107: How to move abroad in 2026: Your month-by-month roadmap to make it happen
The Clear Plan You Need to Make Your Move Abroad Happen
If you’ve been thinking about moving abroad for years but haven’t taken action, this year is your opportunity to change that. This year is YOUR year! This blog gives you a clear month-by-month plan you can follow to make your move abroad happen by the end of 2026. Instead of hoping for progress, you’ll have a simple timeline that turns the idea into a real, scheduled plan.
Before you start, grab your calendar. These steps work best when you schedule them. 🙂
And if you want an extra tool, you can grab the 5 exact steps to move abroad, download the free guide at jordangiberson.com/guide.
Why Next Year Should Be the Year You Finally Do It
Many people think about moving abroad long before they take action. And I think that makes sense! The desire builds, but thinking alone doesn’t move you forward. What matters is creating a plan and taking action one step at a time.
You don’t need all the answers right now. You only need direction and a monthly task list you can follow to help get you there.
Picture yourself a year from now: walking through your new neighborhood abroad, buying groceries at a local market, hearing a different language around you. That future is possible. A clear plan is what takes you from idea to action.
Once you have your intention set, it’s time to map out the next 12 months!
Your Month-by-Month Roadmap to Move Abroad in 2026
*I do want to note that you can squash this timeline into 6 months. AND you don’t have to start this timeline in November. You can start in any month of the year, and just use this as a guide to mark what to do month to month from when you start.
November–December (This Year): Set the Foundation
- Decide that you’re making the move.
- Write down why you want to move abroad.
- Choose your target move date (summer or fall 2026 are common).
- Create a “Move Abroad” Google Drive folder or Notion board.
- Open a separate savings account for your move.
- Tell one trusted friend to keep you accountable.
Goal: Start with clarity, intention, and a place to organize your research.
January: Research Your Ideal Location
- Compare potential countries and cities.
- Look at cost of living, culture, language, healthcare, and lifestyle.
- Use Numbeo, Reddit expat communities, YouTube vlogs, and blogs.
- Narrow down to 1–2 countries or 2–3 cities.
Goal: Choose your top location by the end of January. And if you’re still not sure, then plan a scouting trip abroad to get more clarity on where to move to. Go back to episode to learn more about how to do a successful scouting trip – 104: Before you move abroad: Take this one trip first
February: Research Visas and Requirements
- Identify the visa options you qualify for (digital nomad, work, student, etc.).
- Check income requirements, documentation, and processing timelines.
- Join relevant expat Facebook groups or forums.
- Start gathering documents like bank statements, degrees, or contracts.
Goal: Know your best visa path and what you need to qualify.
March: Visit and Confirm (Optional but Helpful)
- Take a short scouting trip to your top location.
- Explore neighborhoods and observe everyday life.
- Visit cafés, grocery stores, and local areas.
- Evaluate how it feels to live there—not vacation there.
Goal: Leave with clarity about whether this location fits your daily life.
April: Build Your Financial Plan
- Create a move budget: flights, deposits, visa fees, initial costs.
- Estimate your first 3–6 months of expenses abroad.
- Decide how you’ll earn money abroad (remote work, new job, freelance).
- Set up automatic monthly savings.
Goal: Establish your financial plan and your savings target.
May: Work and Income Preparation
- Apply for remote jobs if you plan to work online.
- Update your résumé to fit international roles.
- Start networking with people working abroad.
- If you’ll need a job in-country, research companies that sponsor visas.
Goal: Begin securing an income that supports your move.
June: Housing and Logistics Research
- Learn how renting works in your destination.
- Research typical deposits, required documents, and housing scams.
- Identify safe neighborhoods and reliable rental platforms.
Goal: Know what type of housing you’ll be looking for when it’s time.
July: Paperwork Preparation
Gather all necessary documents:
- Passport (renew if expiring soon)
- Degree copies
- Birth certificate
- Background check
- Bank statements
- Any necessary translations or apostilles
Schedule medical appointments, vaccinations, or notary visits.
Goal: Complete your paperwork by the end of summer.
August: Submit Your Visa
- Apply for your visa or book your consulate appointment.
- Double-check all documents.
- Prepare for interviews if required.
Goal: Visa submitted or ready to process.
September: Declutter and Prepare to Move
- Start downsizing your belongings.
- Sell, donate, or store items.
- Get moving or shipping quotes.
- Create your final pre-move checklist.
Goal: Reduce your load and prep for the transition.
October: Final Logistics
- Book your flight.
- Arrange temporary housing for your arrival.
- Set up mail forwarding and cancel unnecessary subscriptions.
- Notify banks, employers, and key contacts.
Goal: Have all final logistics in place before departure.
November–December: Make the Move
- Say your goodbyes.
- Have a small farewell gathering.
- Fly out and start your life abroad.
- Document your journey—you’ll appreciate this later.
Goal: Begin your new chapter abroad by the end of 2026.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to move fast. One task each month is enough to get you to your move date.
If you follow this roadmap, by this time next year you won’t be thinking about moving abroad—you’ll be preparing to live it. (EEEPPPP!)
My advice? Plug these steps into your calendar today.
Download the 5 Steps to Move Abroad Guide: https://jordangiberson.com/guide
Take the trip that will change your move abroad. Start here:
