18 Months To Go

• Plan a visit to investigate the country. If this is not an option, start researching the web, and contact other migrants.
  
• Take a look at the different regions and cities, and investigate house prices.
  
• Decide when you will tell friends and family. Older children sometimes need a bit of time to get used to the idea.
  
• Attend recruitment expos to find out more about potential employment.
  
• Take a look at your finances and plan how you can best repay debt and save for the move.
  
• Select a migration agent. Find out what you need to prepare for entry.
  
• Investigate what type of visa you would be most suitable for.
  
• Begin to get your house ready for sale or renting out.

12 months to go

• Check your passports are still valid for at least two years.
  
• Collect all your personal papers, including driver’s licence, birth, marriage and adoption, references for employment and qualifications.
  
• Talk about your plans with extended family.
  
• Start the visa application process.
  
• Put your house on the market.
  
• Start job hunting and contact companies that match your skills and qualifications.

6 months to go

• Inform schools that your child will be moving to give them time and help them adjust.
  
• Book your flights.
  
• Review your pension and research transferal opportunities.
  
• Talk to a specialist relocation company about assistance in setting up your new life.
  
• Ask several freight companies for quotes for moving personal effects and furniture.
  
• Research schools and read their websites.
  
• Find out what you need to do to ship your pets or find new homes for them.
  
• Go for your medicals and apply for police checks for visas.
  
• Sell any unwanted furniture and belongings.
  
• Ask your employer for your P45, and give formal notice.
  
• Open a bank account.
  
• Request credit references from your bank/lending institute.
  
• Find temporary UK accommodation to bridge the gap between selling your house and leaving.

2 months to go

• Book temporary accommodation and look at property prices.
  
• Research cost of living and taxes.
  
• Register your children at their new schools.
  
• Book your pet’s kennel accommodation.
  
• Begin goodbye functions and social occasions.
  
• Give notice to your landlord if necessary.
  
• Start packing any non-essential items.
  
• Book hotels and car hire for your first few weeks.

1 month to go

• Give a forwarding address to all official contacts including your bank, passport office, DVLA, Inland Revenue and accountants.
  
• Cancel accounts for TV, Internet, phone and insurance.
  
• Bring all your utilities and council tax up-to-date.
  
• Give away or sell any remaining personal effects.
  
• Pay off any outstanding debts.
  
• Arrange for your post to be redirected.
  
• Transfer funds to your new bank account.
  
• Confirm bookings with travel agents and freight companies.
  
• Cancel direct debits coming from your account.
  
• Ask for a copy of your no claims bonus form from your insurance agency.
  
• Arrange a web-based email address to make it easy to stay in touch with your family and friends.

1 week to go

• Cancel milk and newspaper delivery.
  
• Sell your car.
  
• Cancel car insurance.
  
• Wind down the goodbye parties, leaving you with a bit of breathing space.
  
• Finalise packing and ensure your possessions are ready to be sent.
  
• Arrange any thank you gifts for friends and family who have helped.
  
• Organise transport to the airport, leaving yourself plenty of time.
  
• Change money into local currency for spending when you first arrive.
  
• Purchase little treats for children to keep them entertained on the flight.

1 day to go

• Confirm transport to airport.
  
• Double check your hand luggage has everything you need.
  
• Try to have an early night!

On arrival

• Pick up a copy of "On Arrival" magazine at the airport; it contains lots of ideas, information and helpful websites.
  
• Collect your hire car and check into your accommodation.
  
• Contact people back home to let them know you have arrival safely.
  
• Try not to sleep through the day.
  
• Set up a PAYG mobile phone to start your off - you can buy a cheap SIM card and use it in your UK phone.
  
• Find your nearest internet cafe for property and area research.
  
• Take a few days to get over the journey and explore the area.

1 week later

• Get a tax number.
  
• Contact your new employer to confirm you have arrived.
  
• Explore the area or suburb you think you would like to live in and ask the locals as many questions as possible.
  
• Meet with rental agents and start reviewing some accommodation property options.
  
• Find a solicitor to help with rental or purchase contracts.
  
• Consider buying a car sooner rather than later. Used cars are cheap if you don't yet qualify for credit.
  
• Get car insurance.
  
• Register at a local school and arrange to meet your children's new teachers.
  
• Get a landline installed and set up internet access.
  
• Invite your neighbours around for drinks and focus on making new friends for you and your children.

1 month later

• Review your financial position and transfer more funds if required.
  
• Set up standing orders for utilities.
  
• Register for your local doctor and dentist.
  
• Meet with mortgage brokers to understand your borrowing capacity.
  
• Visit your children's schools to ensure that they have settled in.
  
• Identify a reliable plumber, electrician and mechanic in your area.
  
• Consider re-writing your will.
  
• Discuss your first month with your employer and resolve any problems that may have cropped up.
  
• Start to attend social functions or join a sports club.
  
• Establish a routine and settle into your new life!

Easy!

Next article: Popcorn Hour A110 (27 October 2008)

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