EntranceRelocating overseas or returning home to Australia it can be an overwhelming process when you are busy working, running a house & family.  Whether it is for a new job, to be closer to family or for a new adventure.

Whilst moving to a new Country can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming.   Our Lifestyle team are there to assist our members every step of the way.

In preparation for new adventure, our ES Lifestyle Team have compiled a Relocation “check list” to help our members with the planning and preparation for their departure.

90 days before departure
Confirm your departure date and book yours and your family’s flights.  Arrange travel insurance with your agent to cover you for any delays or changes to your travel plans.  Identify whether you will be a resident or non-resident and investigate what documentation you need.
Inform your children’s school that you will be moving overseas.  You will need to ask for transfer certificates and any information that may be relevant for their new school.
If you are taking pets, check quarantine requirements for your new destination
Obtain quotes from moving companies that specialise in overseas relocations.  Make sure you ask how long it will take for your items to be shipped to your new destination so that you can plan for it at your new destination.
Research the official paperwork that is required for the country you are moving to as you may need to have some documents certified and provide original copies.
Start a checklist of the items you will be packing to send to your new destination, items that will be going into storage, items that can be donated, given away or sold online or in a garage sale.
Set up a folder for all of your receipts to either claim in your next tax return or provide to your employer for your expenses.
Check the expiry dates of passports for yourself and each of your family members
If you need a driver license, find out what you need to obtain an international driving licenses. Your home country’s drivers license may not be recognised and you may be able to take a test before leaving your home destination.
Confirm the moving date with your nominated removal company.  Check with them if there are any items that may not be permitted by your new country.
Check if you or your family members need any vaccinations and when you need to have them before departure.  Book an appointment with your doctor and record into your international vaccination record booklet.
Put together a list of the contacts that need to be advised of your change of address – family, friends, magazines you subscribe to, banks and any ongoing bill companies.  Arrange for a mail re-direction with your post office to catch any contacts you may have overlooked.
Contact real estate agencies to list your house for sale or to have tenants rent it while you are abroad.
Get a start on your packing by organising and packing the items items you won’t need over the next three months. Don’t forget to clearly label all boxes.
Take photos of any major items to assist with any insurance claims in the future.  Make sure you have your shipment and all items insured.
Start researching accommodation for your arrival – serviced apartments, hotel, rental property.
60 days before departure
Request a copy of yours and your family’s medical records from  your doctors, dentist and your vet if you are taking any pets. Make an appointment for a check up before you depart.  If you have a regular prescription, ask your doctor for the local names for these in your new country.  If they don’t have that particular prescription available you may need to take a supply with you, along with proof and letter from your doctor of why you need the medication in case it is required by customs and excise.
If you are planning to sell any big ticket items, advertise the item for sale such as a car, motorbike, bicycles and any household items that may not store well – fridge, washing machine, dryer, plasma screen etc. .
Review current insurance policies and plan for renewal or cancel any policies you will not longer require.  Contact your health insurance provider to advise them you are moving abroad and enquire to see if they offer worldwide policy cover.
Organise visas for yourself and your family members.
Submit paperwork with the post office to set up your mail re-direction.
Consider appointing a Power of Attorney to take care of your affairs while you are away.  They will need to have certified copies of all important documents – prepare them in a file for your nominted person.
  Book your arrival accommodation or rental property.
Arrange with your bank to set up direct debits for any bill payments that will need to continue to be paid whilst you are away – i.e. mortgage & loan repayments, superannuation, life insurance and any ongoing savings funds.
If you don’t have it already, set up internet banking to manage your money online whilst you are away.  Provide your new address to your bank and advise them you are relocating overseas.  If you don’t have your permanent address because you will be starting in short term accommodation, provide an address of a family member or friend.  Enquire about their global accounts to set up accounts in your for your destination.
Book tradesman to carry out any maintenance and a gardener to tidy your lawns and garden of your house for sale or for your new tenants.
Book your children into school in your new destination.
Cancel any newspaper or magazine subscriptions that you don’t wish to redirect. Set up an online subscription for your home newspapers so that you keep in touch while you are away.
Buy products that aren’t available in your new country or cheaper at home than your new destination.
30 days to go
Confirm the date for your goods to be placed into storage and the size of the unit required.   Start packing, clearly mark each box for the moving company, the room / items, for storage and only leaving the essential items that you may need over the next month.
Pay any final bill before leaving.  Arrange for any bills that are not due before you depart to be sent to your nominated Power of Attorney for payment with the funds you have left with them.
Disconnect utilities for the date you are moving out of your current residence.  These can include gas, electricity, water, foxtel, telephone. Cancel your home contents and car insurance policies on the day you are leaving or no longer require them.
Make sure you have completed all the paperwork required for the moving / shipping company.
Book cleaners for your post move clean for either your new vendors, tenants or agency if you are moving out of a rental property.
Arrange a farewell date to celebrate with your family and friends.
Leave spare keys for your house if you are renting it out with your Power of Attorney, family or friend.
Moving Company day – check all cupboards,  garage and rooms to make sure that nothing has been left behind.  Before departing, re-confirm delivery plans, inventory list and dates with the moving company.
Moving day
Check that yours and your family members passports and any documents that may be required on check in or by customs
Check with the airline that your flight is on schedule and there are no delays before heading to the airport.
Confirm any arrival transfers, accommodation (if required)
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time so that you can check in, relax and enjoy the beginning of your new adventure.
Make sure when packing your hand luggage that you check the liquid, aerosol or gel product guidelines and pack them in one transparent, resealable plastic bag.
Buy a book or magazine, sit back and and enjoy the in flight movies and service.