Pre-move Checklist
Prepare and plan your international move better using our pre-move checklist
8 weeks prior to relocation | |
If you are moving at your employer’s request, verify the cost and responsibilities borne by them and you | þ |
Contact your tax department or accountant to find out which moving expenses may be tax deductible. | þ |
Inventory and evaluate all your possessions. Categorize items that could be sold or donated to charity. Find items that you haven’t used within the last year. | þ |
Contact Gateways International Movers to discuss your moving arrangements | þ |
Clear your attic, basement, garage and storage shed of items which you wouldn’t be shipping. Contact Gateways International if you would like to store some of your goods. | þ |
Familiarize yourself with your new location, collect information from the Chamber of Commerce, tourism bureaus or check online | þ |
6 weeks prior to relocation | |
Check for your passport validity and ensure that you have at least 12 months remaining before it expires. | þ |
Check and apply for permits at the new location – for work, residency, vehicles, etc. | þ |
Check for any vaccinations required in the new country. | þ |
Keep all important documents in reach – birth and marriage certificates, medical and school records. Obtain referrals where possible, and keep photocopies of all documents somewhere safe. Obtain copies of your pet’s veterinary records. | þ |
Notify relevant people of your move – lawyer, bank, doctor, dentist, insurance company, building society, Department of Social Security and your kid’s school. | þ |
Cancel subscriptions to clubs, magazines and journals | þ |
Get information on customs import formalities. Gateways experts will advise you on all custom clearance formalities. Make sure to obtain invoices for all your new purchases. | þ |
4 weeks prior to relocation | |
Plan all your insurance needs, Gateways relocation experts will assess and complete your insurance valuation form for the moving | þ |
Confirm your travel tickets and documents | þ |
Schedule final account readings for essential services – including gas, water, telephone and Cable TV, but remember to retain the phone and utilities connection till the moving day | þ |
Close your local bank accounts, and notify the post office of your change of address | þ |
Cancel all rental and leasing agreements | þ |
Arrange for special transportation for your pets and plants | þ |
Arrange insurance cover for your new home – including auto, homeowner’s or renter’s, medical, and life insurance coverages | þ |
2 weeks prior to relocation | |
Contact your building management for scheduling usage of lifts if you are moving out or into a building with lifts. | þ |
Contact Gateways relocation experts to review and confirm all arrangements for your move. | þ |
Clean all equipments – garden tools, bicycles and drain all fuel from power equipments. Check your automobile and service it for the trip. | þ |
Empty your safety deposit lockers, remind your children to clear their lockers at the school | þ |
A week prior to relocation | |
Identify items for shipping, disassemble all furniture, electrical appliances and lights for shipment | þ |
Organize and set aside all personal items that you would like to take with you such as keys, passports, visas, tickets, currency and driving license etc., and pack a box of essentials that will be needed immediately at your new home. | þ |
Check and arrange parking space for the removal vehicle in your neighborhood | þ |
On the day of moving | |
Sign all documentation required for the moving. | þ |
Advise Gateways International packing crew to pack your belongings as per the floor plan of the new home. | þ |
Check the house thoroughly that all items earmarked for moving are packed | þ |
Review, sign and retain a copy of the packing inventory. | þ |
Now relax! Let Gateways International do the work of moving your possessions smoothly.