10 Steps to Prepare to Move Abroad in 6 Months
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A few months ago, I found myself sitting at the kitchen table, Googling “how to move abroad with kids” at midnight—again.
I was feeling stuck and knew there had to be a softer way to live.
Less rush, more presence. Less hustle, more peace.
If you’re feeling the same tug, this post is for you. Here’s exactly how I’m preparing to move abroad in six months — with kids, remote work, and real-life logistics to juggle.
Why Six Months Is Enough (Even If It Feels Tight)
A lot of people assume moving abroad has to take a year or more of planning, but that’s not always the case.
Six months can be more than enough time if you focus on the right things and stop overcomplicating the process.
When I started planning our move, I thought I needed to figure out everything up front—housing, community, schooling, backup plans, every “what if.”
But the truth is, once you lock in the essentials—your income, visa, and living situation—you’ll find the rest starts to fall into place.
You’re allowed to learn and adjust as you go.
Prefer to watch instead of read? Hit play below.
10 Steps to Prepare to Move Abroad in 6 Months
1. Choose Your Destination
There’s no one perfect country — but there is a right fit for your needs.
Some places might look dreamy on Instagram but come with a sky-high cost of living or frustrating visa laws.
Others might be budget-friendly but lack community or infrastructure.
Here’s what to look at when choosing:
- Cost of living (including housing, food, childcare, schooling)
- Safety (especially for Black families or solo women)
- Expat community (it helps to know you’re not alone)
- Time zones (especially if you’re working remotely)
- Visa friendliness (some countries love digital nomads — others, not so much)
- Climate (not just weather — think air quality, allergens, rainy season)
Example: I ruled out one gorgeous beach town when I realized the nearest hospital was 3 hours away — not ideal with kids.
Start here: Pick 3–5 possible countries and compare how they stack up in the areas above.
2. Figure Out Your Income Plan
Unless you’re moving on retirement savings or passive income (and if so, lucky you), this step is crucial.
Ask yourself:
How will I make money abroad — without burning out?
Your options might include:
- A remote job (check if your current employer allows it)
- Freelance or contract work
- Running a digital business (blog, YouTube, services)
- Using savings or a gap year fund
Reality check: The average expat family spends $2K–$3K/month. That includes rent, healthcare, groceries, transportation, and extras.
Think through:
- Will I need childcare or homeschool support?
- Do I want to work full-time, part-time, or take a break?
- What’s my bare minimum income for peace of mind?
Once you know your goal number, you can reverse-engineer your income plan.
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3. Understand Visa + Residency Requirements
This part can feel like alphabet soup — TR, PR, D7— but don’t worry.
Start with what your destination offers:
- Tourist visa: Usually 30–90 days. Not for long-term stays.
- Digital nomad visa: Gaining popularity. Great for remote workers.
- Temporary/permanent residency: Good for long-term planning.
What to do next:
- Google your country + visa type + “requirements” (use official sites)
- Check processing timelines (some are 6–8 weeks, others 6+ months)
- Gather paperwork early — many need apostilles or notarized translations
4. Get Your Financial + Tax House in Order
Moving abroad doesn’t mean leaving your financial responsibilities behind.
You’ll need to:
- Look into the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) — it can save you serious money
- Understand if your destination has a tax treaty with the U.S.
- Decide if you’ll need an expat tax pro — especially if you’re self-employed or own a business
Many expats don’t realize they still owe taxes to the U.S. if they earn over a certain amount abroad.
Also think through:
- Where will you bank?
- Will you keep U.S. credit cards or open local accounts?
- How will you receive payments if you freelance or run a business?
Set up your accounts with multi-country access (Charles Schwab, etc.) before you leave.
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5. Secure Health Coverage + Insurance
This isn’t the fun stuff, but it matters.
Some countries won’t even approve your visa without proof of coverage. And not all travel insurance is created equal.
Compare:
- Travel insurance (short-term, may not cover pre-existing conditions)
- International health plans (longer-term, more coverage)
- Local public or private insurance (sometimes more affordable)
Also think about:
- Life insurance (especially if you have dependents)
- Renters insurance (if you’re leasing abroad)
- Medical evacuation coverage (yes, that’s a thing)
Pro tip: Make sure your coverage includes mental health care. Moving abroad is amazing — but it can also bring emotional stress.
6. Gather and Certify Key Documents
Moving abroad with kids? This step is especially big.
You’ll need:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage license
- School records and transcripts
- Immunization/medical history
- Copies of custody paperwork, if relevant
Some documents may need certification or apostilles. These can take weeks, so start early.
Store digital copies in a cloud folder and print physical copies for airport officials, landlords, or schools.
7. Settle U.S. Affairs Before Leaving
This part feels tedious — but it’s a lifesaver once you’re abroad.
Here’s what to wrap up:
- Forward your mail (USPS, banks, IRS)
- Decide whether to sell, store, or ship your car and belongings
- Cancel or pause subscriptions (Amazon, Netflix, etc.)
- Freeze your credit (to protect against identity theft while overseas)
It also helps to make a checklist of “who to notify” — banks, schools, employers, etc. You don’t want your old life haunting your inbox.
8. Prep Your Digital and Banking Setup
If your entire income depends on online access, this step isn’t optional.
Make sure to:
- Set up 2-factor authentication using an app (not just text codes)
- Create a U.S. number you can keep abroad (Google Voice, Skype, etc.)
- Tell your bank and credit cards you’re moving abroad
Also helpful:
- Use a VPN so you can access U.S. websites from overseas
- Back up all files, passwords, and important documents to cloud storage
9. Build Local and Digital Community
This one makes or breaks the experience, especially as a family.
Try this:
- Join Facebook groups or WhatsApp chats for your destination
- Look for co-ops, language exchanges, or remote work meetups
- Find homeschooling communities if that’s your plan
- Reach out to Black expat groups — they’ll give you the real deal
It’s easier to feel confident and supported when you have real connections waiting on the other side.
10. Confirm Remote Work Legalities (If Applicable)
Here’s a tricky one people often miss.
Even if you’re working for a U.S. company, you may still need to prove you’re allowed to work remotely from your destination.
Do this:
- Ask your employer for a letter stating you work remotely
- If self-employed, prepare an invoice, tax return, or business registration
- Research if your country’s visa allows income earned from abroad
Each country has different rules — and some are cracking down on “stealth nomads” who overstay tourist visas.
If you’re unsure, talk to a relocation specialist or immigration lawyer.
Don’t Wait to Feel “Ready”
One thing I hear a lot (and felt myself) is: “What if I’m not ready yet?” But the truth is, almost no one feels totally ready to uproot their life and move to a different country.
Some of the most meaningful shifts happen after you make the leap.
That doesn’t mean being reckless—but it does mean you shouldn’t let the need for certainty keep you stuck.
Progress builds confidence.
Start with the timeline you have, take action, and give yourself permission to figure some of it out on the road.
You May Also Enjoy:
How I’m Planning on Leaving the USA — Because I Deserve Peace
Top Countries for Black Expats: Where to Move, Live, and Thrive
Wrapping Up
Moving abroad isn’t something you figure out overnight, but it also doesn’t have to take years of planning.
Six months is a solid window to make real progress if you’re intentional and clear on your next steps.
Whether you’re doing this solo, with kids, or as a family, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
Start where you are, stay focused on why you want this change, and keep moving one step at a time.
You don’t have to do it all at once. Just do the next right thing.
