Checklist for Planning Your Move Abroad

To help take some of the stress out of moving abroad, we have put together a checklist for planning your move abroad that will help you organize your tasks.

1. Identify and Organize Important Documents

Gathering key documents you will need to enter, live and work in your new country should be your first priority. Importantly, start as early as possible to assemble these important documents:

• Visas (information is provided in the Immigration section of each country)
• Passports (be sure they are current for each family member)
• Proof of citizenship (this document is required if you are a naturalized citizen)
• Work permits (information is provided in the Immigration section of each country)
• Immunization Certificates (information is provided in the Healthcare section of each country)
• Medical/dental records
• School records/diplomas
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• Veterinary International Health Certificate (Information is provided in the Pet Regulations and Procedures section of each country)
• International driver’s license (Call the American Automobile Association (AAA) at 1-800-922-8228 for information on how to apply)

2. Arrange for Moving Your Household Goods and Vehicles

Moving is expensive so a little advance planning may save you a bundle. Determine what you want to move, what you want to sell and what you want to give away or donate to a charity. Also, think about where you will be moving. What electrical standards are used? Will your appliances work? Would it be cheaper to buy new furniture, a car or other personal belongings in your new city instead of spending money on moving these items thousands of miles? You also will need a detailed valued inventory list for all the possessions you insure and ship to your new location.

Next, start your search for a reputable international moving company you can trust. Our articles “How to Move Your Households Good Abroad” and “Should You Insure Your Household Goods When Moving Abroad” will give you all the details, but here are a few highlights:

• Start by checking the FIDI Global Alliance website for accredited international moving companies that serve your new country
• Check expat chat groups and forums in your destination country
• Check Better Business Bureau ratings
• Make sure the moving companies are ISO 9002 certified, an international quality standard
• Consider companies that have owned operations and experience in all regions of the world or those that are specialists in specific regions
• Select three companies (with references) to contact and arrange for them to do a visual inspection of your household goods before a bid is prepared
• Once selected, your new moving partner should handle all the forms and details to get you where you want to go

3. Find a Place to Live Before You Move Abroad

As you search for an international moving company, you also should be investigating your housing options in your new city. A good way to begin your search is to use the National Association of Realtor’s “Find a Realtor” database to find an international realtor you can trust. Check out our article “Renting or Buying a Home Abroad” for more details.

You also can search for local real estate firms directly. Major U.S. real estate companies like Coldwell Banker, Century 21 and others have offices or branches in most major cities around the world. You can confirm local reputation and reliability through expat chat groups and forums in your new location. Most real estate firms also have rental listings or can put you in touch with local firms that handle just rentals. Our article “Buying a Home in Mexico” provides more details on buying a home through a local real estate firm.

Consider finding a short-term rental to live in initially. Renting will give you plenty of time to thoroughly research the area and find the perfect spot to live.

4. Banking and Health Insurance

Most banks have online banking that can be accessed from anywhere in the world with a user name and password. You can do everything online and use your ATM card in your new city to withdraw cash when you need it. You may want to keep your U.S. account long-term if you derive income from U.S. sources, such as Social Security, investments or consulting fees. And, if you decide to return to America, maintaining your account ensures that you have a continuous credit history.

If you plan to work or start a business in your new city, you will have to open a local bank account, which often requires a reference and letter of recommendation from your previous bank. Read our article “Planning Your Banking Needs Before You Move Abroad” for more information.

For health insurance, first check with your current provider to see if they offer international policies that will cover your family in your new country. Other options include purchasing an international plan, purchasing a policy in your new country if you are qualified or enrolling in the country’s national healthcare plan if you qualify. Please read our article “Selecting the Best International Health Plan Option for Your Family” for more information.