MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST

You have made a decision to move abroad! Wonderful! You now have a lot of work ahead of you. Moving, in general, is really stressful, but when you are totally transitioning every aspect of your life overseas, there is a ton of work that will go into getting organized. Depending on where you are going, you will also want to make sure you have the right voltage converters for your technology. Read on for a full moving abroad checklist!

Visas and Passports

Regardless of where or why you are going overseas, it’s important that your ducks are in a row when it comes to passports, visas, and paperwork. You will need a long-term visa and a renewed passport. By renewing your passport, you will save yourself, in the long run, from having to return home for the sake of renewing it.

Taxes and Paperwork

While on the subject of visas and passports, paperwork preparation is very important. Make sure that your mail is forwarded to a family or trusted friend’s house. That way, if something important comes through, they can contact you. Also, preparing your taxes, no matter where you are at in the year, is very important. Certain companies also offer expat services for when you are overseas.

Also, if you intend to bring a pet, this is the time where you want to deal with that paperwork and the requisite shots. Also, depending on where you are traveling, you might need certain vaccinations and paperwork. Thoroughly research the requirements for international entry to the country where you are heading.

Cancel Your Subscriptions and Memberships

While overseas, the last thing you want to do is pay for a magazine subscription or an entertainment service that you aren’t using. Cancel your gym membership, your phone service, and your Netflix account. Although canceling contracts early, such as a phone, may generate fees, you are saving yourself in the long run.

Technology

No matter where you are going, outlets will be different. Depending on where your next home is, investing in a 110/220 voltage converter, European power adaptor, or an Indian power adaptor is crucial. Whether for a computer, phone, or camera charger, at some point shortly after your arrival, you will need your technology.

Health and Benefits

Every health benefit plan has different rules for being overseas. Some keep you covered while others don’t. Be sure to talk to your provider and find out if you are covered. Also, it might be wiser to get covered in your new home, as insurance might be cheaper and allow you access to better doctors.

Women’s health must be thought through as well. Make sure your gynecology appointments are up to date. If you take birth control, be sure to have at least a year’s supply before heading out.

Before leaving, be sure to get your dental, vision, and specialist appointments out of the way. This will assure your health before landing at your new home base, so you won’t need any sort of urgent care.

Wherever you end up, be sure to be prepared, stay safe, and have fun! Don’t let anything fall through the cracks and stay thorough while diligently planning. Be sure to get your proper electronic converters!

Sources

1. https://transferwise.com/gb/blog/moving-abroad-checklist-six-months-before-you-go
2. http://hippie-inheels.com/complete-moving-abroad-checklist-newbie-expats/
3. https://www.internations.org/magazine/prepare-for-moving-abroad-15266