The Complete Moving Abroad from the UK Checklist

We know that feeling where excitement and nerves seem to arrive together. If the nerves are winning, it usually means a few things need sorting out before you go.

It’s not just about packing your clothes and heading to the airport. Moving abroad from the UK comes with a whole list of practical steps you’ll want to cover first, as well as a few to take care of once you land.

That’s why having a moving abroad checklist is so useful. It keeps the process manageable, helps you stay organised, and guarantees that nothing important slips through the cracks.

Essential preparations before moving abroad

What do you need to do before moving abroad? The list can look overwhelming at first glance, but it feels far less intimidating once you take it step by step.

Research & plan your move abroad

There’s nothing worse than landing in a new country only to realise you forgot some crucial document that takes forever to get.

• Check visa requirements and residency permits for your destination country. Rules vary depending on where you’re moving abroad. Some countries turn applications around in weeks; others take months. You’ll likely need proof of funds, a job offer, or family details. The earlier you start, the less last-minute panic you’ll face.
• Ensure your passport is valid (at least 6+ months left). Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Most countries won’t let you in otherwise. If you need to renew, do it early through HM Passport Office.
• Look into healthcare access and whether you need private insurance abroad. Your NHS coverage won’t travel with you. Many countries won’t even issue a visa without proof of insurance. Look into how healthcare works locally, and arrange private coverage that includes emergencies and treatment.
• Research the cost of living, local laws, and tax rules. Budget realistically for rent, groceries, utilities, and so on. Also, check the local rules (driving, alcohol, work restrictions) and make sure you understand your tax obligations.

Take care of documents & administration matters

Paperwork may not be exciting, but it’s an unavoidable part of moving abroad from the UK. We all have to do it.

• Apply for a visa/permit (if required). Handle this early, as bureaucracy can throw unexpected curveballs, like interviews, biometrics, or detailed financial proof.
• Collect important documents. It’s time to go through your documents carefully. Round up the essentials—birth and marriage certificates, NI number, licence, medical notes, and any qualifications. Some places demand certified translations, too, so check the rules early.
• Make certified copies and digital backups. Always have spares. Store copies in secure cloud storage or on an encrypted USB. If you lose your originals abroad, you’ll still have backups to fall back on.
• Check if you need an International Driving Permit. Certain countries won’t accept your UK licence alone. Picking up an International Driving Permit from a participating PayPoint store before you leave is quick and inexpensive. It will also save you from awkward run-ins if you’re stopped on the road.

Make sure money affairs are taken care of

• Inform your bank of your move. Banks monitor suspicious activity. If you don’t notify them, they can freeze your account and block your cards when you use them overseas.
• Decide whether to keep a UK account open. It’s worth thinking about, honestly. Keeping a UK bank account can make life a lot easier if you still have money coming in, bills to pay, or savings to manage back home.
• Research international banking options. This is where things get interesting. Some banks have branches in both the UK and overseas, which makes it much easier to move money and get set up when you arrive.
• Contact HMRC regarding tax residency and complete a P85 form (Leaving the UK). You may be wondering, ‘Do I need to notify HMRC if I move abroad?’ The answer is yes. Submitting a P85 updates your tax record and prevents you from being overcharged. In some cases, you might even qualify for a refund. Also, consider voluntary NI contributions to keep your state pension eligibility intact.
• Consider currency transfer services to avoid high bank fees. UK bank transfers often have costly exchange rates. Specialised services usually provide better deals, especially for large expenses, like rent deposits or shipping costs.

Find a place to work and stay

If you skip this, you could easily end up stuck after a couple of days with nowhere decent to stay, because finding affordable housing isn’t always quick.

• Make preparations for temporary or permanent residence abroad. When moving abroad from the UK, it is wise to have accommodation sorted before you land. Even a short-term rental takes the pressure off while you search for something permanent.
• Confirm employment contract or work arrangements. Make sure you have everything in writing—salary, start date, benefits, and tax details—so there are no surprises once you arrive.
• Check whether your UK qualifications are recognised abroad. Qualifications tied to certain careers, such as teaching, medicine, or law, often need validation or conversion overseas. Begin this process well ahead of time, so your work plans are not disrupted.

Get an idea of what it is like to move to another country:

Check some of our other articles about moving abroad to help you with all that is needed for moving to another country.

Managing your items’ transportation

Moving your belongings internationally involves more than just throwing everything into boxes and calling it a day.

You will need to go through what you’re taking with you, plan how it all gets there, and pack in a way that doesn’t leave you drowning in chaos when you arrive.

Sort and organise your belongings

This is the stage where you can start picturing your new life and decide what really deserves a place in it.

Learning how to declutter before moving abroad makes everything easier, whether you’re packing, selling, or storing items.

• Decide what to take, sell, or store from your belongings. Go room by room and ask yourself if each item really earns its place. If it is not something you will actually use in the next year, it is better to part with it. Selling, donating, or storing things now cuts down shipping costs and saves you from unpacking clutter on the other end.
• Pack essentials for the first few weeks abroad. Think of this as your transition kit. Pack two weeks of clothing, toiletries, and any medication. Bring chargers for all devices and keep critical documents with you: passport, visa paperwork, and settlement forms.
• Check airline baggage limits. Airlines are strict with their rules, and going over them comes with heavy charges. Look up the allowance for both checked and hand luggage well before you fly. Check any connecting flights as well, because their limits can be different.
• Check plug/voltage compatibility. The UK uses 230V and Type G plugs, and plenty of countries don’t. A few adaptors in your hand luggage and a voltage converter, if needed, will save you the headache of dead batteries or fried gadgets.
• Create a packing inventory. Keep a record of your items and where they’re going, with labelled boxes and a list or apps like Sortly and spreadsheets. Customs become easier, insurance claims are less of a nightmare, and there’s a lower chance of things getting lost.

Check also:

Moving Checklist for the UK

How to Properly Pack When Moving House

What Is The Cost Of Removals And Storage In The UK

Organise international removals

This part is about making sure your things are looked after properly and arrive without causing you any problems.

• Use professional packing for fragile and bulky items. Large furniture, electronics, and delicate pieces need specialised care. International removals have the right materials and the experience to get them packed securely.
• Prepare and handle customs documentation. Each country has its own requirements, and the paperwork is rarely simple. A removals company can help you file the forms correctly and stop your belongings from being delayed at the border.
• Select between air freight and sea freight. Air freight will have your stuff at your doorstep in no time, but your wallet might feel a bit lighter afterwards. Sea freight takes its sweet time getting there, but it’s much kinder to your bank account. It really comes down to whether speed or cost matters more to you.
• Consider temporary storage in the UK or overseas. Moving everything in one go is rarely realistic. Having a secure spot, especially one that is climate-controlled, lets your belongings wait safely until you are ready to move them.
• Ensure goods are covered in transit. Most UK removals companies offer standard coverage for accidents, theft, and damage, but this only provides £50 per item. So, always declare valuables accurately and consider additional all-risk or full-value coverage for expensive belongings.
• Full-service delivery to your new home abroad. A complete removals service will handle every stage for you, from packing and shipping to customs and final delivery at your new address. It makes the move less stressful and far more efficient.

Fantastic Removals can provide an international moving service designed to take the stress out of relocating abroad. With a full-service approach, every aspect of your move is carefully managed by professionals. The team will ensure safe transport to your new home and provide final delivery straight to your doorstep.

Make sure to stay healthy abroad

Healthcare is one of the most important things to figure out before leaving, as NHS services won’t be available once you move.

Handling of medical procedures and documents

• Book GP and dental check-ups before leaving. It is much easier to deal with health issues while you still have access to familiar care. This way, you’ll be sure that your prescriptions are up to date and won’t be left waiting for appointments in a new country.
• Request your NHS medical records (or summary). These records act as your health passport, documenting your medical history, prescriptions, and vaccinations. Doctors often request them.
• Check vaccination requirements for your destination. Entry rules vary across the world, and some places will not let you in without proof of specific vaccinations. The UK Government’s travel advice pages outline exactly what you need.

Insurance essentials

This step is about preparing for the unexpected, as moving abroad from the UK without proper coverage can quickly turn into a serious problem.

• Get health/travel insurance (NHS coverage doesn’t apply abroad). Once you move, the NHS coverage will no longer apply. Private health or travel insurance ensures you have access to treatment, emergency care, and even repatriation if required.
• Take prescriptions with you (along with a doctor’s letter). Carry enough medication to last at least the first few weeks. A signed note from your doctor will also help at customs and make things easier when registering with a new GP.

Handling of personal & family duties

Practical matters at home are just as important as paperwork. Sorting out schools, pets, and household commitments makes moving out of the UK smoother for everyone involved.

Ensure your children and pets are taken care of

• Notify your child’s school (request records for transfer). Schools abroad usually need official records. Arrange the paperwork early to secure a place at a new school easily.
• Check pet export rules, vaccinations, and pet passport/quarantine requirements. Microchipping, vaccinations, and health certificates often need to be completed well in advance. Some countries are also firm about quarantine periods.

Handle the obligations of your day-to-day life

• Cancel or redirect subscriptions and memberships. Close gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and mobile contracts so you’re not billed after leaving.
• Vehicle considerations. Owning a car means making one of two choices—either sell it before you go or arrange for shipping overseas. Just don’t forget the admin side of things, like informing the DVLA and cancelling your insurance.
• Notify your GP, dentist, and optician of your move. Closing accounts makes sure your records are updated and prevents any unexpected NHS charges.

Check also:

How to Deal With Anxiety From Moving Abroad

How to Move Your Pet to Australia

How to Decide Where to Live

Final things to do before departure

These last few weeks before moving to another country are about tying up loose ends to avoid extra costs, missed letters, or even legal issues.

Mail, tax and utilities tied up

• Set up a Royal Mail redirection service. A redirection service keeps your post moving with you. It means bank statements, government letters, or anything official won’t end up forgotten at your old address. You can set this up online through Royal Mail or in person.
• Cancel UK utilities, broadband, TV licence, and council tax. Make those calls before you leave to close or transfer accounts, so you won’t be billed after you leave.
• Inform your local council if you’re moving permanently. Letting the council know updates the electoral roll and makes sure you’re not still charged for council tax.
• Leave updated contact details with family and friends. Share your new overseas number and address. And leave a reliable UK contact, a friend’s or relative’s information, for urgent matters, official correspondence, or parcel forwarding.

Settle in upon arrival

The moment you touch down, finding stability in your new country makes everything else fall into place more easily. For anyone leaving the UK permanently, these first steps will help you feel grounded while you adjust to a new routine.

• Register with local authorities if required. Many countries expect new arrivals to register within a short time. This step is often linked to residency permits, ID cards, and tax IDs.
• Open a local bank account if not already arranged. A local account makes everyday money matters simpler, from paying bills to receiving your salary. It also helps you avoid the high fees of international transactions.
• Register with a healthcare provider. Access to healthcare often starts with registering in the local system or with a GP. Handling this straight away gives you peace of mind that medical help is available when needed. Leave it too late and you risk unnecessary stress if something crops up.
• Explore transport options (Consider converting your UK driving licence if necessary). Rules for driving abroad can be surprisingly different. Your UK licence might carry you for a few months in one country and barely a few weeks in another.
• Learn local customs and useful phrases in the language. Even a handful of local words will make life noticeably easier. They’ll help with everyday errands, ordering meals, and navigating conversations, while also signalling respect and interest in the culture you’re joining.

Takeaways

• Preparing early with a moving abroad checklist reduces stress and keeps you on track;
• Cover legal, financial, medical, and personal matters before leaving the UK permanently;
• Using professional international removals makes transporting belongings simpler and safer;
• Staying organised upon arrival helps you settle into your new home smoothly.

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