Once I decided to relocate, I knew I had to prepare for moving abroad. The administrative tasks were quite daunting, so I prepared a removals checklist – and cheered whenever I could cross off a job done.
Top tip
Keep a special notebook, and computer file (backed up!) Also an e-mail file. Note who you spoke to and when, and what about. File all correspondence.
My Check List
1. Sell my house.
2. Find a reliable removal and storage company.
3. Notify HMRC.
4. Bank accounts
5. Pensions
6. ISA and savings – get professional advice.
7. Prepare for moving abroad by getting together the information to inform your new country about all your assets.
8. Medical matters
9. Visit the vet about 3 months before the move and ensure rabies vaccination, microchip and all vaccinations up to date for your pets relocation. They need their own passports.
10. Driving licence – ensure up to date. When I move get the European licence.
11. Check the rules of the road. Make sure I have the requisite items I have to legally carry in the car.
12. Ensure my will up to date – and be prepared to make another one out in Belgium as intestate rules may differ.
13. Sort out the actual move – buy tickets, prepare pet carriage and define route.
14. Inform utilities company that you are preparing to move abroad.
15. Inform local authority -I actually got a rebate!
16. Arrange for post to be forwarded.
This was my list – and it did seem adequate, although the preparation for moving abroad was quite a complicated business. I was often glad of my little notebook, to remind where I had got up to in my preparation for moving abroad.
If you are moving from the UK to Europe and only need to move a small proportion of…