International Moving Checklist

There’s no doubt that an international move is an exciting adventure! However, it still comes with its fair share of challenges. From packing up your belongings to navigating a new culture, there are many things to consider when planning for your next international move.

At Allied Hong Kong, we understand the importance of being well-prepared for an international relocation. As a moving company with decades of experience in helping both individuals and families successfully relocate overseas, we have a great understanding about how to prepare for your move. Whether you’re moving overseas from Hong Kong or moving to Hong Kong, we have put together this comprehensive moving checklist to ensure a seamless transition. Follow our checklist so you get everything organised in the lead-up to your relocation and are feeling well prepared for moving. 

When it comes to international moving, it's important to start planning and preparing well in advance. Packing for your new home can be overwhelming, especially if you wait until the last minute. To make the process smoother, consider decluttering your current home in the months leading up to your move. This is an opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need or use and create more space for your new home!

As international movers will often base their quote on the volume of items being moved so decluttering before your relocation is a great way to save costs. It also has the benefit of making your move faster and more efficient! As you go through your belongings, make a list of items that require special care during transport to ensure they are handled properly. This list can then be given to your moving consultant to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

With three months until your move, it's essential to start preparing your home for the relocation. Here's what you should do:

• Research the visa and residency requirements for your new country.
• Start decluttering and selling or donating items you won't be taking with you.
• Begin gathering important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and medical records.
• Research schools and childcare options in your new location.
• Find and book a reputable international moving company, plus book your international move.
• Research tax laws in your new country
• Arrange an appointment with your GP for any vaccinations you might need in your new country.
• Notify your banks, utility companies, and other service providers of your move.
• Arrange vehicle transportation for your car or other vehicle to be relocated.
• Organise transit insurance to ensure you are covered for your relocation.
• Arrange for pet transportation and take your pet for any necessary vaccinations.

As you approach the one-month mark before you move overseas, it's time to start finalising some of the details of your move.

• Confirm your travel arrangements.
• Confirm your visa and residency requirements with the appropriate authorities.
• Confirm dates and details with your professional packing service.
• Prepare an inventory list of items being moved and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
• Confirm all travel arrangements and paperwork with your moving company.
• Begin packing non-essential items.
• Update or cancel any subscriptions.
• Schedule disconnection of utilities and other services.
• Pack and arrange pick-up or delivery for any items going into storage. 

There’s only two weeks to go so it's time to start wrapping up loose ends!

• Set up your forwarding address with the post office.
• Pack essential items for the first few days in your new home.
• Notify your friends and family of your move and new contact information.

As the big day approaches, there are still a few final tasks that need to be completed.

• Pack and label all remaining boxes.
• Prepare a plan for the first few days in your new home, including groceries, transportation, and local amenities.
• Let your bank know about your upcoming move so that they can authorise purchases/transfers in your new country.

Only one sleep remains till moving day so take care of a few last-minute tasks to ease your mind.

• Double-check your checklist to ensure all items are packed and ready to go.
• Get a good night's sleep to prepare for the big day.
• Charge all electronic devices.
• Confirm any last-minute details with your moving company.

Moving day is finally here! With everything planned and organised, you're ready to tackle the challenges of your international move.

• After your movers arrive, take the time to talk through the move and raise any possible concerns or questions you may have
• Perform a ‘walk-through’ with the moving company to check no belongings have been forgotten. 
• Say goodbye to your old home and neighbourhood.