As an international moving company, we see thousands of Kiwis relocating worldwide every year. It’s a big choice moving overseas, both due to the logistics of the move and the total change in context. You’re going somewhere that’s likely much less familiar than where you are now, and that comes with some strings attached.
But that journey? It can be transformative if you approach your decision properly. Today, we’d like to help you unpack before you make the move.
Read on to explore the potential pros, cons, costs, and lifestyle changes of an international move, told from the perspective of expert moving companies with years of experience.
The Pros of Moving Overseas from NZ
The potential to earn more.
This is one of the most common reasons we see Kiwis come to us. The opportunity to earn more is out there, often waiting on different shores, and grabbing life by the horns can lead you to some new and exciting places.
This is a legitimate reason to move, not only for a higher salary, but also for a lower cost of living in your chosen region. If you have a chance to earn more and spend less, that can make a dramatic difference to your life or your family’s.
Career development.
Some industries and specialisations simply don’t have the same thriving circuit in New Zealand as they do elsewhere. New Zealand has a built-in ceiling with a small market that, while punching above its weight globally, can still limit you in certain areas.
If your goal is to develop your career, it makes sense to work with a moving company and make the hop overseas to a larger economy. There, you can find more senior roles, more competitive salaries, and professional networks on a much larger scale than those offered here.
Access to just… more.
New Zealand is beautiful because it is a small island country at the bottom of the world. But that comes at the price of sheer size.
Working with moving companies to move abroad furnishes exploratory Kiwis with more. More cities, more landscapes, more climates, more history, more architecture. The ‘more’ you are after might live in a certain country, but living somewhere like Europe can connect you to a dozen distinct cultures with rich histories.
Cultural experiences.
Finally, a core reason Kiwis move overseas from NZ is for the sheer experience of it. As a moving company, we have seen our clients’ minds and horizons expand by immersing themselves in a different culture. Building a life in a new place helps you to develop a perspective that can only come from an international move. For many Kiwis who make the move, this becomes the most valuable part of the experience, regardless of what initially motivated the decision.
The Cons of Moving Overseas from NZ
Of course, the story isn’t all sunshine and roses. Over our years as an international moving company, we have also seen the cons solo Kiwis and families face when moving. Often, these are trade-offs for an incredible, transformative experience, rather than the experience of someone who has taken the leap. That said, they are worth considering before you jump in.
Distance from what you know.
This is consistently the hardest part, and it’s worth taking seriously before you go. New Zealand is one of the most geographically isolated countries in the world, being a tiny island at the bottom of the world. This can make a long-haul flight between you and what is familiar, and it limits how much you can travel to see family spontaneously. Marriages, funerals, births, and medical emergencies all happen on the other side of the world, and the emotional weight of that distance can be difficult if you haven’t put a plan in place.
Starting from scratch socially.
Unless you are moving to join a group of family or friends on the other side of the world, it’s likely that you will have the opportunity to start your social life anew. That can be very energising for some people, but for others it’s a real con.
Higher cost of getting established.
The upfront cost of an international move, including working with moving companies, flights, and immigration fees, not to mention the living situation, is important to consider. You’re likely going overseas to earn more, but if those costs aren’t being handled for you upfront, it’s still important to factor into your decision.
Homesickness.
A good bout of homesickness is to be expected, and in a way, cherished. It means the life you had in New Zealand was good enough to miss. Any big, positive change can create a feeling like this. Talk to your friends and family about the possibility, set up ways to stay in touch, and keep your connections to New Zealand alive even after you leave its shores.
Big Question: Is It Worth It?
That’s up to you! As an international moving company, we see that most Kiwis who make that move thoughtfully (with a realistic plan and a clear-eyed view of what they’re leaving behind) do so happily, even with trade-offs.
The experience alone expands your horizons, and the tangible benefits of the move often outweigh some of the emotional aspects you need to navigate to feel settled.
The Moving Company is here to get you there.
Whether you’re tackling a big international move or just have questions about logistics, we are the international moving company to help. We go above and beyond other Kiwi moving companies, simplifying your journey so you can focus on settling in the right way.
Get in touch to discuss your move today.
