Checklist For Inexperienced Expats – 3 Month Plan

Moving abroad, whether it is for working, studying or simply, a change of location, is no easy task. Especially for inexperienced travellers, moving for the first time abroad. In order to facilitate the moving process, we provided a guide that will serve as a checklist of what needs to be done prior your move. Since the moving process is generally quite time consuming, we recommend that you start planning well in advance.

In this checklist, we will divide the plan in four sections, checklist for three months, two months, one month and a day before your move.

3 Months Before

• Plan your flights and accommodation. For pricing and availability reasons, do not leave booking your reservation too late. Plan when you plan on moving and see what fits you best.
• If you have children, start by informing their schools and any other memberships about their termination.
• Depending which country, you are moving to, check whether you need and prepare any vaccinations or medical supplies.
• Do you require a moving company? What will you take with you and what will you sell/give away. If you will be needing moving services, commence by receiving some quotes and compare.
• Create a folder, in which you can put all the important documents and keep everything organised. Additionally, check that all of your documents are up to date.
• Create a list with reminders of things that need to be done in the coming days.
• Ensure that your passport is valid and will not be expiring anytime soon. Renewing your passport abroad can be more challenging.
• If you are planning to secure accommodation prior your arrival, do not just book without seeing it in person. We highly suggest that before you commit to any property, you visit the destination before hand and explore the neighbourhood and see the property. Pictures can be deceiving, and unpleasant surprises will be the last thing you want when you arrive to your new home.

2 Months Before

• Ensure that you have all medical records sorted.
• If you are planning to sell your car, property or any other objects, put them on the market. Do not underestimate the amount of additional money you can earn from selling things you will no longer need.
• Check whether you need to apply or terminate insurance.
• Make your bank aware that you are relocating abroad. In the meantime, ensure that you have or apply for a credit/debit card which you can utilise abroad. Also, set up internet banking.
• Translate the name of the objects required for your travel. For instance, if you are moving to Germany and need medication, check how that particular medication is called in German.

1 Month Before

• Check whether you need to change your address.
• Ensure that you paid all outstanding bills and it is recommended that you leave a small amount of emergency money with a trusted person.
• Explore banking possibilities in the new country, contact them in advance and understand the process.
• Confirm your reservation or with your new landlord and ensure that everything is settled for when you arrive.
• Explore internet and communication options abroad. Internet is crucial nowadays and depending on which country you are planning to move to, the process can be quite time consuming.
• Make an inventory list of what you sold, will be taking with you and what you will give away.
• Give your new contact information to the people close to you.
• Explore leisure activities in your new surroundings, create an easy plan to guide you in your new life.

1 Day Before

• By now, you should have most of the things in order. Go over what you need to take and check that you have the most important things. If you are shipping your items, confirm a delivery date and prices.
• Make sure you did not leave anything of importance behind.
• Meet your friends or family and say your final goodbyes.
• Get ready and proceed with starting your new adventure.

Goodluck with your move!