Children.
If some items are going by air, remember to include children’s clothes and toys. This will help your family settle in more quickly. Take enough clothes to live with and always include some familiar items from your home. Understandably, children are very vulnerable at this time. Involve them in the move.

Education.
Do you need advice about local schools at your new destination? Talk to your moving company as it can put you in touch with a suitable organization. Movers are being asked similar questions every day, so they have a useful store of knowledge.

Pets.
Pets can also move to your new home, unless specific restrictions apply, on which your mover can advise. However, the shipping of pets is a specialist's job and your mover could bring in another company to handle it. Most of these companies are regularly inspected and operate to high standards. If you can, it is probably worthwhile visiting their premises to make sure you are comfortable with them. There is no hard and fast guidance on this matter – some pets absolutely take moving in their stride while others find it very traumatic. Take time to discuss the matter and make sure you have your pet’s relevant medical paperwork.

Cars.
Whether or not you pay taxes depends on which country you are going to. All countries have rigid laws about imported cars, and some are more restrictive than others. In certain countries it is simply not worth having an imported car because the tax is so high. Look into this well in advance because you may decide you want to sell your car before you go. An attractive alternative is simply to put your car in storage until you return, rather than have the worry of depreciation if it is an expensive one.

Ten weeks before the move.

Clearing out.
Take time to get rid of things you really don’t need. Go through the basement, garage, loft and toy cupboards. Charity shops, garage or car boot sales are all good ways of disposing of unwanted goods that are in good condition.

Eight weeks before the move.

Who to tell.
If you have a Christmas card list, use this as the basis for a list of people to send change of address cards. Don’t forget to add utilities such as mains suppliers (gas/electricity/water), telephone, doctor, dentist, bank, building societies, investment advisors, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, hire purchase or rental companies.

Paperwork.
Start rounding up passports, birth/marriage certificates and check that you have visas, if required. These can often take several months. If you are in a hurry, some companies specialize in obtaining visas on your behalf but they charge.

Other items to arrange include:

Electrical goods.
Don’t take it for granted that all your electrical goods will work in your destination country. Check out the voltages first.

Six weeks before the move.

Moving date.
By now you should have confirmed your moving date with your selected contractor. If not, sign the acceptance form and send it off now.

Mail.
This is a good time to arrange for your mail to be redirected. The cost is reasonable and usually requires no more than your attendance at your local post office with some form of identification.

New goods.
Depending where you are moving to, you may be able to reclaim sales tax refunds on new purchases. Check this with your mover.

Insurance.
A great many people will be handling your shipment between departure and arrival. Although your shipment will be packed to withstand the longest journey, insurance cover gives you peace of mind from door-to-door. You should always insure to cover the cost of replacement in the country of destination.

School.
About this time it is worth inquiring if the school your children will be attending has any particular dress code or other formality. It is important that your children settle in as quickly as possible and taking care of these things in advance, helps the process.

At the same time, if your children are members of international organizations such as the Girl/Boy Scouts, it is worth obtaining details about the nearest group in your new home town. This will help them make friends rapidly.

Getting connected.
Your employer’s HR department, your property agent at destination or your mover can help you with contact addresses of the various organizations whose services you will need to connect your new home to electrical, gas, oil, telephone supplies and so on.

Odds and ends.
Sounds obvious, but don’t forget to return library books, dispose of old cans of paint and other flammables in the garage or house, clear the attic and basement, and cancel household services such as milk, newspapers, gardeners and so on. Also, don’t forget to find a home for your house plants!

The final bills.
Don’t forget to contact main suppliers (electricity, gas, water, telephone) for a final bill. They will need a little notice to get your account up to date.

Seven days before you move.

Do not forget to:

Three days before the move.

Just check that you have enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination. It is handy to have some traveler’s checks and if you can get some local currency before you go, so much the better. You may need small change for papers, drinks, taxis and tips.

Moving day.

You need to be present, your children do not! If it is possible, try to leave them with friends or neighbors for the day. It will be easier for you and less troubling for them.

You should obviously be present when the moving crew comes to the house. Take ten minutes to walk round with the foreman to check what goes, what stays and any special instructions. When the job is done, make a final check of the house with the foreman – don’t forget to look inside cupboards!

Leave the packing to the professionals. Make sure someone remains with them in case they have questions and to see that nothing is left behind. Many shipments are checked by Customs at destination. So don't hide anything!

On Arrival.

What happens when your goods arrive? Your agent will have appointed another agent to receive and deliver your goods.

Clearance.
When your shipment arrives, the local company will arrange Customs clearance for you. Keep in touch to make sure your instructions are understood. Make yourself available to visit Customs if necessary and sort out any queries.

When cleared, your goods will be offered for delivery. If your new home is not ready, storage can be arranged although this will be a separate charge. Avoid delays - your container standing on the dockside can incur additional costs, which may be substantial.

Insurance.
Unpack everything straight away. If there is any damage report it imimgtely to your local mover and follow the claims procedure set out in your policy. It will save time if you can begin obtaining repair/replacement quotations. If you check your contract or insurance certificate you should see a time limit in which to make claims.

ANY QUESTIONS?