Introduction
Moving overseas can be more complex than relocating within the UK, but with the right preparation and access to professional help and advice, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
To help you relocate with minimal hassle, we’ve put together the ultimate moving overseas checklist. This detailed, step-by-step guide will ensure you have everything you need to execute a seamless transition.
Documentation
For an overseas relocation, you’ll need to provide the required documentation to secure visas or permits. Examples of documents you may need include:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Medical records
- Insurance documents
- Visas
In some cases, you may need additional documents. Examples include:
- Proof of employment offers if you have a job lined up in your chosen destination
- Evidence of funds
Depending on your personal circumstances and who you are moving with, you may also need:
- Child custody papers
- Adoption papers
- Divorce papers
- References
It’s helpful to research and seek advice if you’re unsure which papers you’ll need. Different countries have varied requirements in terms of visas and residency and work permit applications.
Pro tip: If you’re moving abroad, check your passport expiry date before you leave the UK. If it expires within the next 12 months, you might want to renew it early. It’s easier to oversee the process at home than from overseas.
Notify HMRC
If you’re planning an international move, including a European relocation, you should notify HMRC before your moving date.
Informing HMRC of your plans is important for the following reasons:
- It will ensure you don’t pay additional taxes that you may be exempt from as an expat
- You can settle any outstanding tax bills before you move, which will prevent fines and penalties
- You can receive any relevant tax refunds
- HMRC will be able to work out if you need to pay tax in other countries
- HMRC can calculate taxes on your pension if you plan to retire overseas
There are two options to notify HMRC:
- For employees: You can notify HMRC by filling in a P58 form if you don’t complete tax self-assessment.
- For those who complete tax self-assessment: You can inform HMRC via your tax return if you do complete self-assessment. All you need to do is fill in the ‘Residence’ section and post the form back to HMRC.
It is not currently possible to inform HMRC about an international relocation via its online portal. More information about notifying HMRC is available at https://www.gov.uk/tax-right-retire-abroad-return-to-uk.
Set a Budget
Any move can be expensive. International relocation may be costlier due to the logistics involved and the distance you need to travel and transport your possessions. There may also be additional costs involved with a move abroad, such as:
- Temporary accommodation
- A deposit for a place to live
- A new home
- Other expenses, such as clothes and furniture
Setting a budget for your move will help you manage your money, regulate spending and get an accurate idea of how much you’ll need to cover different expenses.
Here are some top budgeting tips for an international relocation:
- Research average living costs in your chosen location
- Consider your income: Will you be earning as soon as you move or will there be a gap?
- Get quotes for international moving services
- Factor in the cost of flights, luggage and accommodation
- Calculate accommodation costs based on your plans: Have you bought a house or flat? Are you renting? How much does property cost if you plan to rent or buy? Will you be staying in hotels or other types of accommodation?
- Get an accurate idea of how much you’ll need in the first couple of months: Factor in all expenses, from food and accommodation to getting around and additional services, such as childcare, for example.
Organise Packing, Storage and Shipping
Studies suggest packing is the most stressful part of moving, with over 40% of people choosing packing as the main stressor (source).
Packing and unpacking a house full of items and shipping it across land and sea to a different country is a major logistical operation, but with the right help, it can be a seamless one.
One of the most important elements of your moving abroad checklist is to find the best company to take care of packing, storage and shipping for you.
South Park Removals specialises in UK and international relocations. We deliver efficient, reliable, professional removal services at competitive prices. Our experienced team understands what it takes to execute overseas moves with minimal stress.
Key areas to focus on include:
Packing
Packing is a job most people dread when it comes to moving house.
Hiring professional packing services lightens the load. You’ll also gain access to fast, efficient, tried and tested techniques and high-quality wrapping and packing supplies. Working with experts can provide peace of mind while saving you time, effort and stress.
Storage
Many people who move overseas need to find storage either in the UK or in their new place of residence.
If you’re staying in a hotel for a period of time, you’re renting, or you’re in the process of buying, you may need a temporary home for your possessions. In addition, you may need storage if your new home is smaller than your previous property.
Using professional removal services will help you find the right storage facilities to ensure your stuff is safe. South Park Removals uses secure, fully-insured storage providers, which offer solutions for customers with varied needs. From short-term storage options to long-term storage, our team is here to help.
Shipping
Transporting goods from one location to another can be complicated, especially when you’re crossing borders. South Park Removals takes care of every aspect of shipping, making it simple and hassle-free to relocate overseas.
Professionals understand the logistical challenges involved in shipping possessions abroad. They provide tailored solutions to cater to customer needs and preferences and comply with entry requirements and shipping restrictions.
Post Redirection
The next job on your moving overseas checklist is to redirect your post. Whether you’re planning a European relocation or you’re moving to a different continent, it’s beneficial to set up mail redirection. This will ensure you don’t miss important post. It’ll also prevent the new owners of your home from receiving your mail.
You can redirect mail to your new address or forward it to a family member. This is a good idea if you’re renting or staying in a hotel or apartment when you arrive at your new destination.
The Royal Mail offers redirection services for personal and business customers. Fees vary according to the destination and the service duration.
Travelling with Pets?
We are a nation of animal lovers. In the UK, almost 60% of households have at least one pet, according to Statista. If you’re relocating, whether it’s for work or to start a new adventure, it’s natural to want to take furry friends along too. Travelling with pets can make moving abroad more complex, but it is possible. Here are some helpful steps:
- Check the requirements
The first thing to do if you want to take your pet abroad is to check the requirements in your chosen destination. In some countries, it’s a long process, which can take up to 6 months.
Some countries have restrictions on which animals you can bring and many require a period of quarantine. Make sure you allow plenty of time if there are quarantine regulations. It’s also advisable to check insurance requirements and shipping regulations.
- Contact your vet
The next step is to seek advice from your vet to make the transition and the journey as smooth as possible. Moving and changes in routine and environment can be an upheaval for animals so anything you can do to make the process easier and less stressful will be beneficial.
- Find a removal service that offers pet services
Hiring a removal service that specialises in moving pets, including overseas relocation services, is an excellent idea.
Additional tips for a smooth overseas move
The smoother your overseas move, the better. To help you relocate from the UK seamlessly, here are some additional tips:
- Contact utility providers and notify them about your upcoming move
- Pay any outstanding utility bills and cancel contracts
- Contact the Local Authority and notify them of your relocation
- Make sure you are up to date with council tax payments
- Research removal firms thoroughly and compare quotes and services
- Look for reputable firms with a proven track record in international relocations
- Double-check you all have all the documents you need to enter your new country of residence
- Unlock your phone so you can use it overseas
- Make sure you have comprehensive insurance that covers you from day one
- Open a bank account and set up online banking
- Ask friends and family members to help out
Conclusion
Moving abroad can be more complex than relocating within the UK, but it doesn’t have to be a headache. Working through this ultimate moving overseas checklist and using professional removal services, which specialise in international relocation, can ease stress and make the process simple and hassle-free.
Moving overseas? Get in touch!
Are you moving overseas? If you’re on the hunt for professional, reliable, efficient and cost-effective international removal services, get in touch with the experienced team at South Park Removals today!
We’ll guide you through the moving overseas checklist, taking care of everything from packing and shipping to finding suitable, secure storage and helping you relocate your feline friends or canine companions.
