Moving Abroad Checklist

Moving to another country is one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences a person can undertake.

Whatever your reason for moving abroad, the process can be overwhelming without a clear plan. From paperwork to packing, there are countless details to juggle and get right.

To help you navigate your international move, here’s a comprehensive checklist that will keep you organized and stress-free.

1. Research Your Destination Thoroughly

Before packing your bags, learn as much about your future home as possible. Understanding the culture, language, climate, and cost of living will prepare you mentally and emotionally for your new life.

• Read expat forums, travel blogs, and government websites.
• Research neighborhoods to find one that fits your lifestyle.
• Understand the local customs and etiquette to avoid cultural faux pas.
• Look into the healthcare system, transportation, and public services.
• If you have kids, thoroughly research the schooling options

Tip: Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in making your first few weeks so much easier, and you will also gain the admiration of the locals!

You may also like to read: International Moving Costs. In this guide, you will find comprehensive details about how shipping costs are calculated, what affects your moving costs, and also example average moving costs for numerous countries.

2. Sort Out Your Visa and Legal Documents

Your legal status in the new country is critical. Visa requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality, reason for moving, and destination country.

• Apply for the correct visa (work, student, retirement, etc.).
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6–12 months beyond your planned stay.
• Make multiple copies of important documents (passport, visa, birth certificate, etc.).
• Apostille or legalize documents if required by your destination.

Tip: Always check official immigration websites rather than relying solely on forums or second-hand information.

You may also like to read: Important Documents When Moving Home. In this guide is a very useful section on what documents you need when moving abroad and how to keep them safe during your move.

3. Create a Financial Plan

Money management becomes more complex when you’re dealing with multiple currencies, tax codes, and banking systems. And always plan to have a safety buffer in your financial planning, as there are nearly always unexpected expenses when moving abroad.

• If possible, open a local bank account (some countries allow this remotely).
• Inform your current bank of your move to prevent account freezes.
• Research tax obligations in both your home and new country.
• Prepare a budget covering relocation, living costs, and emergencies.
• It is essential to have international health and travel insurance.

Tip: Use services like TransferWise or Revolut to manage currency exchange and international transfers affordably.

You may also like to read: How to Create a Moving Budget. In this guide, we explain how to create a moving budget and the things to include in it.

4. Secure Housing Before You Arrive

Finding a place to live is one of the most critical and often challenging aspects of moving abroad.

• Decide whether to rent short-term accommodation while searching or secure a long-term lease in advance.
• Use trusted property websites and consider using a relocation agent if possible.
• Understand rental requirements, such as deposits, references, or guarantors.

Tip: Having a really good real estate broker can be invaluable. Not only will they usually sort out your housing needs, but also guide you through the minefield of bureaucracy that you are sure to face.

You may also like to read: How to Declutter Before Moving. Property abroad often comes fully furnished, and you also don’t want to be paying to move stuff you won’t need, so in this guide, we explain how to declutter to make your move cheaper and easier.

5. Sort Out Healthcare

Healthcare systems differ greatly from country to country. Some provide universal coverage, while others rely on private insurance.

• Determine whether you need private health insurance or qualify for public coverage.
• Schedule a full medical check-up before leaving.
• Refill prescriptions and bring a copy of medical records and vaccination history.
• Research how to find doctors and pharmacies locally.
• If taking pets with you, ensure that they have the required vaccinations.

Tip: Consider international health insurance providers who cater to expats, such as Cigna or Allianz.

You may also like to read: Moving Pets Internationally. From micro-chipping to pet passports to health certificates, find out all you need to know about moving your pets abroad in this guide.

6. Sort Out Your Belongings

Decide what to take and what to get rid of. The fewer items you need to take, the cheaper your relocation costs will be.

• Declutter and sell/donate what you don’t need.
• Choose between air freight, sea freight, or excess baggage for moving items.
• Pack essentials like clothing, documents, electronics, and sentimental items.
• Take photos of valuable items.
• Always hire professional packers for an international move. They know what can and can’t be packed and how to protect those items properly.

Tip: Shipping takes time and is prone to delays, so carry a few weeks’ worth of essentials in your luggage just in case of delays.

You may also like to read: How to Pack for an International Home Move. Whilst your main household items will have to be professionally packed, there are still items that you need to take with you. In this guide, we explain the safest and easiest ways to pack for your international home move.

7. Choose a Good International Mover

If you are taking more than just a carry-on bag of things with you, then finding a really good international mover is essential.

They will be able to advise you about what you can and cannot import to your new country, and are often a treasure trove of useful information about your destination.

• Research, research, and more research. You can never do enough research when looking to hire movers.
• For extra peace of mind, ensure that they are a member of one of the International Moving Company Trade Bodies, such as FIDI or FAIM.
• Pay attention to any insurance you are offered and ensure that your things are properly covered.
• Schedule your movers well in advance. Shipping delays and customs holdups are common, so consider that if you need your things in-country by a certain date.

You may also like to read: Choosing International Moving Companies. Choosing the right moving company is essential, especially when moving abroad. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about choosing the right mover for your move. It is essential reading.

8. Update Your Addresses and Subscriptions

Once your move is confirmed, start updating your contacts and subscriptions.

• Notify your bank, insurance provider, and postal service.
• Redirect mail or use a mail forwarding service.
• Cancel local memberships, utilities, and subscriptions.
• Update your address for online services like Amazon, Netflix, etc.

Tip: Use a spreadsheet to keep track of everyone you need to notify; it’s easy to forget one or two.

You may also like to read: How to Change Address When Moving. In this guide, we suggest a list of people and companies that you will need to notify when moving and how to notify them.

9. Prepare Emotionally

Moving abroad isn’t just a logistical challenge, it’s an emotional one too.

• Say goodbye to friends and family with a proper send-off.
• Join online communities in your new country before you move.
• Mentally prepare for culture shock, homesickness, and initial loneliness.
• Create a “comfort kit” with your favorite snacks, books, and photos.

Tip: Schedule regular video calls with loved ones to ease the transition and stay connected.

You may also like to read: How to Throw a Going Away Party. In this guide, we share 10 steps to throw a memorable leaving party.

10. Take Care of Legal and Bureaucratic Requirements Abroad

Once you arrive, there may still be formalities to complete.

• Register your address with local authorities (if required).
• Get a local SIM card and set up your phone plan.
• Apply for a residence permit, tax ID, or social security number if applicable.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and local laws.

Tip: Some countries require registration within a few days of arrival, so prioritize this task to avoid fines.

You may also like to read: Customs Regulations When Moving Internationally. In this guide, we explain the customs regulations for some of the most popular countries that Americans relocate to.

11. Get to Know Your New Surroundings

The sooner you become familiar with your new surroundings, the quicker you will settle in.

• Explore your neighborhood and local attractions.
• Introduce yourself to neighbors and co-workers.
• Find community centers, expat groups, and language classes.
• Try local cuisine and participate in local traditions.

Tip: The more you engage, the faster you’ll feel at home. Be patient, adjusting takes time, but the more effort you make, the easier everything will be.

You may also like to read: How to Cope with Relocation Depression. Moving 50 or 50,000 miles, you can still be prone to relocation depression. In this guide, we share tips to help stave off this common feeling.

Moving abroad is a life-changing decision that requires meticulous planning.

By using this checklist as a guide, you’ll not only reduce stress but also increase your chances of a successful, smooth transition.

No home move is ever perfect, things may go wrong or feel overwhelming at times. But with good preparation, support, and an open mind, the rewards of living abroad are life-changing.

Be sure to visit our International Home Moving Blog, which is packed with tips on making your move overseas easier, cheaper, and safer. Good luck!