Moving abroad: A checklist of

Moving abroad: A checklist of what you need to do before departure

Take some of the pressure off your move by following these guidelines.

Moving abroad: A checklist of

If you’re excited about moving abroad, or completely daunted by it, the fact is that you will need to make lists of everything you need to accomplish before you go.

We chatted to the experts at Stuttaford Van Lines and got the low-down on what they think is most important.

Travel documents at the ready

Make sure you have all necessary visas and documents for your trip abroad. Apply with plenty of time to spare and make copies of all important documents and records. Check if you need an international driver’s licence.

Buy your tickets and reserve hotels or other accommodation for your arrival. Arrange travel insurance and make investigations about medical insurance in your new country as well as over the period just before your departure.

Find a reputable moving company

Select a removal company that looks like it loves doing what it does and will prioritise the safety of your goods. This will put your mind at ease and enable you to focus on all the other bits that need to be tied up before you go.

Sort out your finances

Make sure your financial matters in your home country are all tied up. Pay outstanding bills, organise taxes and decide how you are going to manage your money once you have relocated.

It might be a good idea to keep a bank account open in your home country to sort out any last minute payments and to keep for when you visit the country again on holiday.

Decide what must stay and what must go

If ever there was a good time to declutter, this is it. Sort out what you really want to keep, bearing in mind that large items like couches and dining tables, and electronic items like TVs and fridges are best to be bought in your new country, as shipping these items is not only costly but impractical as these items are easily replaceable.

Sentimental pieces and items that are small and light can be transported in your container, but be picky about these too. Anything that is broken or not necessary can stay behind.

Cancel things before moving abroad

Cancel electricity, telephone and internet subscriptions. Cancel gym memberships, magazine subscriptions and other annual payments you may have forgotten about, such as your post office box.

Don’t forget your furry friends

If you are taking your pets, make sure their housing, vaccinations and all paperwork are sorted out and that you are aware of what will happen to them on the other side.

Tell the teacher

Make sure your children’s school knows they are leaving. Get any reports or letters you may need for registration in your new country.

Get a quote to find out how much your move is going to cost, and then start crossing tasks off your list of to-dos as soon as possible.