Moving abroad isn’t cheap, but it’s also not as much as you might think. If you set your mind to it and hustle, you can make it happen! We’re beyond excited for our new adventure, but we’re also hyper-aware that getting there takes planning–not just with logistics, but financially too. Between flights, visas, and the fun surprise that most apartments in China require a one-month deposit plus the next three months of rent upfront, we’ve had to get creative with how we’re saving.
Here’s exactly how we’re making it happen:
1. Side Hustles: Making Extra Cash on Our Own Time
We’re all about flexible ways to bring in extra income, and right now that looks like DoorDashing on evenings and weekends and working food truck events with The Hamburger Wagon. (If you’ve never heard of The Hamburger Wagon, you’re missing out on some legendary sliders–highly recommend stopping by if you’re in Dayton, Ohio!)
As many of you may not have the opportunity/have connections with a food truck, there are other side hustles that can easily be picked up. A couple of our other favorites that we’ve done in the past include Instacart, Rover, and combining other food delivery services like Uber Eats and Grubhub.
2. Selling What We Don’t Need (and Won’t Want to Come Back To)
We’re being ruthless about what makes the cut for our move (we are bringing 5 checked bags, 2 carry-ons, and 3 personal backpacks) and what needs a new home. We will be storing bigger pieces of furniture and totes with family members. We’ve listed furniture, clothes, baby gear, and random household items on Facebook Marketplace and Pango Books, and second-hand stores like Plato’s Closet and Once Upon a Child–and so far, it’s adding up! Less clutter now will make for a simpler return.
Our favorite packing cubes are found here, and they have made the process so much easier.
3. Cutting Back on Food Costs (While Still Enjoying Local Favorites)
We love food. Like, a lot. But since moving abroad means making sacrifices in order to save more money, we’re already making changes. We’re meal planning, sticking to a stricter grocery budget, and eating out less–except for our must-visit Dayton spots before we go (because you can’t leave without one last Skyline meal, right?).
We’ve had a Costco membership for years so that has come in handy for buying bulk items that will last us a couple of weeks. We pair that with weekly trips to Aldi and we’re able to cut back slightly on food costs. Where we’re moving in China, the closest Costco is a 45 minute taxi ride, so we’ll be switching over to Sam’s Club.
4. Cutting Out Subscriptions & Unnecessary Expenses
One of the easiest ways to save money fast? Canceling subscriptions we don’t need. Between streaming services, monthly boxes, and random memberships, those small charges add up. We’re also reviewing insurance policies, reducing utility costs, and eliminating impulse purchases.
So far, we’ve canceled a total of $262.15 in monthly (MONTHLY!!!) subscriptions and memberships. The one’s we’re choosing to keep will be switched to a yearly plan to make them cheaper and eliminate that monthly cost.
5. Preparing for Initial Expenses Abroad
Most apartments in China require a one-month deposit plus three months’ rent upfront (you typically pay 3 months at a time), which means we need to arrive with a solid financial cushion. The school provides a paid hotel stay for up to two weeks while a realtor helps us find an apartment within our budget. They recommend having at least $3,000 USD saved to cover rental costs and initial expenses until my first paycheck. If needed, the school also offers a loan to help foreign teachers get settled. Knowing this, we’ve made it a priority to save aggressively so we’re not caught off guard.
Please note that every school/employer is different. Everyone could have a different experience, this is just ours.
Final Thoughts
Budgeting for an international move takes strategy, sacrifice, and a little bit of side hustle energy, but we know it’ll be worth it. If you’re planning a big move, let us know in the comments–what’s your best budgeting tip?
Want to follow along as we get closer to takeoff? Follow us on social media for updates, check-ins, and more!
The Expat Eley's 
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