Moving abroad is a big deal, and there are a lot of things that you need to do to prepare for what may be the biggest move of your life. Depending on the country you’re relocating to, the preparation steps can take months or even years. No matter when you plan to move abroad, it’s important that you get to work on your checklist right away to avoid the hiccups that come with last minute preparation. To help you get started, here are some of the essential checklist items for moving your household abroad from Cheap Movers Sacramento (1601 Alhambra Blvd #100, Sacramento, CA 95816, (916) 584-9939):
1. Select what to bring with you to your new country.
Put these items in a specific place so that they don’t get mixed in with your other belongings.
2. Decide what to do with your other belongings and property.
If you own a home, who is going to care for it? Where are you going to leave your car if it’s not coming with you? Here are some good ideas from Budget Direct for what to do with your vehicle. If you don’t have property in the states but can’t bring all of your things, where will you store them? All of these questions need to be answered well in advance and developed a plan of action.
3. Sell or give away what you can’t keep or bring.
If you have limited storage space and you can’t bring everything with you, you may want to sell or give away some of your belongings. Selling your items can provide you with extra cash for your move and can be done via garage sales, estate sales, eBay, and some mobile apps.
4. Make sure that you have your passports and visas ready for each country you will enter.
The passports of each family member moving abroad need to be valid, but they must be renewed if they expire within the time frame that you will be living abroad. You’ll also need to verify that everyone has their visas approved and ready to go.
5. Make photocopies of your important documents
These include medical records, vaccine records, birth certificates, and passports. Do this for each family member.
6. Schedule your cancellations.
Before moving abroad, you’ll need to cancel your utilities, phone plans, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and any other services that you can’t obtain outside of the country. Also, make plans to forward your mail to an appropriate address.
7. Set up travel plans with your bank.
You’ll need to notify your bank that you’ll be out of the country and let them know which countries you’ll be in before doing transactions abroad.
8. Make sure that your pets cleared for travel
Your furry companions should be vaccinated. You can also request a certificate of health and any other documents that they may need to travel and enter foreign countries.
9. Get yourself checked
Make sure you have your teeth cleaned, eyes checked, and any other self-care appointments that you need to have done before leaving. Take advantage of opportunities to visit your regular doctors and dentists before going away.
10. Buy what you need for living and traveling.
You can get most things in almost any country these days, or at least a very close variation, but if you’re unsure, you can stock up on your favorites before moving. This also applies to any medications you’re on that you will continue to need long-term.
11. Get a credit or bank card that can be used in that country.
If you set up your travel plans, you should be able to use your regular card in your new country. You should also consider getting a backup international banking card in case you can’t access your funds with your regular bank card.
12. Find out what the tax requirements are in the new country.
You want to make sure that you’re in good standing with your new country, so it’s a good idea to do some research and find out what you’ll need to do regarding taxes and health insurance.
Each country has their own set of demands for entering foreigners, so you’ll need to extend your checklist to include any special items that pertain only to your new country. Moving abroad can be both stressful and exciting, but you can cut back on your stress by staying organized and getting things done well in advance of moving day.