. Finding an expat community or an expat forum online can help you connect with people who've already made the leap and get firsthand accounts of this new reality.

Identifying Your Mover Profile: Tailoring Your International Plan

While the motivations are often shared, the path to moving abroad looks different for everyone. Understanding which profile you fit best will help you anticipate challenges and focus your planning. Over our many years of experience, we’ve seen three primary profiles emerge in this new era of global mobility.

The Young Adult Migrant

This profile includes students and young professionals seeking experience and adventure. Their primary goal is often personal growth, whether through studying abroad or teaching English abroad to immerse themselves in a new culture. Their moves may be temporary, but the planning is just as critical. They'll need to navigate the student visa or a self-employment visa process, find short-term housing, and learn to manage a tight relocation budget. For them, the biggest challenge is often the language barrier and the initial culture shock, but the rewards are life-changing experiences and new skills.

The Career Optimizer

These are individuals and families making a strategic move to advance their careers. They may have secured a job abroad through an international job search on platforms like LinkedIn or have in-demand skills for expats that lead to work visa sponsorship. The EU Blue Card, for example, is a popular work permit for highly qualified non-EU citizens wanting to work in the European Union. Their focus is on a seamless transition that doesn't disrupt their professional life. This involves complex logistics like finding international schools for their children, navigating tax implications of moving with an expat tax advisor, and securing long-term rentals before they even arrive.

The Retirement Relocator

With a focus on maximizing their retirement funds and enjoying a high quality of life, those retiring abroad are meticulous planners. They spend significant time researching the best countries for expats, comparing healthcare options, and understanding the requirements for permanent residency. Their journey involves downsizing for a move, working with pet relocation services to bring beloved companions, and setting up an international bank account to manage their finances effectively. For them, the move is the culmination of a lifetime of work, and they want to ensure it’s executed flawlessly.

Building a 'Portable Life': More Than Just Boxes and a Flight

A successful international move requires a fundamental shift in how you view your life's infrastructure. You’re not just packing your home; you’re making your entire life—financial, professional, and civic—portable. This is the difference between a simple logistical checklist and a true strategic life plan.

Can a US citizen move to a different country? Yes, absolutely. In 2022, an estimated 4.4 million U.S. citizens lived abroad. But they did so by preparing diligently. The first step in how to get started moving to another country is to address these foundational pillars:

Financial Portability

This goes beyond just transferring money internationally. It means establishing a resilient financial life that works across borders. This includes setting up expat banking solutions, understanding the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and other tax implications, and having a plan for your investments. You'll need to work with professionals who understand the complexities of cross-border finance.

Career and Professional Portability

If you're not retiring, you need a plan for your career. For remote workers, this means ensuring your company has a policy for working abroad and understanding any local labor laws. For job seekers, it means tailoring your resume for a new market and leveraging professional networks. Your professional identity needs to be as mobile as you are.

Civic and Personal Portability

Moving abroad doesn't mean disconnecting from your home country. You'll need to understand how to handle things like voting from abroad. It also means preparing for the personal side of the move: dealing with homesickness, learning a new language, and making friends abroad to build a new support system. The fear of isolation can be significant, so building a community is key.

The Practical Path: Answering Your Core Questions

Once you've established your strategic framework, you can begin to tackle the logistics. Here, we'll address some of the most common questions we've heard from clients over the decades.

Can I just up and move to a new country?

The simple answer is no. Every country has its own immigration laws. Spontaneously booking a one-way flight without the proper documentation is a recipe for being turned away at the border. You will need a valid reason to enter and stay, which almost always requires securing the correct visa in advance. This means a thorough visa application process, which may include a background check for visa, proof of funds, and a valid passport with sufficient time before expiration.

What country is the easiest to move to?

There is no universal "easiest" country. The right answer depends entirely on your personal circumstances: your citizenship, your profession, your age, and your financial situation. For some, moving to Canada might be streamlined through their points-based immigration system. For others with ancestral ties, moving to Europe, particularly a country within the Schengen Area, might be easier. A Digital Nomad Visa may be the simplest path for a remote worker, while a spousal visa is the most direct route for someone with a foreign partner. The key is to research which countries have a need for your skills or offer visa pathways that align with your profile.

What are the critical logistical steps?

The journey involves many steps, and starting early is crucial. You’ll need to work with an immigration lawyer for complex cases, find reliable international movers for shipping belongings overseas, and decide on renting vs. buying abroad. If you have a family, moving abroad with family introduces more layers, like researching the local public healthcare system or arranging for an international driving permit. Don't forget smaller details like driving license conversion and dealing with potential quarantine rules for pets. A comprehensive moving abroad checklist is an invaluable tool to keep you organized.

Key Factors in Choosing Your Moving Partner

An international move is one of the most significant events in a person's life. The stakes are high, and the partner you choose to help you is critical. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting an international moving company.

• Expertise in International Complexity: An international move is not a domestic move with a longer distance. It involves customs brokerage, international shipping regulations, and complex documentation. Your partner must have deep, proven experience in navigating these unique requirements to prevent costly delays or loss of your possessions. They need to be more than movers; they need to be global logistics experts.
• A Legacy of Trust and Reliability: You are entrusting a company with your entire physical life. This requires an immense amount of trust. Look for a partner with a long, verifiable history of successful international relocations. Experience isn't just a number; it's the accumulated knowledge of how to handle any contingency that might arise, from port strikes to unexpected customs inspections.
• Alignment with Your Strategic Goals: The right partner understands that this is more than a shipment of goods; it's a strategic life choice. They should listen to your personal and professional motivations and tailor their services to support those goals. They understand the "why" behind your move, not just the "what" and "where."
• Seamless, Stress-Free Management: Your focus should be on starting your new life, not worrying about logistics. A world-class partner provides end-to-end management, offering a single point of contact who can coordinate everything from initial packing to final delivery and setup in your new home. This seamless management is what transforms a stressful process into an exciting transition.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Every move is unique, and the support you need will vary based on your specific situation. Understanding your profile helps clarify what to look for in a moving partner.

• The Corporate Relocatee: You and your family are being moved by your employer. Your priority is zero disruption. You need a moving partner with a proven corporate relocation program, one that can work directly with your company's HR department to ensure every detail is handled professionally and efficiently. The goal is for you to land and be ready for work on Monday morning, with your home life seamlessly re-established.
• The Strategic Expat: You are making a personal choice to invest in a new life abroad. You are moving your entire household, including valuable and sentimental items that have been in your family for generations. You need a partner who respects the personal significance of your belongings and has the specialized expertise in packing, crating, and shipping to ensure their safe arrival. You want a trusted advisor who can guide you through the process with care and precision.
• The Returning Migrant: Having once made the journey to the U.S., you understand the complexities of international life. Now, you're returning to your country of origin. This journey is just as significant. In fact, studies suggest that as many as one-third of U.S. immigrants eventually return to their home country. You require a dependable, reliable service that understands the nuances of a "reverse" migration and can execute it with the same level of professionalism and care as the initial move.

For over 140 years, E.E. Ward has been the trusted partner for life’s most important moves, whether across the street or around the world. We combine our long legacy of reliability with modern strategic planning to ensure your transition abroad is as seamless as it is successful. If you are ready to take the next step in your global journey, contact our team of international relocation specialists for a personalized assessment and a complimentary quote. From our home base in Columbus, Ohio, we are ready to help you reach anywhere in the world.

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