Hints & Tips

The best tip we can give you when moving internationally, is to plan ahead. It is well worth planning in advance. This can save much frustration on moving day. If time allows, begin coordinating an overseas move several months in advance. Allow ample time to gather documents and file visa and other applications, and then shift the focus to packing and shipping household and personal belongings.

Research Your New Country’s Laws
Laws and regulations vary from country to country. Call the relevant embassy or consulate to learn of any restrictions and regulations for foreigners moving into the destination country. In particular, ask if there are:

• required visas
• required vaccines for family members
• restrictions or taxes on shipped household items
• taxes involved in shipping your carrequired vaccines and quarantines for pets.

Passports, Visas and Permits
Submit applications for passports, visas and permits as soon as possible. Check to see what will become invalid shortly after the move. For example, if a family member's passport will expire in the coming year, renew it early.

Gather Important Documents
It could take several weeks to get official copies of vital records and other documents. Start the process early. Consider bringing:

• Birth and Marriage Certificates
• Vaccination, Medical and Dental Records
• Academic Records and Diplomas
• Employment Records
• Proof of Residency (utility bill, statement, etc.)

Prescription Medicine
If a family member receives ongoing treatment for a medical condition, request an extended supply of prescription medication. Ask for a copy of the medical file relating to the condition to take with you.
International Driving Licence. Renew a driver’s license if it will expire in the coming year, and obtain an international driver’s licence. Check to see if your licence can be renewed on line before you leave.

Bank Accounts and Credit Cards
Decide what accounts are essential to keep and notify the appropriate banks that the account holder will be overseas. Consider online banking for easy transfer of funds between accounts and countries. Shred any statements, credit cards and paperwork that won't be needed.

Tax Obligations
Each country has its own rules regarding taxed income. Learn what tax obligations on income earned will be applicable – this is easily achieved online.

Pets
If bringing a pet, schedule necessary vaccinations and obtain a proper pet carrier. If deciding against bringing a family pet, allow plenty of time to find a new home for it.

Personal Travel Arrangements
Purchase airline tickets as soon as a travel date has been selected, and ask about luggage restrictions. If initial plans are to stay in a hotel, make reservations.

Washing
Remember to collect any items sent to the laundry or dry cleaners. Fix a day – before the washing machine is unplumbed – for your last pre-move washing session. It will be a pleasure on arrival not to have to worry about a great pile of dirty clothes.

Pack and Minimise
Keep only the minimum necessities available for daily use, and pack everything else. Sell or give away household items and clothes that won't be needed, and start using frozen foods and pantry items.

Kitchen Appliances
If any of these require professional re-connection or plumbing, arrange for the appropriate electrician, plumber or fitter to call on moving day or the day before and again on delivery.

Car Insurance
If shipping a car, have it serviced before the move. Make copies of its title and registration. It may be possible that the new country accepts foreign insurance policies. If so, compare costs in both countries.

Redirect Mail
Fill out forms at the post office to direct mail to a new address.

Final Preparations

• Defrost Fridges and Freezers
• Do a last minute wash
• Have personal possessions to hand i.e. passports, visas, jewellery
• Go through any relevant paperwork i.e. Visa’s, plan tickets and make sure all are in order
• Do a last minute meter reading
• Clean your house or arrange for a professional cleaning company to come in
• Go through the items like clothing you wish to take with you on the plane, do you have enough clothes to last you until your container arrives? Make sure you have also packed some of the children’s favourite toys as you need them to feel at home as quickly as possible
• Make sure you visit your doctor and get enough prescription drugs to see you through until you register with a new doctor. Also get copies of your medical records
• If you wear disposable contact lenses make sure you have enough to cover you until you can register with an optician. Also get copies of your prescription
• Parking. Check with neighbours if they will leave room outside both properties for your removal van and resolve any parking problems i.e. arranging permits
• Dig out all keys for locks, doors, window keys etc