Deciding to move to a new place can be scary – that’s the thing with new things, because you never know what to expect. When it comes to moving, it pays off to do your homework before actually getting on the plane.

Know the immigration requirements
Do you need a Visa? If you do, figure out all potential issues that might arise beforehand. If you’re an EU or EEA national, you won’t have to worry about that, independent of the length of your stay. But everyone still needs a residence permit within the first 90 days. You’ll also need to obtain your tax identification number if you want to work in Milan. And actually it’s not only needed for working and taxes, but also for renting an apartment long-term or other theoretically simple things such as opening an Italian bank account.

Learn the language
Obviously you don’t have to know all the ins and outs of the language right after landing, but it’s good, easier, if you have learned the basics already. And after you’re there, sign up for Italian language class. In addition to learning Italian, it’s also an easy way to make new friends, or at least meet new people. Learning the language online through some app like Memrise is definitely helpful too, but it doesn’t really help you with new friends bit.

Find accommodation and a job
If you already know someone in Milan, and can crash a few days or weeks at their place, use the opportunity. It’s always easier to find your new home once you’re already there instead of doing it remotely. You can check out Wanted in Milan: accomodation and jobs vacant to find classifieds for accommodation as well as job listings. Make sure to do your due diligence. In which area of Milan do you want to live in? What are the average rents in there?

Bring something to help you feel right at home
While things don’t make a home, a thing or two can make the moving emotionally easier. Whatever the thing is you have always had in your home, take it with you. Be it a teddy bear, an old guitar you rarely use but always have standing in a corner, or a coffee cup. Take it with you.

Moving anywhere for the first time in your life should be a fun experience, and to make sure it will be more fun than scary, the only thing you need to do is just a little bit of homework to avoid bad surprises.

To read more on topics like this, check out the traveling category.