Move Abroad Like a Pro
So, you’re in the process of moving abroad. Maybe you’ve just decided where you want to end up, or perhaps all that’s left to do is, well, move. Wherever you are at in the process, our Relocation Checklist can help you ensure that all of your bases are covered. For easier reference, we’ve divided our checklist into 5 sections: Home, Health, Financial, Personal, and Work.
Each section contains a list of things to do before you move and after you arrive in your new home!
Home
Before Departure:
- Notify your landlord if you are currently in a lease agreement or make arrangements to sell your property
- Cancel or transfer active utilities (gas, electric, water, garbage, internet, etc)
- Notify your renter/home insurance of your move
- Redirect your mail or set up mail forwarding. Ensure you change your home address with key institutions (e.g. banks, doctors)
- Inventory and pack your belongings. Decide what will move with you and what you will sell, donate, or throw away.
- Coordinate moving your belongings. Will you hire an international moving company? Do you need to ship large items?
- Arrange to sell or ship any vehicles
After Arrival:
- Secure long-term housing (a lease agreement or purchase of property)
- Set up utilities (gas, electric, water, internet, phone)
- Familiarize yourself with local regulations (traffic laws, trash rules, etc)
- Unpack your belongings
- Purchase any essential items (outlet adapter, appliances, etc)
- Register your vehicle with local authorities or purchase a vehicle.
Health
Before Leaving:
- Meet with your dentist, optometrist, and general practitioner for wellness checks
- Request your health records
- Refill any prescriptions (preferably with a 90 day supply, minimum)
- Receive any vaccinations required
- Purchase international health insurance
- Consider arranging mental/emotional health support. Moving overseas can be challenging.
After Arriving:
- Register with local health systems or a general practitioner
- Note local emergency phone numbers and hospitals
- Locate a pharmacy near you, refill any prescriptions needed
- Consider local health insurance options
- Be aware of differences in food, water, and health standards.
Financial
Before Departure:
- Notify your bank of your plans to move
- Open an international bank account (or local if available)
- Determine the cost of living and set a budget for relocation
- Meet with a tax advisor (US and for your destination country)
- Manage outstanding debts in the US
After Arrival:
- Open local bank account
- Familiarize yourself with local tax regulations and filings
- Reference the relocation budget you’ve set and adjust as needed
Personal
Before Departure:
- Renew passport
- Apply for and confirm visa or residency permit
- Print hardcopies of important documents
- Research local culture and customs
- Begin studying the language of your new country (if you do not already know it)
- Consider joining expat and immigrant community groups
After Arrival:
- Register with immigration (if your new country requires it)
- Obtain a local ID
- Set up a phone plan
- Begin language classes (if needed)
- Get involved in local community life
- Determine if you need to receive a new driver’s license in your new home country
Work
Before Departure:
- Secure local job or arrange for remote work
- Ensure your visa or residency permit allows you to work
- Connect with your US network and make connections abroad
- Confirm any professional certifications are valid in your new country
After Arrival:
- Register with local tax/ employment offices
- Confirm any local work requirements
- Research local labor laws
- Network with local professionals
- Learn about local benefits
Relocation Recap
There are countless moving parts associated with moving to the next town over, let alone moving to a new country. Each destination may have unique requirements; no two situations are the same. Our Relocation Checklist is designed to point you in the right direction and get you started.
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