The Ultimate Moving Abroad Checklist 2026
Your Complete Guide to Relocating from the UK
Are you planning an international move from Scotland or the UK? This comprehensive moving abroad checklist for 2026 covers everything you need to do – from 12 months before your move right through to settling into your new home abroad. As Scotland’s trusted international removals partner, with over 65 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of families relocate overseas and know exactly what it takes to get it right.
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Why You Need a Moving Abroad Checklist
Moving to another country is easily one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Between visa applications, shipping your belongings, selling or renting your home, and saying goodbye to friends and fmaily, there are hundreds of tasks to coordinate, and forgetting even one can cause serious problems!
This moving abroad checklist is based on our real-world experience helping families move from Scotland and the rest of the UK to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Australasia, and beyond. We’ve organised everything into a clear timeline so you always know what to do and when to do it.
How to Choose the Right International Removals Company
Before we get to our timeline of moving events, let’s cover one of the most important decisions you’ll make: choosing who moves your belongings.
Look for Industry Accreditations
Reputable international removals companies will be members of recognised industry bodies. Look for:
• BAR (British Association of Removers) – the UK’s leading trade association for removals companies, with over 100 years of history. There are stringent membership checks and all members are regularly inspected to ensure they meet strict quality standards.
• FIDI (International Federation of International Movers) – The global quality standard for international moving companies. FIDI-accredited companies undergo rigorous independent audits.
• IAM (International Association of Movers) – Similar to FIDI, IAM stands above the crowd, boasting more worldwide members than any other moving orgnaisation.
• Euromovers International – As the Scottish partner of the Euromovers network, we have trusted partners in over 30 countries worldwide, ensuring your belonging are handled and vetted by professionals at every stage of the journey.
Insist on a Door-to-Door Service
Some moving companies only ship to the nearest port, leaving you to arrange local transport at the other end. Always choose a company that offers a full door-to-door service – collection from your current home to delivery inside your new one.
Check Reviews
Look at independent review platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot. Pay attention to how the company handles any negative feedback, as this will tell you a lot about their customer service.
Get a Home or Video Survey
Any reptuable international removals company will offer a free home survey with an in-person visit or a video call through an application like WhatsApp. This allows the surveyor to accurately assess the volume of your belongings and give you the best price possible for your move. Be very wary of companies that quote without seeing exactly what needs to be moved.
12 Months Before Your Move
Starting the moving process as early as possible is the single best thing you can do. Here’s exactly what to tackle a year before you move:
1. Set Your Budget
- Visa and immigration application fees
- International removals and shipping costs
- Flights and travel expenses
- Accommodation deposits in destination country
- Estate agents fees (if selling your home)
- Currency exchange costs
- Insurance (health, travel and contents)
Note: Having a realistic budget from day one prevents any nasty surprises further down the line.
2. Research Your Destination Thoroughly
Go beyond the holiday brochures, try researching the following to get a better understanding of your chosen destination abroad:
- Cost of Living – use sites like Numbeo, or check out some of our country guides to compare everyday exspenses between the UK and your destination.
- Healthcare System – Is there public healthcare like the UK? Or will you need private insurance?
- Education – If you have children, research local school and international school options if the langauge isn’t your native tongue.
- Climate & Lifestyle – What’s daily life actually like for expats?
We’ve created detailed country guides for popular destinations including Germany, Spain, France, China, New Zealand, Cyprus, Turkey and lots more, so do check them out in order to fully understand the country you’re moving to.
3. Start the Visa and Immigration Process
Visa applications can take months to process, and some require multiple steps. Start the process now by:
- Researching the specific visa type you need (work visa, retirement via, family visa etc
- Checking eligibility requirements
- Gathering required documentation
- Consider hiring an immigration consultant – paperwork can be complex, and mistakes can cause delays
Scotland-Specific Note:
If you're moving within Europe, remember that since Brexit, UK citizens no longer have the automatic right to live and work in EU countries. You'll need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit, even for countries like Spain and France that were previously straight forward.
4. Get Your Documents in Order
Start gathering and checking the following for EVERY person in your household that is moving with you:
Personal Identification:
- Passports (check expiry dates as many countries require at least 6 months’ validity for entry)
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificates
- Divorce Papers (if applicable)
- Driving Licences
Financial Documents:
- Bank Statements
- Tax Returns
- Proof of Savings (some countries require minimum funds)
- Pension Statements
Academic and Professional Records:
- Degree Certificates and Transcripts
- Professional Qualifications and Memberships
- Employment References
- CV/resume updated for destination country
Legal Documents:
- Will (consider updating for your new country of residence)
- Power of Attorney
- Medical consent forms for children
- Any notarised documents
5. Research Employment Opportunities
If you’re moving for work, start your job search now. If you already have a job lined up, begin understanding:
- Your employment contract
- Local labour laws
- Tax obligations in your new country
- Whether your UK qualifications are recognised
- Professional registration requirements
6. Start Learning the Language
You don’t need to be entirely fluent before you arrive (but it does help!). Even basic conversational skills make a massive difference. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or even your favourite AI can help make all the difference. Or if cost isn’t an option you can hire a tutor or attend evening classes.
7. Plan What to Do with Your Current Home
You’ve got a couple of choices depending on your current home situation, so decide whethere you’ll:
- Sell – Start getting valuations from estate agents
- Rent Out – Research landlord obligations, tax implications, and whether you’ll use a letting agent or self-administer the let
- Keep it Empty – Consider insurance implications and who will check on the property if you’re in another country
8. Sort Out Your Pets
If you’re taking pets with you, then start the process now! Pet passports and health certificates can take months to prepare, so be sure to do the following:
- Visit your vet to discuss destination country requirements
- Begin any required vaccination courses (for example, rabies vaccines need time to become effective)
- Research quarantine requirements for your destination (it could be days or weeks before you see your pet at the other end!)
- Look into IATA-approved travel crates
- Check airline pet policies if flying
Some countries have very strict animal import rules. For example, Australia and New Zeland require a length quarantine period, so start this process as early as possible.
3-6 Months Before Your Move
Things start getting real from this point on. Now is the time to lock in those big decisions.
1. Book Your International Removals Company
Don’t leave this too late, most reptuable international removal companies book up quickly, especially during peak summer months (June to September). At 6 months out you should have completed the following:
- Request quotes from at least three companies (make sure Euromovers is one of them!)
- Book a Home or Video Survey
- Confirm your preferred shipping method (sea freight, air freight, or road freight for European moves)
- Understand the timelines involved. For example, sea freight to Australia take 8-12 weeks, where as road freight in Europe can be as quick as 1-2 weeks.
Request a free Euromovers quote today – we can arrange a home or video survey at a time that suits you.
2. Decide What You're Taking
This is the time to be ruthless. Moving internationally is charged by volume, so the less you ship, the less you pay. Be sure to consider the following before deciding what to take with you on your move abroad:
- Will your UK furniture fit in your new home?
- Are some, if not all, of your electrical devices compatible abroad? (different countries can use different voltages and plug types)
- Is it cheaper to buy new items at your destination than bring your own?
- Decide what has sentimental value that must absolutely be taken with you.
3. Start Decluttering and Selling
Begin to sell, donate, recycle or get rid of items you won’t be taking with you. Here are a few ideas of places where you could sell some of your unwanted item:
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
- Gumtree
- Charity Shops
- Good Old Fashioned Car Boot sale
4. Visit Your Destination
If you haven’t already, try to visit your new area before the move. Scope out:
- Neighbourhoods you might want to live in Schools (if applicable)
- Local amenities – supermarkets, GP surgeries, transport links
- The general vibe – does it feel right?
- Would you definitely feel comfortable living there for a long period of time?
5. Research Schools and Enrol Children
If you have school-age children:
- Research local state schools and international/private schools
- Understand the enrolment process and deadlines
- Request school records from your children’s current school
- Give formal notice to their current school
6. Arrange Health Insurance
Research and arrange health insurance for your destination country. Consider:
- Does the country have a public healthcare system you can access?
- What’s the waiting period before you’re eligible?
- Do you need private insurance to bridge the gap?
- Are there any pre-existing condition exclusions?
7. Consider Storage
You might need storage if:
- You’re moving into temporary accommodation first
- Your new home is smaller than your current one
- You want to keep some belongings in the UK “just in case”
Here at Euromovers Scotland, we offer secure storage solutions across Scotland – ask us about storage options when you speak to your surveyor before or after your quote.
1-2 Months Before Your Move
The countdown is on. Time to tie up all those loose ends!
1. Book Your Flights
If flying, book as soon as possible in order to get the best price for your flights. Be sure to consider:
- Seat allocation (especially with young children)
- Baggage allowances — can you take extra luggage?
- One-way vs return tickets
- Pet-friendly airlines if your pet is flying with you
2. Notify Your Bank
Tell your UK bank you’re moving abroad. This prevents:
- Fraud alerts being triggered when you spend money overseas
- Your account being frozen at the worst possible time
Also research banking in your new country as you’ll likely need a local account for rent, bills, and daily spending.
3. Arrange Currency Exchange
Don’t just exchange money at the airport. Specialist currency exchange services offer significantly better rates than high street banks. The savings on a large transfer (like a house deposit) can be substantial.
4. Sell Remaining Unwanted Items
Final push to sell anything you’re not taking. Whatever doesn’t sell, donate or dispose of responsibly.
5. Check Appliance Compatibility
Go through your home and check which electrical items will work in your new country. Consider:
- Voltage differences (UK is 230V; some countries use 110V)
- Plug types
- Whether it’s worth shipping heavy appliances or buying new locally
6. Stock Up on UK Essentials
Think about products you love that might not be available (or might be expensive) in your new country. Marmite, proper tea bags, HP Sauce. Basically, whatever you can’t live without, stock up now!
3 Weeks Before Your Move
1. Setup Mail Redirection
Royal Mail actually offer international mail redirection, and it’s well worth the cost! You’ll catch any post your forgot to redirect, and it acts as a safety net for any important documents.
2. Cancel or Transfer Subscriptions
Work through all your subscriptions and memberships and cancel or transfer what you do and don’t need. Most modern banking apps will show you exactly what standing orders and subscriptions you have setup on your account.
- Cancel: TV licence, gym membership, local subscriptions
- Transfer/update: Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime (check if they work in your destination)
- Notify: Professional memberships, clubs, loyalty schemes
3. Contact Utility Providers
Notify and arrange final bills for:
- Gas/electricity supplier (take meter readings)
- Water company
- Broadband/phone provider
- Council tax
4. Notify HMRC
Inform HMRC that you’re leaving the UK. You may need to complete a P85 form. This affects your:
- Tax status
- National Insurance contributions
- State pension entitlement
5. Contact Your Pension Provider
Provide your new address and discuss how living abroad affects your pension. If you have a workplace pension, understand what happens when you leave the company.
6. Refill Prescriptions
Speak to your GP about getting an extended prescription to cover you until you’re registered with a doctor in your new country. Ask for a summary of your medical records to take with you.
7. Update Your Will
If you haven’t already, update your will to reflect your new circumstances. Consider whether you need a will in both the UK and your destination country.
1 Week Before Your Move
1. Confirm Everything with Your Removals Company
Touch base with your removals company to confirm:
- Collection date and time
- Any access issues (parking, stairs, lifts)
- What’s being shipped and what’s not
- Estimated delivery date at your destination
2. Book a Professional Packing Service
If you’ve opted for professional packing (highly recommended for international moves), confirm the date. Professional packers know how to protect your belongings for long-distance transit. Trust us, it’s worth every penny. Just check out some of our reviews of our packing service!
3. Pack Your Travel Essentials Separately
Set aside everything you’ll need for the journey and your first few days:
- Passports and travel documents
- Phone, charger, and adapters
- Medications
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Snacks and entertainment for children
- Important documents (insurance, rental agreements, etc.)
- Cash in local currency
4. Arrange Childcare/Pet Care for Moving Day
Having children and pets out of the way on packing and collection day makes everything smoother and safer for everyone. No one wants to accidentally pack a cat or trip over a small child on moving day!
1–2 Days Before Your Move
1. Final Checks
- Double-check all travel documents
- Confirm flight times and check-in details
- Ensure your travel essentials bag is packed and ready
- Take final meter readings
2. Clean Your Home
Whether you’re selling, renting out, or handing back to a landlord, leave the property clean. Book professional cleaners if you’d rather not tackle it yourself.
3. Prepare for the Removals Team
- Clear a parking space for the van (let neighbours know)
- Mark any items that are not being shipped (coloured stickers work well)
- Keep your essentials bag in a separate room away from the packing
4. Defrost Your Fridge/Freezer
Use up remaining food, give extras to neighbours or a food bank, and remember to defrost the freezer!
Moving Day!
1. Be Present and Available
Stay on hand to answer questions from the removals team. Show them:
- What’s going and what’s staying
- Any fragile or high-value items that need special attention
- Access points and any tricky areas
2. Provide Refreshments
Tea, coffee, and biscuits go a long way. Your removals team will be working hard, so keep them fueled up with plenty of snacks and drinks!
3. Do a Final Walk-Through
Once the van is loaded, walk through every room, check every cupboard, look in the loft, the garage, the shed, and the garden. It’s amazing what gets missed.
4. Take Photos
Photograph every room as evidence of the property’s condition. This is especially important if you’re a tenant, as it protects your deposit!
5. Lock Up and Hand Over Keys
Lock all doors and windows. Label keys clearly if handing them to an estate agent or landlord.
6. Take a Deep Breath
You’ve done it. The hard part is over. Now it’s time for the exciting bit!
After You Arrive
1. Get a Local Sim Card
Although your UK phone will work abroad, roaming charges will add up fast. Pick up a local sim at the airport, or local shop for more affordable calls and data.
2. Register with Local Authorities
Many countries require you to register your address with local authorities and set a clear timeframe. Check what’s required in your destination country and don’t miss any deadlines!
3. Open a Local Bank Account
In order to pay rent and bills, having a local bank account makes this process much easier. So bring your passport, proof of address and proof of income to a local bank to create a new bank account.
4. Register with a Doctor
Don’t wait until you’re really ill or in need of ugrent medical attention! Register with a local GP or medical centre as soon as you arrive in order to avoid any delays of treatment.
5. Unpack and Settle In
A reputable international removals company like Euromovers, should place all of your boxes into the correct rooms for you. Take your time unpacking these as there is no rush. Focus on the essentials first (bedroom, kitchen and bathroom) and then work from there.
6. Explore and Connect
- Join local expat groups (Facebook groups are great for this!)
- Explore your neighbourhood on foot
- Try the local restaurants and cafes
- Introduce yourself to neighbours
- Sign up for language classes if needed
- Join a local sports club or gym
7. Enjoy Your New Life
You’ve done a lot over the past year, and you deserve some time to relax! From planning and preparation, to executing one of the biggest moves of your life, be sure to take a moment to appreciate what you’ve achieved. Then get our there and enjoy it!
Ready to Start Planning Your Move Abroad?
At Euromovers Scotland, we’ve been helping families across Scotland and the UK relocate internationally for over 65 years. As part of the Euromover international network, we have trusted partners in over 30 countries, ensuring your belongings are in safe hands from door to door.
As standard we offer:
✅Free home and video surveys
✅ Full door-to-door international removals
✅ Sea freight, air freight, and European road freight
✅ Professional packing services
✅ Secure storage in Scotland
✅ Dedicated move coordinator from start to finish
Get your FREE international removals quote today by clicking QUOTE.
• Related International Removals Guides
- Moving to Spain from the UK
- Moving to France from the UK
- Moving to Germany from the UK
- Moving to Portugal from the UK
- Moving to Switzerland from the UK
- Moving to New Zealand from the UK
Download the Entire Guide in pdf format!
Fancy a pdf copy of this guide you can print out for quick reference? Just click the icon to download the entire guide to your pc.