International Move Checklist

Two Months Prior to Moving

Start preparing for your move as soon as possible.
If your employer is paying for your move, obtain all information about the level of services the mover will be authorized to perform under your relocation policy.
Set up a calendar with dates and deadlines. It is often helpful to plot the date on a calendar and work backwards.
Establish a “Move File.” Include all documents relating to the move and all move-related receipts.
Apply for Passport, and Visa (if required).
Contact the IRS or your accountant to determine exactly which relocation expenses may be tax-deductible.
If you are presently living on a military base, check with on-base housing to find out how many days notice is required before moving.
Obtain copies of school records and arrange to have them transferred.
Check pre-registration procedures and schedules for enrolling children in school.
Arrange for childcare in your new location.
Obtain information about your new location.

Contact the receiving base housing officer to inquire about available housing and if there is a waiting list.
Get copies of records from doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, accountants, etc. (Don’t forget prescriptions, eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.)
Prepare car registration and insurance for transfer.
Obtain forms for voter’s registration, driver’s license, and vehicle registration for your new location.
Contact your homeowner’s insurance agent to find out to what degree your move is covered.
Make arrangements for property, renter’s, fire, auto and medical insurance at your new location.
Locate all vehicle registration and licensing documents for your vehicles.
Check the Auto Licensing requirements for your destination.
If you have not found a new residence, obtain a Post Office box for forwarding your mail.
Plan where to spend your last night in your current city.
Make your travel arrangements.

Clean out closets, attic, basement, garage, etc. Decide which items you will move and which you will not.
Plan a garage sale or donate items to charity (remember to obtain receipts showing the items approximate value for possible tax deductions).
Find a loving home for your plants.
Check with your veterinarian about your pets. Ensure that your pets are properly inoculated and have appropriate rabies tags.
Arrange for transportation of your pets. Inquire about boarding at either origin or destination location, if needed.
If possible, take pictures or videotape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
Start using canned goods, frozen foods and other household items that can not be moved. Buy only what will be used before your move.
Review finances, one month advance pay may be authorized. Check with travel pay concerning details and other benefits. Be sure of your mode of travel (car, plane) when discussing advance travel to avoid over/under payment.

Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your destination, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, insurance policies, wills, deeds, stocks, titles, bank statements, tax records, etc.
Make a list of everyone needing to be notified about your move (family, friends, creditors, subscriptions, clubs, professionals, etc.).
Get change of address forms from the Post Office. It can take up to a month for magazines and other businesses to adjust their records.
Notify current utilities (gas, phone, electric, water, cable TV, trash collection) of disconnect dates, request final readings and provide a forwarding address. If possible, keep utilities in service through moving day.
Transfer bank accounts and safe deposit box.
Do not clean upholstered furniture before the move. Moisture could cause mold if your furniture must be placed in storage.
Send clothing, curtains, draperies and rugs out for cleaning and then leave in wrapping.

Empty safe deposit box.
Dispose of items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids, paint thinner, bleach or any other flammable or combustible substances.

Set aside any items that are not to be included in the move (important papers, jewelry, money, Passports, Visas, car keys, luggage, etc.) It is a good idea to keep these items in a locked room to prevent accidental packing.
Defrost freezer and get rid of perishable food you won’t eat prior to moving.

Washing machines, refrigerators, steam irons and similar appliances must be drained of water, dry and disconnected prior to moving.
Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements and reservations for you and any family members.

Tour your house with packing team and provide any special instructions.
Review any special packing wishes, and items that may require special handling.
Be sure that you or your designated representative is on hand until all packing and loading is complete. It is your responsibility to ensure that all items have been loaded.
Conduct a final inspection to ensure nothing was missed before you check and sign the Inventory, Bill of Lading, etc.

Make sure that you have the destination moving company's name, address and telephone number.
Reconfirm that all your listed contact information for your transit time is accurate (telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses). It is often helpful to provide the name of a third-party individual who you will be in contact with while you are in transit.

Be present (or have an authorized representative present) during unloading to accept delivery, check items off the inventory sheet and to direct the placement of furniture.

Check the condition of your belongings. Report any damaged or missing items to your destination moving company and record them on the inventory list. Your destination moving company or your coordinator will review the claims process with you, if needed.