Every year, thousands of people move around the world to different countries. Often, they are taken abroad through their employers or for new jobs, and some are simply adventure-seekers looking for a new view. Either way, moving abroad is no simple task. There are countless small details to be taken care of beforehand, not to mention packing for a long trip and getting rid of your beloved items at home. Moving abroad doesn’t have to be a total chore, though, if you keep these few tips in mind.

Consolidate. If you are just moving abroad for a short term contract and plan to be back to your old life at home soon, this probably won’t apply. For anyone embarking on a more permanent move, the first thing you have to do is consolidate your entire life. For many, this is incredibly tough. It involves giving away or selling most of your possessions, sometimes including your house or car, furniture and other bulky day-to-day items.

Plan your packing. Remember that most airlines now restrict passengers (even those on long haul flights across the world) to one bag that is 50 lbs (20 kg) or less. That’s not much. You’ll need to figure out what stuff you can fit into that one bag and how much you are willing to pay for excess baggage. Keep in mind that, oftentimes, it is cheaper to ship your belongings than pay airlines for excess baggage fees. Compare postal rates with airline baggage rates for the cheapest price and plan accordingly.

Sort out your bank. You need to inform your banking and credit institutions of your impending move, and the sooner the better. Be sure to sign up for paperless statements if offered and confirm that the bank has lifted any international restrictions on using credit and ATM cards abroad. Also, double check the fees and exchange rates for using your cards internationally.

Cancel the utilities/give notice. If you have a lease, you’ll need to speak to your landlord as far in advance as possible to arrange a cancellation of your lease. If you have a 1-year or more lease, you might be fined for this procedure, especially if you give less than 30 days notice. You will also need to call the gas, electric, telephone, cable and water companies, where applicable, to cancel services there. It is a good idea to contact them as soon as you have given your landlord notice and let them know the date that you will have vacated the premises so that they can bill you accordingly.

Plan for the first few days abroad. The first week abroad is going to be the most difficult. That is the time during which you’ll be finding a new residence, getting your phone and daily utilities set up and learning your way around. Purchase a guidebook and/or map in advance and learn as much as you can about the culture in which you’re about to be living. Search for online resources about which neighborhoods are good to live in and which parts of the city to avoid.

Get your documents together. Moving internationally requires a lot of paperwork. First and foremost, you need to make sure that you have a passport with blank pages that is valid for at least one year. If your passport is close to its expiration date, contact the passport office for a renewal immediately. Depending on which country you’re traveling to, you might be required to get a visa. Be sure to check online for visa requirements at least two months prior to your trip. You should also carry copies of your bank statements, marriage certificate, birth certificate, international driving license and other pertinent documents.