How To Move To Another Country In Less Than 3 Months

Are you considering a move to another country? Want an expat checklist of what to do? If you already have a Visa sponsor, here’s an easy-to-follow breakdown of tasks for moving abroad from the USA or wherever your journey starts from. Learn how to move to another country and all the steps to manage before and during the big move overseas.

Checklist For Moving Abroad

While other expat sites provide tips on how to go about moving to another country, aBroad purpose provides a simple one-page moving to another country checklist to download, print, and tick off along the way.

With this post, I share the essentials of how to move to another country, with one easy-to-read and digestible page to print. It also includes tips to stay organized throughout the relocation process. Though my experience moving and living abroad is based upon the USA, Australia, and the United Kingdom, this moving to another country checklist can be applied and modified to fit your own moving abroad needs.

If you’re looking for something more detailed than this expat checklist, with links and resources specific to moving to the UK from the US, be sure to get my detailed moving to the UK guide.

How To Move To Another Country

With so many tasks involved to move overseas, it’s essential to stay organized without letting the magnitude of such a move make you feel like it’s completely impossible. Although relocating to another country is a big project, it’s manageable if you stay organized and don’t delay on the most critical tasks related to moving abroad.

This checklist assumes that you already have a Visa sponsor. It does not assume that country documentation is complete but does imply there is already an employer that wants to sponsor you as an expat.

If you are still looking for a Visa sponsor, it will take more time than 3 months (possibly 1 or more years) to move to another country.

If you’re looking for companies to make a transition overseas, consider American companies with offices in the country in which you want to relocate. Focus on working for an American company known for sponsoring expatriate assignments and then market yourself towards an expat assignment or permanent opportunity overseas once in the company. For a sample of international American companies, check out these American companies in the UK.

Moving To Another Country Checklist Steps

With a sponsor intact, a checklist for moving abroad from the USA is broken down into these steps:

Learn about the country requirements
Figure out financials
Forecast taxes
Talk to the kids
Determine if the pet(s) go
Start documentation
Determine schools of interest
Plan a househunting trip
Book flights/hotels/short term stay
Start the pet moving process
Find a moving company and get quotes
Declutter, purge, and pack items for storage
Rent or sell the house
Resign
Cancel and update relevant insurance policies
Cancel memberships and services
Sell car
Doctor appointments
Stock up on OTC medications and prescriptions
Photocopy critical records
Final purge
Open a local bank account
Reroute/forward mail
Pack suitcases
Notify utility companies
Change accounts/statements to e-delivery
Set up Google Voice
Pack precious items
Separate suitcases, boxes, and freight
Clean up
Final walk-through
Say goodbye

Use Sticky Notes As The Move To Another Country Evolves

Although my own journey to move abroad as an expat was a bit messy and chaotic, it did involve creating a fresh moving to-do list nearly every day. (If you sign up for the aBroad purpose newsletter, I’ll send you a daily planner page.) And when you think about how many days a move of this magnitude might take, that’s a lot of sticky notes.

All the sticky notes, independent research, and mistakes along the way are the motivation behind why I created this expat checklist printable. No one should have to start from scratch on figuring out how to move to another country. A proven and simple moving to another country checklist, or cheat sheet, is the one resource I wish I had during our own move overseas.

Start Managing Moving Overseas Like A Project

An organized list of things to do, like a project plan, provides focus on what matters most so that you minimize the overwhelm involved with relocating to another country. Even though managing the details is important, the details to move abroad can be paralyzing. This expat checklist helps you declutter all the things that will be on your mind to move to another country.

The important thing is to focus on getting stuff done, one at a time, and set aside everything else that doesn’t matter…yet.

This list captures the essentials of what you need to do to move abroad so that you can focus on the bigger picture and start getting stuff done.

So let’s get moving.

Add Milestones To Your Expat Moving Abroad Checklist

One way to manage the moving abroad overwhelm that can creep in is to focus on the big picture and priority tasks. Moving abroad is a big decision and can be incredibly stressful, particularly when it’s unclear if you can manage it all…or remember it all either.

Set dates for the phases leading up to the big moving day and manage it like a project plan. Since every move is different, a moving checklist that allows you to organize according to your own moving deadline is important.

For us, we had to move abroad in less than 3 months, so the luxury to plan with 6 months to a year in advance wasn’t an option. We moved to the UK as expats in less than 90 days, but organization with key dates is how we did it.

Moving To Another Country Checklist Phases Explained

As you make your way through the checklist, use these phases and explanations of tasks to manage against your own moving schedule.

Phase 1: Considering A Move (+2-3 months…ideally 6+ months before a move abroad)

Before resigning, selling your home, and loading up the kids on a one-way flight, spend time getting to know the country you want to move to first. Although you might have an expat opportunity with a sponsor ready for you to jet overseas, be sure to read up on What You Need To Know About Moving Abroad first. Moving to another country is amazing but involves a fair amount of not only physical changes but a fair amount of emotional, too. Be sure to research as much as possible before deciding if a move abroad is right for you.

If you’re considering a move to the UK, read 12 Things About Moving To UK From The USA You Need To Know first.

Learn About The Country Requirements

Admittedly, you can’t just move to another country. Research what’s required to become a resident. Look into Visa and legal requirements to enter and remain in a foreign country. Start your research by looking into work permits that could be required, certificates needed if you have a special trade, import taxes on shipped goods, vaccines, and healthcare.

Make sure to make this priority #1 on your expat checklist because country requirements can have significant lead times that can impact your moving schedule – or not allow you to move at all.

Figure Out Financials

Estimate the cost of living in the new country and any expenses you may continue to incur in your current country. Request to join an expat Facebook group to gain insights on expenses that might be unique to the country of interest, and not necessarily obvious. There are also country cost of living calculators that can provide estimates to help you decide if you can afford to move abroad.

Forecast Taxes

Will you be responsible for expat taxes, ie, paying taxes to more than one country? Consider, federal, state, local and property taxes that you could be responsible for and some which could be calculated based upon the number of days in the country.

Talk To The Kids

Are the kids in a resilient phase or about to go to college? Are there special medical or learning needs? What time of year will the move take place and does the country easily allocate children to schools? Find out what the process is to enroll your child and any education requirements or timing to ensure entry.

If you have a concern about the kids living abroad, this perspective may help: Is It OK To Move Abroad With Kids?

Determine If The Pet Can Go

Find out if pets are allowed into the country, vaccinations that might be required, and if there is a quarantine period. Evaluate airlines that fly animals or manage animal transportation for you, and estimate the cost. Typically, a pet will cost a lot more than your first-born to transport overseas.

Phase 2: Planning A Move ( +1 month before)

Yay! You’ve considered a move abroad and you’re beyond pumped about it. Now onto the planning phase on the moving to another country checklist! Topics to think about as you evaluate this phase: Living Abroad: 5 Decisions That Make Expat Life Easier.

Start The Documentation

One of the most important steps in moving to another country is documentation. Passports, Visas, and any other documentation the country requires should get started first.

Determine Schools Of Interest

Even if the specific neighborhood or city within the country to move to hasn’t been determined, figure out the options available and registration deadlines. This might inform where to live. For school resources in the UK, get the detailed moving abroad checklist here.

Plan A Househunting Trip

Now that you know you’re moving to another country and have considered school options, in which part will you live? Narrow down the area. For help on how to do this, read 5 Tips to Turn a House Hunting Trip into a Successful One.

Moving to London? Discover the best neighborhoods to live in London.

Book Flights/Hotels/Short Term Stay

Since you’ve set milestones for the move, take advantage of cheaper airfare, hotel rates, and even a temporary lease in your new country by booking those now. A temporary lease or short term let, allows you to try before you buy and relax a bit before hunkering down again in a different country.

Start the Pet Moving Process

Print out the pet requirements on the country’s government website. For how to move a dog to the UK and estimated costs, read How to Move A Dog To The UK (costs, too!).

Find a Moving Company & Get Quotes

Pick three different moving companies to meet at your home. Make sure they have reputable experience with moving overseas. Receive quotes, find out the extent of how much they handle the export/import documentation, insurance coverage, time to receive goods and then make a decision. Also, ask if they require an inventory sheet and the depth in which you need it completed.

Declutter, Purge & Pack Items You’ll Put Into Storage

Use this phase to start decluttering. Get rid of what you don’t want, haven’t used and don’t care to bring overseas. Anything of importance that you want to keep but not prepared to ship should go into storage. Get a quote on local storage facilities, including insurance, and book it ahead of time. For tips on decluttering, read How To Declutter Your House And Keep It Clutter Free.

Rent Or Sell Your House

If you’re in a lease, evaluate the break clause and the cost of doing so. If you own your house, talk to a local realtor on whether it’s a good time to rent or sell your home. Evaluate the risk and act quickly to avoid carrying the expense of an empty house after moving to another country. For tips on hiring a property manager, read How To Find A Good Property Manager.

Not sure how to rent a house from the USA? Use tips on how to rent in London England.

Phase 3: Moving Day Is Getting Closer (< 1 Month Before)

Once the moving day is within 30 days, shift into high gear on these expat checklist tasks.

Resign

If you haven’t already, now is the time to give your notice. If you’re the spouse not prompting the expat move and can afford to leave your career now, consider resigning once you’ve decided to move. Give yourself the time to manage this moving abroad checklist without the added pressure of a full-time job.

Cancel & Update Relevant Insurance Policies

Update insurance policies to reflect any changes in work (such as resigning and moving kids from one policy to another). Cancel or establish policies for changes in home, renters, car and even travel insurance.

Cancel Memberships, Subscriptions & Services

Create a list of all the memberships and services each family member is subscribed to and cancel those which are no longer relevant. Before you cancel, find out if the service can be used in the country you’re moving to (ie, Netflix, Apple, Amazon, Spotify, etc).

Sell Car

Evaluate all options to sell your car(s) quickly. For tips on how to sell your car, get the detailed moving abroad guide.

Final Doctor Appointments

See all doctors, dentists, and specialists before you move. If you or a family member require extra care, be sure to schedule appointments early upon your decision to move to a different country.

Stock Up On All OTC & Prescription Medicines

It’s unlikely that your preferred choice of pain medicine, children’s tablets, toothpaste, or even deodorant is for sale overseas due to their own country regulations. Stock up on all of it!

Ask your doctor for a prescription to get you through at least the first 6 months abroad, and discuss options to refill so you’re informed before you go.

For a suggested list of what to stock up on, read what I learned after moving to the UK: England Packing List: What To Bring To England To Make The Move Easier.

Photocopy Critical Records

Make several photocopies of each critical record to include, vaccination records (pet and family members), school transcripts, and personal identity documents (driver’s license, passport, VISA, birth certificates, SSN, student ID, etc).

Consider packing a printer as checked luggage due to all the photocopies needed to establish accounts and paperwork in the new country which are needed fairly immediately the first days abroad.

For a list of items you’d never think to pack, read 6 Practical & Peculiar Items To Pack Abroad.

Final Purge

Walk through the house and make final decisions on what to bring vs leave behind. For tips on how to decide that help with relocating to England, read Moving To England. What To Pack, Store, Sell & Buy.

Consider Opening A Bank Account In The New Country Before You Move

If time permits and the country in which you’re moving to offers it, open a bank account locally before moving overseas. If this isn’t an option, notify your bank and credit card institution that you are moving “temporarily” overseas so that the account isn’t immediately marked for fraud, allowing you to get cash in the local currency until you have a new bank account established.

Reroute/Forward Mail

Establish where to forward mail to before moving day arrives. Some virtual mailboxes require extra handling of paperwork that must be done in the USA. Make sure this is set up and processed before leaving the country. Before deciding where to route mail to, read What The USPS Change-Of-Address Form Really Means.

Phase 4: Just Before Moving Day (Week of)

At this point in the process, your life will feel messy, stressful and totally chaotic. But you’re so close to your new adventure abroad. Follow these steps and you’re nearly there at the end of the expat moving abroad checklist.

Pack Suitcases

Personally pack all the things you need for the first 30-90 days. Take not only the things you practically need but also the things that will help you adjust to moving to another country. Consider food, pictures and other familiarities of home.

For ideas on what to pack to relocate from the USA to the UK, read England Packing List: What To Bring To England To Make The Move Easier.

Notify Utility Companies

Contact utility companies to end service or ensure the transfer of responsibility. Opt into electronic billing while on the phone with them and minimize the need to do that once you’ve left the country.

If you’re moving directly into a permanent home in another country without a short term let first, consider setting up utilities. Note it may be difficult to do this without a local bank account.

For awareness on utilities and expenses in the UK, read Expat Monthly Expenses: What To Set Up For Utilities In The UK.

Change All Accounts & Statements To Electronic Delivery

Minimize the need to worry about physical mail and handle everything electronically. Ideally, update accounts before moving, but if you have one thing to punt, this is a task that you can do overseas.

To learn how to access blocked American websites from another country, read How To Access Blocked American Websites.

Phase 5: Moving Day Is Here (Days of)

You’ve made it to the final phase on the expat checklist!

The size of your house will determine how many days it takes the moving company to pack and load the shipping container. Plan on pizza delivery, take-out, and picnicking on the floor. As overwhelming this point in the process feels, find whatever comedy you can at the moment and make final memories as you spend the last 24 to 72 hours in your home before moving overseas.

Set Up Google Voice

Keep your US mobile number while living abroad with Google Voice. Setting up Google Voice can take 24-72 hours to process. Wait until the very end to port your number because as soon as you do, your mobile phone provider puts your account in suspension status. For instructions on how to set up Google Voice, read How To Keep Your Mobile Phone Number While Moving Abroad.

Pack Precious Items

Pack all those critical documents you photocopied in hand luggage only. Any important paperwork you’ve been collecting to move to a different country should go in your suitcase or hand tote/briefcase.

Remember to take medications to get you through the first 3 months overseas. Pack jewelry and other sensitive items that you simply can’t afford or imagine getting lost as it makes its way from one country to another. For tips on what to pack in as checked luggage vs a container, Moving To England. What To Pack, Store, Sell & Buy.

Separate Suitcases, Boxes, Air & Shipping Freight

Get organized before the packers arrive. Make sure to clearly separate or mark boxes and suitcases so it’s clear what items go where. This way items don’t inadvertently ship to your new country or get left behind. For tips on what to bring with you vs ship, read What You Can’t Ship To The UK. Packing recommendations apply globally.

Clean-Up & Final Walk-Through

Empty the fridge, donate what’s left, take out the trash, and hire someone to handle the rest. Leave the deep clean and house-fixing to a pro. After all the work you’ve done to move to another country, the expense to hire someone to handle the bits at the end is totally worth it.

Say Goodbye

It’s always hard saying goodbye but be sure to not skip this final step on the expat checklist. I nearly didn’t allow it because I didn’t think we could afford the time, but a party is what filled me back up when I needed it the most. And if you don’t believe me, read Why You Need A Going Away Party Before A Big Move.

Final Thoughts On How To Move To Another Country

Although moving overseas can be a massively daunting task, staying organized using an checklist can help keep focus without feeling totally overwhelmed. With this expat moving abroad checklist to help you organize your move, you can move to another country and keep your sanity, too.

Looking for an in-depth moving to another country checklist with emphasis on the UK? Or thinking about becoming an expat? Save time googling your questions and get answers sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for the aBroad purpose newsletter at the bottom of the post or have a look at the moving to the UK guide here.

Looking for more moving abroad checklists? Try these.

What To Pack To Move To England (Pack, Store, Sell & Buy)
American Things To Stock Up On
Use my ultimate expat moving checklist for the UK👉 here

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