Meridian Worldwide’s experience with organizing thousands of international moves has enabled us to prepare the following checklist, which will in turn make your move a seamless and successful one.

8 Weeks Before

1. If you’re moving as a result of an employer paid company move, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
2. Some moving expenses may be tax deductible, contact your tax department or your accountant to find out.
3. Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold or donated to a charitable organization? What haven’t you used within the last year?

5 - 6 Weeks Before

1. Make sure your passports are valid and have at least 12 months remaining before they expire.
2. Check whether any permits are required, e.g. for residency, work, vehicles or firearms.
3. Are you moving to a country where vaccinations are required?
4. Collate all your personal documents, e.g. birth and marriage certificates, medical and school records and keep photocopies somewhere safe.
5. Advise your lawyer, bank, doctor, dentist, insurance company, building society and Department of Social Security.
6. Cancel subscriptions to clubs, magazines and journals.

7. Notify schools.
8. Obtain invoices for new purchases (for customs import formalities).
9. Clear out your loft, attic, garage and shed.
10. Contact the Chamber of Commerce, tourism bureaus or go online and subscribe to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with your new location, local government, community and social news and activities.
11. If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now – we can help.
12. Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.