Moving to another country is often a complex and stressful task that requires careful planning and organisation. If you’re moving abroad, the best way to plan an international move is by using our moving country checklist.
With a checklist, you have a handy guide to help you plan your international move step by step. What’s more, you can tick off each item as it is sorted so you can see your progress. Read on to learn top tips for moving your pets, family members, and bank accounts.
Here is the international move checklist we will cover:
- Get permits and insurance documents
- Get the correct visa
- Prepare your documents
- Consider your finances
- Create an emergency fund
- Prepare your healthcare
- Sort out any medication
- Find a place to live
- Plan what to do with your belongings
- Downsize your possessions
- Pack your essentials
- Make your travel arrangements
- Sort out your pets
- Get an international driving license
- Forward your mail
- Sort out your tax
- Open an international bank account
Get Permits and Insurance Documents
The first step on your checklist for moving country is to research the required documents. The documents you need depend on your country of residence and where you’re moving. It’s good to contact the UK embassy in your destination country to determine precisely what expats require when moving abroad.
Here are some of the common documents a host country requires:
- Permits and visas
- Vaccinations for family and pets
- Insurance documents
- Import tax on items
- Restricted items
- Quarantine for pets
- Health and/or travel insurance
Get The Correct Visa
The visa you require will depend on where you’re moving to. While we can’t tell you what type of visa you’ll need, we can provide crucial information to prevent you from obtaining the wrong one.
Some countries offer more than one type of visa. For example, one will limit your residency while another will allow you to live in the destination long-term. Some allow you to work, while others allow studying only. When applying for a visa, ask yourself:
- Does this visa lead to permanent residency?
- Will I need to renew it?
- Will I be restricted to certain hours during employment?
- Will I be able to acquire access to healthcare and benefits?
- How much will my visa cost?
- Is there a time limit for how long I can stay?
Knowing the answers to these questions will ensure you apply for the correct visa for your circumstances.
Prepare Your Documents
The next step is to prepare your documents for becoming a permanent resident within another country. For example, you’ll need your passport and proof of citizenship. A few other things you’ll need to sort out include:
- Medical records
- Dental records
- Records of insurance plans
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Academic records
- Driving licence
- Proof of residence
- New employment details
- Bank accounts and credit or debit cards
Consider Your Finances
Moving abroad can be an expensive task. Plus, you need to think about the long-term cost of living in the country you’re moving to. There are a few ways to do this:
- Check the prices of food, utilities, rent/mortgage and other costs. This will help you to create a new budget for your new country. You’ll be able to determine the difference between your home country and the destination country and whether your outgoings will increase or decrease.
- Determine the average salary for your new job. If you’re looking for work, it’s best to do this well before moving. You’ll also need to look at pension schemes as these will likely differ from those in the UK.
- Calculate your short-term moving costs. This should include the cost of travel, moving your pets, moving your belongings, and your travel costs.
- Notify your local bank of your move. They’ll be able to assist you in transferring your assets abroad and how to bank in your new country.
Create An Emergency Fund
When you first move abroad, complications can arise quickly. You need extra cash for living expenses that you didn’t account for. Building an emergency fund gives you some backup finances if you get stuck. Ideally, save at least three months’ worth of living expenses. However, having six months or more will give you a buffer should you find yourself in a sticky situation abroad.
Prepare Your Healthcare
Healthcare can differ significantly abroad than in the UK. Many countries don’t offer free healthcare like the UK, so international health insurance is essential. Before moving, consider your local healthcare options and whether you need to contact an insurance company beforehand. Private healthcare will give you peace of mind in an emergency, and many expats choose this route. Researching to get the best cover and price will help you get your cover set up before you move abroad.
Sort Out Any Medication
If you take prescribed medication, you’ll need to ensure you have enough to cover your move. Check out the healthcare in your new country to determine if you can get easy access to the same medication abroad. This is critically important if you have a serious health condition.
Find a Place to Live
You may already have your living situation sorted. However, if you’re still figuring out the logistics of your move, you may want to peruse the local rental and buying market to determine your options. Many people choose to rent property when they first move abroad—renting before buying lets you scope out your new surroundings before committing to a long-term property. If you are thinking of buying a property, seek a solicitor in your new destination to give you advice. A local estate agent will also be able to provide you with the lowdown on the property market.
Plan What to Do with Your Belongings
Whether you’re relocating for a short period of time or making a permanent move, you’ll need to sort out the shipping of your belongings. Putting your items into storage is often the best decision if it’s a short-term move. If you’re moving long-term, you’ll need to ship your items by plane, train, or vessel. Shipping your belongings internationally can be slow, depending on where you’re moving. It’s a good idea to research relocation companies before moving and keep anything you’ll need with you until the day you relocate.
Downsize Your Possessions
Downsizing your belongings means you won’t need to travel with as many items. Plus, you’ll save money on transportation fees. Consider selling or donating anything you don’t need. Going through this process means you’re well prepared for moving.
Pack Your Essentials
Only pack anything essential in your suitcase. A few things to pack are:
- Important documents
- Medication
- Clothing for your first few days
- Phone charger and power bank
- Travel adapter
- Essential toiletries
Make Your Travel Arrangements
Sort Out Your Pets
Travelling with pets can be challenging to navigate. International countries often require a period of quarantine and vaccinations. You’ll also need pet insurance in your new country and to find a local vet. If you’re taking a pet abroad, do your research well in advance. The last thing you want is your move to be held up due to your pets.
A few questions you may want to find the answers to are:
- Are there restrictions on travelling with specific animal breeds?
- What vaccinations are needed?
- What paperwork is required?
- How much will it cost to transport a pet abroad?
You should consider your pet’s best interests before making any final decisions. Do diligent research and contemplate using a pet relocation company to avoid last-minute stress.
Get An International Driving Licence
If you’re moving to a country where the UK driving licence on its own is not satisfactory, then you’ll need to apply for an international driving licence. This is a legal driving document in many foreign countries, meaning you’ll be able to drive without acquiring any other licence. Ensure you apply for an international driving licence via the official website, as using an unofficial seller can get you into trouble with the law.
Forward Your Mail
Before you move, set up mail forwarding to your new address. You can do this for a fee at your local post office. Additionally, cancel any subscriptions and inform your local council and utility providers, including phone and internet, that you’re moving. Remember to update your addresses for other bills, such as car insurance or store reward cards. Check out our change of address checklist here.
Sort Out Your Tax
Every country has tax rules if you earn money abroad. While some special considerations are given to UK and US individuals, it’s essential to find any tax implications before working in a foreign country. Your foreign embassy will be able to point you in the right direction for filing taxes internationally.
Open An International Bank Account
When you’ve arrived in your new country, you’ll need to open an international bank account. Some banks will let you open an account before travelling, which can be handy if you need to transfer money quickly. A few banks that offer international money transfers include:
- Wise – they provide money transfers in almost 60 countries.
- CurrencyFair – offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.
- Remitly – allows you to transfer money for home delivery, cash pick-up, and traditional bank transfers.
If In Doubt, Call In The Professionals!
Now you have your international move checklist, it’s time to start planning for your belongings. If you need to put your items into storage, Removals & Storage Experts can assist you. Our secure storage facilities are temperature-controlled for optimal conditions, ensuring your possessions are kept clean and dry. Get in touch today.
