Moving abroad is exciting. Planning for a long-term, but temporary move requires a specific and unique moving plan. This is why we put together a moving checklist to remove some of the guesswork and help guide your way to a successful and rewarding travel experience. Each segment of the checklist is broken down by time-frame for ease of use. Bon Voyage! 

Six months to a year leading up to your move: 

  • Save as much money as you can to act as a financial cushion 
  • Research living expenses and create a workable and realistic budget 
  • Research the culture and customs of your new home to help you acclimatize 
  • If you can, visit your new home to scout potential neighbourhoods where you’d want to live

Three to six months before your move 

  • Renew your passport or apply for a new one if applicable 
  • Apply for the correct work, student, or travel visa 
  • Research and arrange for your health care insurance 
  • Research your transportation options abroad to determine what you’ll need once you arrive, make sure this is in your budget 
  • Downsize your items as you prepare to move – donate, sell, and give away 
  • Research storage and moving solutions to keep your items safely stored and shipped (if applicable) 

One to Three Months Before Your Move 

  • Visit the dentist and get any needed work done 
  • Visit the doctor, renew, and obtain all applicable prescriptions and refills prior to your move 
  • Book an eye exam and fill your prescription 
  • Book and get any applicable vaccinations and/or proof of vaccination 
  • Contact your bank to notify them of your move, the dates, and arrange for direct payments for ongoing bills 
  • Contact your cell phone provider to cancel your cell phone and/or select appropriate and cost-effective solutions for your cell phone for the next year 
  • Book storage and shipping of your home furnishings and things 
  • Prepare to sublet your home (if applicable) or give notice to your property owner 
  • Cancel your subscriptions, hydro, cable, etc. 
  • Forward your mail. If you are going to have a fixed address in the next year you can send your items there and, if not, arrange for a friend or family member to receive your mail during your year abroad 
  • Book your flight 
  • Book your temporary accommodations, and begin searching for a more permanent home 
  • File your outstanding tax returns and research what you’ll need to do for your taxes upon your return 
  • Purchase travel insurance 
  • Begin to apply for jobs (if applicable) 

1-2 Weeks Before your Move 

  • Visit relatives and family 
  • Throw a goodbye party 
  • Collect contact information, including addresses so you can send mail and email to friends and family easily 
  • Get money in the currency of your new home 
  • Pack and purchase any necessary items that you’ll need for your year away 

Bring all appropriate documents and make copies of each to store in a safe place (under the custody of a person you can easily reach should you need them) including: 

  • Birth certificate 
  • Passport 
  • Marital documents (marriage certificate, divorce papers etc.) 
  • Social security/ working visa documentation 
  • Driver’s license 
  • Applicable educational documents for education and job opportunities abroad 
  • Financial records 

Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd.: Your International Moving Expert

We have over a decade of experience moving customers around the world. Some of our customers like us so much, they’ve used us more than once. Why did they come back to Orbit? Our customer service is what sets us apart – customer service representatives answer every question, no matter how small, and our moving crew shows up on time with all the materials they need to get the job done correctly the first time. To learn more about Orbit, call us at 416-661-4228.