International Relocation Checklist: What to Do Before You Move Abroad

Moving abroad brings both thrilling opportunities, numerous responsibilities, and strict time requirements. A successful international move requires thorough planning and preparation when you relocate for work, education, lifestyle change, or family reasons. 

To help reduce stress and make sure nothing falls through the cracks, we’ve created this comprehensive pre-move international relocation checklist, based on decades of experience helping thousands of individuals and families relocate across Asia and around the world.

The process needs a systematic method, which we will present through six months of preparation before the actual moving day.

6 Months Before Your Move: Lay the Foundation

1. Research Your Destination Country

Start by learning everything you can about your new country:

• Visa requirements
• Cost of living
• Language and cultural norms
• Healthcare systems
• Local laws and customs
• Schooling options (if moving with children)

Tip: Check official government sites and embassy websites and Asian Tigers Destination Guides for cultural advice and practical information.

2. Check Passport and Visa Validity

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned move.
• Begin researching visa requirements based on your reason for moving (work, study, family reunification, etc.).
• Some visas require criminal background checks, health exams, or proof of income—start early to avoid last-minute surprises.

3. Create a Relocation Budget

Moving internationally involves costs beyond flights and moving trucks. Include:

• Visa and legal fees
• Freight and moving services
• Customs duties and taxes
• Insurance and valuation coverage
• Temporary accommodation
• Pet relocation, storage, or vehicle shipping

For help calculating realistic costs, feel free to contact our team.

4–5 Months Before: Lock in Services and Start Decluttering

4. Hire a Reputable International Relocation Company

Your mover should:

• Be FIDI-accredited or similarly certified
• Offer customs support, packing, storage, and delivery
• Provide a pre-move survey (virtual or in-person)
• Assist with valuation and insurance
• Be transparent about pricing

At Asian Tigers Group, we specialize in full-service international moves with local expertise across 14 Asian markets and a global network.

5. Declutter and Downsize

The costs for international shipping depend on the volume and weight of the shipment. Lowering your energy usage will help you save money.

Sort items into four categories:

• Keep and ship
• Bring in luggage
• Store (if returning later)
• Sell, donate, or discard

Tip: Check customs guides for prohibited or restricted goods (e.g. weapons, lithium batteries, certain foods) before shipping items that are not allowed in your destination country.

6. Gather and Digitize Important Documents

You’ll need both physical and digital copies of:

• Passports, visas, ID cards
• Birth/marriage certificates
• Vaccination and medical records
• School transcripts and enrollment papers
• Job contracts, tax forms, bank statements
• Pet vaccination and microchip records

Use cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox) for secure backups.

3 Months Before: Notify and Organize

7. Notify Schools and Employers

• Request school records when moving with children and make arrangements for their transcript transfer. 
• Alert your current employer if you haven’t already. Request the necessary documents and references that are required for international applications.

8. Schedule Healthcare Appointments

• Complete medical and dental check-ups.
• The patient should request a 3–6 month supply of medication when available and should fill their prescriptions at the same pharmacy.
• Obtain international vaccination records and certifications (especially for children or pets).

9. Secure Housing Abroad

Begin your search for:

• Long-term rental or purchased housing
• Temporary housing for arrival week
• Pet-friendly accommodations, if needed

Tip: People who move abroad should first find temporary housing before they locate their permanent residence after their arrival.

10. Notify Local Authorities and Update Addresses

• Inform tax agencies and social services of your move.
• Cancel local memberships and subscriptions.
• Redirect or cancel post/mail services.

2 Months Before: Logistics, Packing & Legal Prep

11. Confirm Moving Dates

Finalize:

• Packing day(s)
• Container loading date
• Shipment departure and estimated arrival
• Delivery at destination

Asian Tigers offers complete packing solutions along with delivery services that include storage choices for your belongings when your new residence needs more time to prepare.

12. Arrange Insurance and Valuation

Protect your belongings against loss or damage with:

• Full Replacement Value Protection (FRVP)
• Coverage for high-value items (art, jewelry, musical instruments)

You need to talk about your relocation choices with your consultant during the time you fill out your valuation form to list your valuable possessions.

13. Start Packing Non-Essentials

If you’re doing any self-packing, now is the time to begin:

• Off-season clothes
• Books
• Decor and keepsakes
• Kitchen items you won’t need

Important: All fragile or custom items should be handled by experts. We provide specialized crating services for sensitive items.

14. Plan Pet and Vehicle Relocation

• Arrange vet checks, microchips, and import permits for pets.
• Book flights or animal relocation services (e.g., with Silk Relo).
• If shipping a car, ensure compliance with destination import regulations, duties, and approvals.

1 Month Before: Countdown Begins

15. Confirm All Services

Touch base with:

• Moving company
• Storage providers
• Landlord or realtor at destination
• School or employer abroad
• Insurance and valuation provider

16. Prepare Finances

• Open an international or local bank account
• Notify your current bank of international use
• Set up bill auto-payments for your home country
• Exchange a small amount of foreign currency

17. Back Up All Devices and Transfer Data

Back up your:

• Phones
• Laptops
• Hard drives
• Apps and files

After that, reset or clean any devices you want to sell or donate.

18. Say Your Goodbyes

Schedule time with:

• Friends and family
• Colleagues and neighbors
• Teachers, clubs, or groups

The emotional process stands as a vital element, because it enables children to achieve the closure they need.

1–2 Weeks Before: Final Preparations

19. Pack a “First Week” Essentials Bag

Include:

• Travel documents
• Medications
• Chargers and electronics
• One week of clothing
• Toiletries and comfort items
• Kids’ toys or favorite snacks

Think of this as your international survival kit, especially helpful if your shipment is delayed.

20. Do a Final Clean and Walkthrough

• Defrost and clean appliances
• Dispose of hazardous materials (e.g., paint, gas)
• Check closets, drawers, attic, basement
• Return borrowed items

21. Secure Important Contacts

Save contacts for:

• Moving coordinator
• Customs or consulate offices
• Landlord or realtor
• New school or employer
• Emergency numbers at destination

Moving Day: Deep Breath—You’re Ready

22. Supervise the Movers

• Be available to answer questions
• Review the packing inventory
• Check every step of labeling and product handling for all sensitive items
• Sign off on documents before departure

23. Take Photos of Your Items

• Take photographs of electronics and furniture and valuable items before you start packing. 
• Document the condition of your current home (especially for rentals)

The protection system exists to safeguard you from potential damage claims and disputes that may arise about deposits.

Final Thoughts: Plan Well, Arrive Confidently

An international move is a big deal—and your future self will thank you for preparing properly. The process seems complicated at first but the checklist divides work into smaller tasks which makes everything more achievable.

At Asian Tigers Group, we’ve helped expats, families, and businesses move across borders for over 50 years. A successful relocation demands more than transportation planning, since it must also equip you for success after your move.