Finally taking the leap to move overseas?
With all of the excitement involved, there is also a lot to get in order when moving abroad. From packing up, getting the necessary vaccinations and leaving your current home, you don’t want to get caught up and miss something important. A moving abroad checklist will help you keep everything in order so you can have a stress-free move.
Read on to learn what you need to do ahead of time to prepare for an international move.
Moving Abroad Checklist
Make sure to complete the following tasks before moving abroad:
Plan how you’ll settle in the new place
With so much to do to leave your current place, don’t forget to think about how you’ll settle in your new place once you’ve moved. There are some things you can do ahead of time to make the transition to a new country easier.
Set up your utilities ahead of time. Learn about the culture. Learn the language.
Having a plan for how you’ll adapt may help you from getting homesick. Moving to a new country with no plan in place or knowledge of the area can certainly make you want to go back to your old familiar life.
Learn the driving regulations
If you plan to drive in your new country, educate yourself on the local driving laws and regulations. From driving license requirements to which side of the road is appropriate to drive on, these laws differ from country to country.
You will need to request an International Driving Permit from the Post Office. This is an annual permit that usually allows you to drive in another country when you pair it with your Canada driving license. Be sure to check if you’ll need to apply for a local driving license within your new country of residence.
Plan your finances
Before moving overseas, make a plan for keeping your finances, pension plan, bills, tax arrangements and investments in order. Here are a few financial things to take care of before your move:
- Let your bank know that you are moving abroad, and give them your new contact information.
- Ask your bank about fees and accessibility while you are in your new residence.
- Cancel any unnecessary direct debits.
- Pay any outstanding credit card bills.
After you move, set up a bank account in your new country of residence for day-to-day finances.
If you are planning to retire abroad, there is a number of other things to think about. Ask how you can access your pension and how the tax system in your new country impacts your pension.
You should also plan your estate and what will happen to it when you die. There are different rules in different countries. You’ll want to create a will, then seek advice from a financial adviser.
Turn off utilities
Inform your utility providers of your plans to move abroad. Remember to discontinue your gas, electricity, water, Internet, cable and television services. If you are renting your house out while you’re away, remember to get the names changed on the bills.
Prepare to rent your home out
If you plan to rent your house out while you are living overseas, start securing tenants. Contact local rental agencies if you need help finding tenants.
Complete any minor repairs before leaving and make sure your home is in good rental condition. Make an inventory list of everything you’re leaving behind.
If you plan on renting your current home out, you should also inform your insurance company. Also, let your mortgage provider know if you are still paying a mortgage on your property.
Forward your mail
To prevent missing your mail, set up a mail redirection at the Post Office. They can redirect your mail for up to 12 months.
Get your documents together
Moving abroad calls for several documents to acquire, and doing so may take some time. Start early. Create a folder for your hard copies and be sure to have a file saved on your computer or a flash drive as well.
Some of the important documents you’ll need include:
- Financial (tax information, receipts)
- Passports
- Your children’s school transfer certificates
- Driver’s license and international driving permit
- Birth certificates for all family members
- Marriage certificate
- Health insurance cards
- Immunization records
- Medical records
Also, keep in mind that your new country may require that official paperwork is certified before they accept it.
Hire a moving company
Get quotes from different moving companies that will do international moves. When you find the best quote, set a date for them to come. Ask for their advice on any property or belongings of yours that you will not be allowed to move to the new country.
Make a packing list
Once you determine that you’re going to move abroad, be thinking of what you absolutely need to take with you and what you can get rid of. Early on, you can pack all the items you won’t need right away, such as ornaments, photos or seasonal clothes. Label all of your boxes.
Is there anything you want to sell, such as a car, a treadmill or other big household equipment that can’t come with you? Get everything out on the market early. Then, have a garage sale to get rid of all the other things you don’t need to hang on to.
Start packing up the house about one month before your move date. Be sure to pack the suitcase you’ll carry with you with the essentials you’ll need for the first few days after your move. It is unpredictable as to how long it can take for the rest of your belongings to be shipped to you.
Moving overseas is an incredibly exciting time for you. Use this moving abroad checklist to get everything in order before you move. Doing so will make your transition to a new country much smoother.
Looking for more ways to make your international move easier? Hiring the right moving company will keep your worries away. Get your free moving quote today!