If you are moving to Europe, concerns and visions you have should still be part of the culture, although a few practical details will matter.
From utilities and finances, to moving your possessions, there is much to put in place to ensure a smooth transition with an overseas move.
Professional advice may help, from an experienced removals company, to financial, or legal advisers. Even if your situation is straightforward, there are common aspects almost all of us need to consider.
Covering The Essentials
If we were to make one suggestion, this would be to organise a mobile phone, landline and internet provider before you move. They may not seem a priority but ease the path for so much else, which could need ongoing attention:
Visa Requirements – These should be met in advance for your new country of residence, including the EU since Brexit. Bear in mind that different family members may have varying requirements, depending on age and intentions.
Health Protection – Vaccines could be required, including Covid-19. Is access to medical, or dental records in place, is medication organised. Are you eligible for state medical care, have you registered, or is insurance in place.
Financial Planning – From savings, to pensions, to renting out a UK property, a well planned position before you depart makes sense. You may need to notify the UK tax authorities that you are leaving, to avoid paying additional tax.
Personal Documents – They will be needed, passports naturally, birth and marriage certificates, proof of citizenship, driving license, insurance policies, qualifications, employment records, bank account details.
Other Family Members – Can children be pre-enrolled in school, or for other essential activities. Pets will probably need to be micro-chipped and immunised against rabies, your vet should advise according to destination.
Local Compliance – The position for driving licences and insurance needs to be understood. Bank accounts organised, which may be possible in advance, the local personal tax and property taxes allowed for.
Your Possessions – If storage will help, best to sort out in advance, although the move could be a great time to downsize and declutter. Allowing time for packing, or having this done for you will still be essential.
There can be other points, depending on where you are moving to, utilities may need to be turned off, or on to suit, trades people in place when you arrive.
Each location brings up different challenges. Evidence of no claims from the UK can reduce car insurance costs but can’t always be accessed online. Inheritance planning can avoid outcomes you didn’t want, due to local practice.
Enjoying Your Move
Most points above may seem obvious but can be forgotten, when you are wrapped up in the life changes to come. We want you to find them a pleasure and from the removals aspect, can handle as much, or as little as you require.
Your time is better spent getting to know your new community, the people, activities, the best ways to travel around. Bringing on board experience in international removals is a good way to see this happen.
Contact our team at any time, who will be happy to share any advice we can offer, from three decades of moving people to Europe and beyond.
