Thinking of moving abroad, but not sure where? Don’t worry, you are not alone in this confusion and indecisiveness.

You probably have several potential destinations in mind and this is normal, because nowadays our options are endless. Which is exciting and also scary, I feel you! 

I will suggest a structured approach, which will help you narrow down your options and help you make a conscious and informed decision about this very important aspect of your life: where to live.

The decision about where you will live is probably the most important decision of all, because it influences everything that happens afterwards. This is why, you need to do it right and... do it right the first time! 

​OK, but how?

The first step, even before starting your research, is to identify 3 must-haves of the location you are moving to, i.e. 3 essential and non-negotiable criteria you are not willing to compromise on.

It’s the same as with dating: deciding on these will help you prioritize, will make your choice easier and will eliminate some options from the get-go.

What are the 3 must-haves of the location you are moving to that you are not willing to compromise on?

Here are some examples to inspire you:

• Ability to speak or to learn the language easily
• Proximity to my home country so I can visit at least 2 times per year
• Having close family or friends in the area for emotional and social comfort
• Good education opportunities for myself or my kids
• Options to bring my elderly parents at some point in the future
• Affordable housing prices
• Great options for outdoor activities
• Minority rights
• Top quality of life

… and the list can continue forever. Our Moving Abroad Master Guide: The Essentials contains all. 

What are your 3 must-haves of the place you want to spend the next period of your life or... the rest of your life in?

Laura’s story

My friend Laura from Ireland moved to Vancouver, Canada, with her husband, Nick. Their 3 must-haves were:

• The weather, i.e. not too warm and not too cold – both Ireland and Vancouver are rainy, so that wasn’t an issue.
• The possibility of bringing their dog Pixie – the shiest dog in the world – without putting her into quarantine.
• Good and stable job opportunities, which was not the case in Ireland at the time they moved.

Your first step is to decide on your 3 must-haves. The following steps will come so much easier to you once you’ve done this exercise. Advance to the next step only when you have them written down and you feel good about them. 

So, what are your 3 must-haves?

Well done, your first important step is completed! Let's move on ;).

You want to move abroad, but there are at least 2 options that are really viable? You ask yourself: What to do? How to choose? Where do I move?

Well, there's a mathematical and an intuitive approach. Don't get scared, they're both straight forward, I promise.

Do you prefer to watch the video, rather than reading the post. Got you covered. Here it is, click below:

Also, you'll find a free template for all of the below Steps #1 to #5, to make it easier for you to make your choice. Find it here.

OK, let's randomly say you have to choose between Seattle and Portland. It can be any cities.

Step#1: 

Identify your most important criteria for the city you want to move to. For example: good job opportunities, good weather, whether you're able to speak the language, if you have family or friends there, whatever YOU decide is important to you. Done? Let’s move on.

Step #2: 

Choose between 3 and 6 out of these. The ones that are the most relevant to you and you want to base your decision upon.

Step #3: 

Give each of the criteria you've chose a weight, meaning a percentage, based on it's importance: For example: job opportunities 40%, housing prices 30%, weather 25% and good food 5%. Very important: The percentages need to add up to 100%.

Step #4:

Now here's where we make the difference between the 2. Rate each of the cities for each of your criteria, on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 meaning “not meeting my criteria at all”, 10 meaning "fully meeting my criteria. I encourage you to do your research on this, but it's worth it, so you choose the best option.

Step #5:

Multiply each percentage by the corresponding rate and add the results, for each city. Don't worry, We have a free template for you here, to help you out here. You’ll find both the instructions and the free calculation sheet.

Well? What did you find? Which city has the highest score?

According to this mathematical approach, City #2 has a higher score than City #1. Like it? I find this tool amazing, that’s why I share it with you. Thanks, my dear math teacher!

But there’s also something else… 

Although the above is a logical approach, always listen to your gut feeling, to the wonderful inner guide, your intuition.

Whether you add gut feeling as a criterion in your calculation or not, it is important to ask yourself what your intuition tells you when you think of moving to that specific place.

When you say “I am moving to Seattle” (for example) …

• Is it a light or a heavy feeling?
• Is your breath deep or shallow?
• Does your body relax or tighten?

What about when you say, “I am moving to Portland”? How does that feel in your body and breath?

Important last tip

Remember to NEVER to make a decision when you are angry, disappointed, sad or frustrated. Always make decision from a place of calmness and balance. Those are the best decisions for you!

Find the detailed instructions and free calculation sheet here. Do it now, later you’ll forget. Let me know what you got and where you’re moving to. 

Can’t wait to hear!