Given that moving house can be one of the most stressful things we do in our lifetime, moving to another country is bound to make you nervous. Successfully moving all your possessions into your new home is just the start of it – next you’ll begin the process of settling in, that’s to say, making your new home feel like home. For some people this can take a few months, while others need much longer.

No matter how long you have planned the move or how much you are looking forward to starting your new life abroad, getting used to living in a new country can take a while to get used to. To assist you, here we list some tips designed to make settling in a new country that little bit easier:

1. Learn the language
If you have moved to a country where the first language is not English then learning the local tongue really will help a lot. It is a good idea to try and pick up the basics before you move, and then at least you won’t be completely overwhelmed by the change. Locals also love it if they know you are trying to fit in.

2. Join in
The thought of having to make new friends can be a scary one, especially if you don’t have any existing contacts in the area. Simple things, every day things, can lead to new friendships being formed, such as joining the gym, checking out the local pubs and restaurants, or joining a mother and baby group if you have little ones. Simple exchanges and a quick ‘hi’ can help you make friends easily.

3. Volunteer
This is ideal if you have retired abroad or if you do not work yet. There are always local churches and charities who would welcome any time you can give to them. And for your benefit, you will meet loads of new people and get to know the area quicker, as well as being clued up on what goes on and when. If you’re not sure where to start, try to find a local paper or magazine which could help to inspire you.

4. Love thy neighbour
Your new neighbours are likely to be the quickest way to get to know your new area. You may find that the locals are a lot more friendly than British people, warmer and more inviting. Be sure to go round and introduce yourself to your neighbours and the likelihood is that they’ll be more than happy to show you around and tell you where everything is.

5. Internet forums
Expat forums can be a great source of free information about your new home and since most new arrivals in a country have the same questions, you can be pretty sure that any question you have will have already been answered.

6. Staying in touch
Make getting a mobile, phone line and internet connection a priority, so you can contact loved ones back in the UK - and they you - as and when you want to. A good idea is to arrange a regular time to contact them so you get into a routine of exchanging news. This really does help during those first few weeks.

So, as you can see there are plenty of different ways to begin integrating into your new country, and of course, the more research you do before you go helps; planning things to do, places to go and things to see means you will be occupied. Remember these helpful tips and you will no doubt settle into your new life in no time.

Start your hunt for a home abroad here…
If you’re searching for an overseas property, a good place to start is the Overseas Guides Company’s new property search facility. To start your search now visit http://www.emigrationguide.com/content/emigration-properties