International Moving Checklist  -  Print

8 weeks before you move:

  • Make sure your passport is current and valid.
  • Contact the consulate for the country you are moving to and ensure that you have a visa if required, and that all paperwork is prepared.
  • Get estimates from moving companies.
  • Look into insurance to cover your items during the move.
  • Check on possible quarantine and/or vaccination requirements for your pet(s).
  • If you have school-age children, check the schooling options at your destination.
  • If you have small children, check child care options at your destination.
  • Obtain a credit report to give to potential landlords or financial institutions in your destination country.
  • Talk to your accountant about your move - your moving expenses may be tax-deductible.

7 weeks before you move:

  • Make a moving file to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move.
  • Start cleaning out unwanted or unneeded possessions.

6 weeks before you move:

  • Start gathering important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, etc) and keep them in a secure place to ensure that they do not get misplaced during the move.
  • Set a date for the move with your moving company. Complete any necessary paperwork, and arrange moving insurance.
  • Enquire about driver's licences and car registration in your destination country.
  • Notify your dentist and doctor of your move and ask for records or referrals.
  • Forward or cancel any monthly services, subscriptions or memberships.
  • Make sure you have transportation arrangements for your pet(s).
  • Notify your veterinarian of your move and obtain any records for your pet(s).
  • Select a school for your children and arrange to transfer any necessary records.

5 weeks before you move:

  • You may want to book a hotel for the night before moving day, since your place will probably look like a bomb hit it!.
  • Contact utilities companies to arrange cancellation of accounts.
  • Make sure you have current vaccination records, and that you get recommended vaccinations for your destination country.

4 weeks before you move:

  • Fill out an official change of address forms where required.
  • Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new contact details.
  • Leave your new contact details with the next tenants of your home if possible.
  • Start using up your frozen food supply.

3 weeks before you move:

  • Check to make sure you have returned all borrowed items including video rentals and library books.
  • Start packing. Begin with rooms of the house you don't use as much and finish with the kitchen. Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for packed boxes.
  • Check into storage options for any items you are not moving immediately.
  • Make an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack. Try to take photographs of these items if possible. You may need this inventory for insurance purposes in case items get lost or damaged in the move.

1 - 2 weeks before you move:

  • Get a travel case/carrier for your pet(s)
  • If you live in a high rise apartment, reserve an elevator for the day of your move.
  • Close any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location if possible.
  • Print this list if you haven't done it already.
  • Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it.
  • Start using up perishable food items, beverages, and alcohol.
  • Confirm all moving arrangements and travel plans/reservations.
  • Get some local currency for your destination country.

Moving week:

  • Be sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move.
  • Finish packing.
  • Clean your house/apartment. Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Do a final check of your old home (cupboards, drawers, etc.)
  • Lock all doors and windows, and leave keys with the appropriate people.
  • Isolate your pet(s) on the day of the move. Keep them away from the moving action to keep them as relaxed as possible before traveling.

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