Congratulations. You’ve decided to move abroad!
Many find the very idea of an international move overwhelming. There is so much to do before you leave. And then when you arrive!
This Moving Abroad Checklist ensures you’ll feel capable, inspired and confident during these busy few months.
It combines quick checklists - with 50+ awesome resources from the world's leading experts, expats and experimentalists – so you can be sure there is nothing you haven’t thought of.
So you’ll have the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy your new location, and all that it has to offer, all the sooner.
If you are strapped for time and need a list of what to consider and research, utilise the bullet points in grey.
Download the PDF to tick your progress, and enjoy the additional resources in blue when time allows.
Please note: these resources are suggestions, not recommendations. Some are country-specific, where international sources are not possible, for example legal requirements and taxes. Please consider if they are right for your situation before committing.
Download your free PDF copy
Includes these ten chapters PLUS two bonus chapters -
How to Move Your Business Abroad and Relocation Insights & Case Studies
Chapter 1: Start with Where You Are Now
Quick list
- What do you need to take with you – and what will you store, sell and give away?
- How are you going to transport your goods into storage or new location? Are you going to keep a list of what is in every box for customs or for organisation? Do you require a removalist or freight service?
- Will you redirect or halt mail? Disconnect all utilities (power, gar, water)? Cancel or transfer communication (landline, mobile/cell, internet, newspaper, magazines)?
- Do you have credit cards, drivers licence, social security or anything else that may expire while you are away?
- Do you own your home? Will you rent or sell? Yourself or via agency?
- Have you made a will and organised a power of attorney to act for you in your absence?
Awesome resources
My Experience with Minimalism: Less Stuff Equals More Experiences
How Do You Pick a Reliable International Removal Company?
Relocation Overseas: mistakes we made in preparing to move
Calendar Before You Go: Organizing Your Departure
Expat Property: Sell Your Property, Rent Your Property?
How to Write a Will: here are your four options
Chapter 2: How to Know More About Where You Are Going
Quick list
- What local laws and customs should you know from the beginning?
- What visa or permit do you and those travelling with you require (allow months to gain)? Will you need to register when you arrive, with local authorities.
- Would it be advisable to register with your ‘home’ consulate for safety and voting purposes?
- Will you be able to drive, will you need an international driving permit, or a local one?
- Will you be able to find an English-speaking legal person to help with any contracts for property, communications, local loans?
- Will you require certified copies of your financial situation or travel plans on arrival?
- Have you scanned copies of important documents such as passport in case of loss?
- What are you not permitted to bring into the country, such as food, alcohol, reading material, social media, arms and large sums of cash.
Awesome resources
Chapter 3: Know What You’d Like to Solve Before, or Soon After, Arrival
Quick list
- Do you know who to contact regarding accommodation – to rent or to buy?
- How do you expect to get around in the early days, such as car rental, public transport or walk?
- Do you need internet immediately? A mobile phone or SIM card?
- Do you have sufficient finances to cover a large rental bond (some countries require payment up to 12 months in advance) or for utility deposits?
Awesome resources
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving Abroad
Top 10 Expat Mistakes - Common Problems to Avoid
Your First Days as an Expat: A Brief Survival Guide
Chapter 4: Ensure Your Money is Working For You
Quick list
- Are you able to ascertain an accurate cost of living from online forums, conversations with other expats or a local relocation company? Ensure you consider accommodation in a safe and convenient part of town; temporary accommodation for arrival if needed; rental bond; relocation costs for people and possessions; costs from ‘home’ such as storage or rental management fees; healthcare cover; trips home; education fees; living costs; currency fluctuations; currency transfer fees; partner’s ability to earn an income; language tuition; tax and financial advice; and local social security obligations.
- Will you require a ‘home’ bank account, a local bank account and an expat bank account? Do each know your current place of residence? Do they offer internet banking?
- How can you minimise the cost of currency exchange?
- What are the taxation rules for your home country and host country, is there a possibility of double taxation? Have you advised relevant government departments at home?
- What insurance do you need, such as health / medical, travel, business, professional liability and life?
- Have you set up direct debit arrangements for any ongoing bills at home, such as mortgage, loans and saving schemes?
Awesome resources
Expat Bank Accounts Overseas - A Basic Guide
The Best Ways to Transfer Money Internationally
How to Access Your Money on the Road
Expatriate Insurance: Choosing the Best Plan
Best International, Global (Annually Renewable) Health Insurance Plans
Travel Insurance by World Nomads
Chapter 5: How to Maintain and Create New Relationships
Quick list
- How might you best stay in touch with those left behind? Do they have your current contact details?
- How might you support those moving with you? What support would help you too?
- How might you make new friends? How might you become part of the community? Where might you meet like-minded people? What are your interests, hobbies and sports?
Awesome resources
Skype, Zoom (good for low internet connectivity), Facebook
I Don’t Feel Like I Fit In Here (podcast)
13 Amazing Reasons Why Couples Who Travel Together Stay Together
A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Meeting People
How to Make Friends Abroad: The Lonely Expat's Guide
How to Make Friends in a New Country
Settling in overseas: older expats know best
The Transition that Never Ends
For your Visitors: How to Freeload on Expat Friends
Chapter 6: How to Live ‘On Purpose’
Quick list
- What might this relocation be an opportunity to change, perhaps work direction, lifestyle balance, study or volunteer opportunities?
- How might your role change, perhaps with more time with your children, or more assistance with your children, or with housework?
Awesome resources
Moving with your Partner: Being a Trailing Spouse
7 Guilty Secrets of Trailing Spouses
How to Find Your Life Purpose: An Unconventional Approach
Advice for Uncertain Expats Facing Change
Types of Expats: Which One Are You?
Chapter 7: Creative Culture Building Strategies
Quick list
- What cultural differences might there be?
- Would you like to learn the local language, either before you arrive or when you get there, to aid immersion, friendships, cultural experience and mental stimulation?
Awesome resources
Start Working with Assumptions - This Way
How to Immerse Yourself in the Culture of a Country When Traveling
Chapter 8: How to Help Children Move
Quick list
- If children are coming with you, what schools or childcare options are there?
- What challenges do you expect they might face in the move?
- How can you encourage their participation in preparing for the move?
- If your children are staying behind, how can you stay connected?
Awesome resources
Benefits of an expat posting for children
International Schooling – how do you choose? (podcast)
Why Growing Up Abroad is Great
Support for Children during Parental Absence
Chapter 9: What is Best for Your Pets
Quick list
- Is it best to take your pets with you, leave them with family or friends, or give them to a new family?
- What immunisations, micro-chipping and quarantine requirements are there for your host country?
- What options are there for their transport?
Awesome resources
7 Tips for Moving Overseas with a Pet
IATA Shipping (air) your dog or cat
Chapter 10: How to Look After Your Health
Quick list
- Do you need vaccinations for your host country and areas you may travel from there? If so, record them in a booklet, for your own record and proof for customs / insurance.
- Have you prepared a list of contacts in case of emergency, in both your home country and host country?
- If you are travelling with medication, do you have sufficient for the duration or can you courier it in (check custom restrictions)? Do you have proof of requirement from your medical practitioner?
- Do you have your medical and dental records?
- Have you considered medical / travel insurance (see resources in Chapter 4)?
Awesome resources
WHO Vaccines - Routine, Selective and Required
Happy and Healthy Wherever She Is (podcast)
Top Ten Tips for Tip Top Health
5 Tips for Expats: Health Essentials
What awesome resources would you add to this list? This guide is being updated regularly.
Contact me here or post your suggestion on the Health & Wellness Revolution Facebook Page.
And be sure to share it with friends and family who might enjoy it too - easy share buttons below. Thank you!
Download your free PDF copy
Includes the above ten chapters PLUS two bonus chapters -
How to Move Your Business Abroad and Relocation Insights & Case Studies
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