relocation checklist
We can make sure the process of starting your employment abroad runs smoothly, but we know that you will also have many personal things to consider when relocating. This checklist covers the most important things you need to think about when preparing for your move.
Six months before you leave:
If you are a homeowner, decide whether you will sell your home or rent it out during your absence. Selling your house will take time, so you will need to start the process as early as possible. If you choose to rent out your property instead, you will need to decide how you will manage it and may want to consider a letting agent. You should also consult a specialist in local tax and property laws to ensure that you are meeting all of your legal obligations.
Visit your new city if possible and familiarise yourself with the area. If you plan to buy a home, you may wish to take the opportunity to view and express your interest in available properties.
Ensure that all passports and visas for yourself and your family are up to date.
If you will be moving with your children, you should start looking at local schools and arrange for the transfer of school records.
Three months before you leave:
if you wish to take your personal possessions with you or leave them in storage, you should create an inventory of your items and start making the necessary arrangements.
If you wish to take your pets to the UK with you, you should check the requirements on the gov.uk website. You may need to obtain vaccinations and veterinary records for your pets to avoid quarantine on arrival.
If renting in the UK, start to look at accommodation and contact potential owners to discuss rental arrangements.
Six weeks before you leave:
Arrange a doctor’s appointment for yourself and your family. You will need to discuss the transfer of your medical records, ensure that you meet health requirements such as mandatory vaccinations, and discuss the management of any ongoing health issues.
Start to pack items that you will not need until after the move, such as art and decorative furniture.
Arrange to sell any items that you will not be keeping.
Check that all of your possessions are fully insured. Some standard policies do not cover certain valuable items so you may need to purchase additional cover.
Confirm your travel arrangements.
Confirm your accommodation arrangements and notify friends and family of your new address.
If renting, you should discuss utilities with the property owner. You may need to arrange for utilities to be connected, so you should research providers and make arrangements if necessary.
Notify your current utility and telephone providers that you will be leaving and arrange for disconnection if necessary.
Two weeks before you leave:
- Pack the rest of your belongings.
- Buy some local currency to get you started when you arrive.
- Set up a mail redirect with your local postal service if available, or make arrangements for your mail to be forwarded by the new occupiers.
- Make plans for children and pets on the day of the move.
- Notify credit card providers and other relevant parties of your change of address.
- Cancel or redirect any mail subscriptions.
- Check that you have enough of any required prescription medications to last you throughout the relocation period.
On leaving day:
- Do a final check of the property to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Ensure your important documents such as passports and visa paperwork are on your person.
- Read your utility meters if necessary and make a note or take a photo of the readings.
- Check that the property is securely locked after the removal service and ensure keys are left for the new occupiers.
When you arrive:
- Check your possessions against your inventory. It is important to do this quickly in case of an insurance claim.
- Read the utility meters and make a note or take a photo of the readings.
- Register with a local doctor and dentist . You will need to do this in person.
- Buy a pay-as-you-go mobile phone or sign up for a contract.
- Apply for your National Insurance number.
- Set up a bank account .
- Confirm your arrival with Tiro and your employer.
- Purchase school uniforms for your children. The school will be able to give you details of uniform requirements and advise you where to buy them from.
- You can find plenty of information in this section to help you throughout the removal process, but if you have any questions our experts are always available to help.
If you require further support, contact our team of experts of experts who will happy to help.
