Moving abroad can be a scary, emotional and exciting time of your life. Whether you’re temporarily moving abroad or permanently leaving the UK, it can be difficult to organise everything.
Article written by Bishop’s Move
Arranging what to take with you, informing every one of your plans, and selecting a removal date will only be a few of the things on your to do list before you leave. So before you start organising everything, have a look at this checklist and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything!
1-2 Months Before You Leave
Set a removal date as soon as you can, and as far in advance as possible. Have an idea of how many things you want to move abroad when you get a quote. If you’re a family of four and you’re moving all the way to Australia permanently, you’ll probably have to have a bigger budget than a couple who are moving to France for six months. If you’re only taking a few things with you, consider a part load, which is shared with other customers on the same route as you. Bishop’s Move offers this service, which can help you save a lot of money.
Arrange insurance for the move. This is especially important if you’re moving valuable items, or all your worldly possessions. No matter how trusted and experienced your removal company is, no one can predict any accidents, so it’s best to insure everything for peace of mind.
Make a list of things that you want to take with you. This is important as you can gauge how much removal space you’ll need. Make a list of things you definitely need to take with you, things you can put in storage, and things that you can sell or give away. Think carefully about what you take: will your electrical items be compatible? Do you really need to take that foot spa that’s been under your bed for years? Can your antique chest of drawers be put in storage instead of being flown halfway round the world?
Signing up to auction sites such as eBay, and using community websites such as Gumtree and Freecycle can be quick and easy ways to get rid of your stuff. Selling your DVDs and video games at a trade-in shop such as Computer Exchange can be a convenient way to get some easy cash for your unwanted technology. If you don’t have time to sell everything, then check with your removal company, as some, like Bishop’s Move, will donate your unwanted items to charity.
Ensure your passport is up to date. There’s nothing worse than finding out a week before you move that your passport expired six months ago. A dash to the passport office can be a nightmare – especially during the middle of a house move! Also, if you plan to drive while you’re abroad, check that you can use your driving licence in your new country – sometimes you will have to reapply for a new licence.
Arrange how you are going to get to your new home. Booking flights well in advance will save you money, and booking business class or premium economy can be more affordable if you have lots of luggage you want to take with you. If you’re driving, book your ferry or train as soon as possible, and make sure you buy a map before you set off. Relying on a satnav in unfamiliar territory could lead to disaster!
Contact your electoral office. If you want to vote from overseas, arrange this in advance, so that they can send you the necessary information when voting takes place.
Arrange redirecting your mail. This can be costly, so consider getting it redirected to a UK address, such as your parents’ house, or a friend’s. They can then vet any unwanted mail and give you any important letters in person or mail them to you for less.
Cancel your bills and direct debits. It can be pretty satisfying to call up your utilities company and let them know you never have to pay them another penny, so maybe you’ll want to do this first! Arrange to have a final meter reading on your moving day, and let the TV licence, internet and telephone companies know your final day of moving. It’s also worth calling up your mobile phone company and paying off the end of any contracts, or discussing using your phone abroad. However, it usually works out cheaper to simply sign up to a new service in your country of choice.
Visit your doctor. Arrange for a check-up and any vaccinations you might need, and let them know that you are moving abroad in case they need to arrange giving you a copy of your medical records.
Tell everyone you’re moving! Through the whirlwind of organising your move, you may have forgotten to tell your friends that you are relocating! Get on Facebook, Twitter, and start calling people up. Send your closest friends and relatives your new address and contact details, and organise a party. Moving abroad can be an anxious time, so having a farewell party is a good way to have some time out and remind you that everyone is supporting you in your life changing decision.
1-2 weeks before you leave
Start dismantling any large pieces of furniture. If you have any tables, chairs, drawers or wardrobes that you know you won’t need to use, then start taking them apart, ready to be moved or put into storage. Ensure that all of the things you aren’t taking with you have been sold or moved into storage.
Get together all your important documents. Passports, birth and marriage certificates, and tickets for your flight all fall under this category. Put them in an easy to remember place that you know won’t get packed away.
Pack your suitcase. You will need at least a small suitcase with the things you’ll need immediately, such as clothes, toiletries etc. Prepare for the worst: there could be a potential delay on getting your furniture and goods shipped to you, so make sure you have everything you need. If you have children, let them pack a bag for themselves for the journey. It can be a confusing time for them too, so letting them have a few toys or home comforts can really help them settle.
Get some currency. It might not be practical to use your debit or credit card abroad, so make sure you have plenty of money to use while you wait for your international bank account to be set up.
Empty your fridge and freezer. Now’s the time to get creative with your dinners: start making your way through all that frozen food you’d forgotten about, and throwing out anything you know you won’t eat before you leave. Clear out your cupboards of any foodstuffs you know you’re not going to need and pack away any snacks you’re going to take with you for the journey. After you’ve finished with your freezer, be sure to defrost it.
The day of the move
Let the removal company pack for you. They know what they’re doing, and you’ve hired them for a reason! Don’t let your bad packing be the cause of any mishaps- removal companies such as Bishop’s Move have specially trained staff who will pack your furniture away for you in specially chosen packing materials and containers.
Keep your valuables with you. Any jewellery and electronic devices should be taken with you on your travels, just in case anything happens to them on the journey.
Arrange a taxi to the airport. Or check your route if you’re driving to your destination.
Double check everything. You’ll undoubtedly be running around triple checking everything anyway, but make sure that everything you want the removal company to take is on the removal truck before they depart.
Call up your loved ones. It might be worth giving your parents or friends a quick call, as they will be able to reassure your nerves, and they will also be nervous for you!
Enjoy your day. After all the planning and preparation, the day is finally here, and you’re ready to start a new part of your life. Instead of feeling stressed out or worried, enjoy it, as you probably won’t experience this again.
Bishop’s Move is the largest family-owned removal company in the UK, specialised in international removals and overseas relocation. Whether you are moving in the UK, moving abroad, or moving to the UK, Bishop’s Move is here to make your move hassle free.
The views and comments herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Rightmove Overseas, Rightmove Group Ltd or Rightmove Plc