International Moving Checklist
Moving to a new country involves a lot of planning because of all the details. This international moving checklist will help you keep organized and stay focused on the daunting, but exciting move.
Two Months before Moving:
☐ Research moving companies that provide international moving service. Compare prices, and find one that fits your needs and your budget.
☐ Schedule the move with the company you selected. Complete all paperwork.
☐ Designate a folder for all paperwork related to your move.
☐ Toss or donate items you no longer need and do not use frequently to lighten your load.
☐ Make travel arrangements: buy plane fare, book hotel rooms, etc. Don’t forget to make arrangements for your pets, whether you take them one the plane or use a pet relocation service.
Tip: If you can, send one family member ahead to be there when your belongings arrive and have one stay behind in case any unforeseen events delay your move.)
☐ Designate a second folder for all important documents mentioned in this international moving checklist.
☐ Ensure that all important documents (driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates, and visas) are valid. Set them aside in the designated folder so they do not get mixed in with moving boxes.
☐ Research the culture of your new country. Encourage your children to pick some new foods and activities to try once there to get them fully onboard with the idea of the move.
Six Weeks Before Moving:
☐ Begin packing items you do not use frequently. Label boxes by room or by owner.
☐ Organize a yard sale to sell items you will not take with you.
☐ Drop off unwanted items at a local charity or give to friends.
☐ List and contact everyone you need to inform of your international move.
☐ Research what is needed to ship your vehicles overseas, and collect all necessary vehicle documents and everything you need to obtain a new license in your new country. Place them in the designated folder.
☐ Collect all financial, medical, and school records and place them in the designated folder.
☐ Arrange for storage for any items you need to store.
☐ Research new schools for your children in your new country. Schedule a tour.
☐ Research requirements for bringing your pets into your new country. Schedule veterinarian appointments because your pets may need immunizations. They may need ownership documents and proper documentation of all immunizations and a clean bill of health.
One Month before Moving:
☐ Go online or to your local Post Office and complete a “Change of Address” form and request mail forwarding service after your international move.
☐ Schedule cancellation of services for all utilities: phone, electricity, water, cable/satellite, gas, Internet, etc.
☐ Discuss your plans with your insurance companies: health, life, automobile, homeowner’s/renter’s, disability, etc. Cancel, transfer, or cash in policies as applicable.
☐ Schedule cancellation or transfer of all memberships and subscriptions
☐ Give your landlord notice of your move, if you are renting your current residence.
☐ Hand in your letter of resignation to your employer. Leave your forwarding address for the mailing of your final paycheck and your Form W-2.
☐ Gather moving supplies. Ask friends to save boxes and newspapers.
Three Weeks before Moving
☐ Continue packing items and clean as you can.
☐ Create a meal plan to use up food items in your refrigerator and pantries.
Two Weeks before Moving
☐ Confirm and coordinate additional services you may need for your international move.
☐ Review and confirm all previously arranged international moving services: vehicle delivery, pet relocation, etc.
One Week before Moving:
☐ Obtain some local currency for your new country.
☐ Close your financial accounts. Transfer funds to your new overseas bank, or set up an account with an online only bank to use until you set up your new local bank account.
☐ Clean out your safe deposit boxes and cancel your P.O. Box.
☐ Inform all creditors and lenders of your new address. Cancel accounts. Inform your credit card company of your move if you plan to keep it.
☐ Pay all outstanding bills.
☐ Ensure that your pets have been fully vetted and will meet your new country’s entry requirements.
☐ Designate a bag for each household member to travel with. Ensure that all travel documents, medications, necessary personal items and clothing, and other travel items are placed in each person’s bag and do not get packed with everything else.
☐ Ensure that all family member and friends have your new contact information. Say your good-byes.
Moving Week:
☐ Ensure that all vehicles have less than a quarter tank of gas and is not packed with excess cargo. Follow all requirements from the transport service.
☐ Confirm your moving day schedule with all service providers. Work out the details.
☐ Cancel or change your address with all online accounts and with any service provider not mentioned earlier.
Moving Day:
☐ Separate personal, travel, and carry-on items from the items to be shipped.
☐ Ensure that someone is present to meet the service providers and to direct their work. Ensure that they take only the items you are not taking yourself.
☐ Clean your apartment and leave it according to your lease agreement. Walk through it with your landlord. Leave a forwarding address for your security deposit, and relinquish the key. (Renters only)
☐ Ensure that all service providers have your correct contact information.
☐ Complete and file additional paperwork.
