Well in advance….

• Select an excellent moving company to help you along the way. (Hint: That would be Pacific Movers!)
• Plan ahead so you can have a window of 2-3 weeks for your possessions to be moved. This results in considerable cost savings
• Make sure you know the customs restrictions for the country your moving to. (we can help!)
  
• If your move is temporary, make sell or store all your possessions except those which are critical.
  
• Consider the cost of buying needed items in your new country, this can often be less costly and cumbersome than moving them.
  
• Your inventory list is very important in an International move. Make certain it is complete and detailed and know the requirements stipulated by the destination country.
• Get passports and visas in order well in advance.
• If you have a pet, find out about quarantine issues in your new country.
• Use one of our convenient resources to learn about your new country.
• Talk to your moving agent about how much you want to do yourself and how much you want them to help you. Make a plan accordingly.
• Buy an "organizer" for all your moving information.
• Request a copy of your credit report to make sure you wont get any surprises when you try to establish new accounts.
• Some moves are tax deductible. Check with an accountant or the IRS and start a record of expenses.
• Complete a total household goods inventory
• Notify your insurance agent and ask about insurance issues in your destination country (health, auto, home, life)
• Request an appraisal of your valuables.
• Arrange to have all necessary school records transferred
• Find International banking resources (Don’t forget the safety deposit box!)
• Hold a garage sale to get rid of as much as possible.
• Sort out as much as you can for charity.
• Start cleaning out the freezer.
• Start notifying all your subscriptions of your new address.
• Notify all your billing accounts of your new information. (Utilities, Credit Cards, Memberships, etc)
• Request a final reading of all utilities for the day after your move.
• Collect suitable packing boxes. (We can help)
• Set up utility accounts at your new residence.
• Dispose of all hazardous materials from your storage areas.
• Ask your medical providers for copies of your medical records and advice about overseas medical care. (Don’t forget the Vet!)
• Learn how to handle prescriptions in your new country,
• Order address labels for your new home.
• Consider if you will need a storage facility at your old or new locations. (We can help!)
• Find a new local number for your Internet Service.
• Notify the Social Security Administration if you are receiving benefits.

A week or two before your move….

• Notify the post office of your new address and arrange for forwarding.
• Collect all your packing supplies and labels.
• Organize and label boxes and include (open first and open last) markings.
• Cancel your subscriptions for newspapers, cable TV and notify your garbage and telephone companies of your move out date.
• Ask to have utilities connected before your arrival date at the new location.
• Return borrowed items to friends and the library.
• Consider having curtains and rugs dry cleaned and don’t forget to get any other items from them.
• Return those movies you rented.
• Send out a "we’re moving" notice all family and friends with your new address.
• Arrange for moving pets, houseplants, or other items your movers can’t do.

• Call your mover and confirm your appointment.
• Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents.
• Create a storage area and clearly marked "do not load" on items you don’t want the mover to take.
• Collect all valuable papers and records along with jewelry in a special container and keep them with you for the move.
• Have snacks for every one involved helping with your move. (Our drivers love snacks!!)
• Arrange to have your old and new homes thoroughly cleaned, including appliances.
• Arrange to have the trash hauled off.
• Make a special "must have" boxes for arrival at your new location.
• Do a final walk through to make sure everything is out.
• Gather medicines and important supplies for your travel.
• Leave your forwarding address for the new occupants at your old residence.

• Check in at the post office for any forwarded mail.
• Register your cars and get a new drivers license.
• Contact the local government for Voter Registration
• Consider re-keying the new residence for security.
• Notify the IRS of your new address to avoid late filings. (form 8822)
• License your pets.
• Establish contact with the schools and new medical providers.