EXCLUSIVERelocation expert details how to make moving to new country possible as stars flee the US in droves
- Zachary Gerth, 37, runs the company StartAbroad with his partner, Anna
- The 'international relocation concierge service' helps people move
- He said there are a lot of logistics that go into relocating to a new country
A man who runs a company that helps people relocate out of the US has shared the steps you need to take to make moving to a new country possible... as celebrities continue to the flee the States in the wake of Donald Trump's win.
In recent months, a slew of stars like Eva Longoria, Eva Mendes, and Ryan Gosling have left America to live in various countries in Europe instead.
If you're thinking of following suit but don't know where to begin, Zachary Gerth, 37, spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com about the process.
Zachary - who runs 'international relocation concierge service' StartAbroad with his partner Anna Sosdian - broke down what really goes into picking up your entire life and relocating to somewhere thousands of miles away.
Through StartAbroad, the couple, who are originally from Florida but now live in Costa Rica, 'make moving internationally a smooth, efficient, and joy-filled process.'
'We support US, Canadian, and UK nationals moving to Costa Rica, Portugal, Spain, and Panama,' Zachary explained during a recent chat with DailyMail.com.
'We provide end-to-end support that includes: securing a visa, finding a rental/real estate, buying a vehicle, relocating a pet, understanding banking options, accessing the medical system, getting utilities set up, and much more.'
Zachary explained that Anna previously worked in HR and was 'responsible for relocating employees all over the globe' while he had a job in 'international operations.'
Zachary Gerth, 37, who runs a company that helps people relocate out of the US, has shared the steps you need to take to make moving to a new country possible
Following Donald Trump's win, a slew of stars like Eva Longoria, Eva Mendes, and Ryan Gosling have left America to live in various countries in Europe instead
Zachary - who runs 'international relocation concierge service' StartAbroad with his partner Anna Sosdian - broke down what really goes into relocating to a new country
Between them, they had relocated to different countries 12 times, and each time, they 'wished there was someone there to hold their hands and manage the logistics of the process.'
So in 2021, they decided to combine their expertise to launch StartAbroad.
'We realized there was a huge need for a tailored, personal, hands-on international relocation service,' Zachary explained.
'When you move [to a new country], you are left to figure it all out on your own. This can end up taking 10s to 100s of hours.
'There is plenty of good information out there, but there is also plenty of dated or inaccurate information.
'So often you may end up making expensive mistakes throughout the relocation process.
'What should be an extremely exciting moment in your life can become extremely overwhelming and stressful.
'And it's not just about the logistics. People want to know that you understand their situation, and have their best interests at heart.'
Through StartAbroad, the couple, who are originally from Florida but live in Costa Rica now, 'make moving internationally a smooth, efficient, and joy-filled process'
So what's the first step to moving abroad? Zachary stressed the importance of going to see your potential new home in person
So what should you do if you're thinking of moving to a new country but don't know where to begin?
Well first, Zachary stressed the importance of going to see your potential new home in person.
And according to the expert, you shouldn't just visit for a quick vacation - you really need to spend some quality time there to see if you would enjoy living there full-time.
'Spending time in the country beyond a typical vacation is essential for making an informed decision,' he dished.
'Vacation experiences often provide a limited perspective, so it's important to "take off the vacation glasses" and assess what daily life might look like.
'If possible, spend several weeks in the country you’re considering, living as you would post-move - run errands, cook at home, and work remotely (if applicable).'
Zachary also broke down some of the many logistics that go into living in a new country, all of which StartAbroad is happy to handle.
These included determining your visa eligibility and understanding the application process, assessing how the move will impact your tax obligations, and understanding the medical care and how to access the medications you need.
In addition, other details you should think about are making arrangement for relocating a pet, evaluating whether to ship belongings or buy replacements locally, setting up essential services such as phone and Wi-Fi, exploring options for buying or importing a vehicle, and planning how to transfer money to your new location efficiently.
'Knowing how to start answering these questions can be extremely daunting,' he added.
Other steps include determining your visa eligibility and understanding the application process and assessing how the move will impact your tax obligations. Anna is seen
Celebrities have been fleeing the States in droves following Trump's win
'No destination is perfect, and adapting to life in a new country comes with challenges.
'Everyone experiences highs and lows during this process, so having a genuine excitement about your new home can help you navigate those ups and downs and eventually settle into a fulfilling new "normal."'
Zachary added that it's 'important to move with purpose' and recommended focusing less on 'leaving something behind' and more on what you're 'moving towards.'
Since the election in November, the relocation expert said they've had 'an over 500 percent increase in inquiries.'
'Many people feel frightened right now, or want to know what steps they would need to take in case they decide to leave,' he concluded.
'While relocating abroad is not the right solution for everyone, we want to let people know that it is possible, and that we are here to help.'
