Moving abroad is exciting — however, without a thorough moving abroad checklist, even the most organised families can find the process overwhelming. Indeed, international relocations involve dozens of tasks across several months, from visa applications and school transfers to customs paperwork and transit insurance. Fortunately, as an FMC-registered international mover and IAM-certified relocation specialist with 21+ years of experience, BLUEmove has prepared this week-by-week moving abroad checklist for American families. Additionally, your BLUEmove move coordinator will walk you through every step in person — request your free survey here to get started.
Moving Abroad Checklist: Start 4 Weeks Before Your Move
- Contact BLUEmove to schedule your free in-home or video survey, and request your all-inclusive written quote.
- Decide what you are shipping, selling, donating, and leaving behind — read our guide to what to ship vs sell when moving abroad.
- Begin the visa and residency permit application process for your destination country. Processing times vary widely — start early.
- Notify your children’s school and request transfer documentation and school records.
- Check that all passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date.
- Research and arrange any required vaccinations for your destination country.
- Contact your bank to notify them of your move, and begin researching banking options in your new country.
- Review your life insurance, health insurance, and other policies — notify providers of your international relocation.
- Check vehicle import regulations at your destination if you plan to bring your car or motorcycle. Read our vehicle shipping guide here.
- Confirm your moving date with BLUEmove International Relocation and lock in your shipment booking.
- Request a detailed household goods insurance quote — BLUEmove offers comprehensive transit insurance for all international shipments.
3 Weeks Before Your Move
- Gather all family medical and dental records and arrange for certified copies to bring abroad.
- Collect school transcripts, diplomas, and other educational records for all family members.
- Dispose of any items you do not plan to move — hold a garage sale, donate to charity, or arrange bulk collection.
- Begin using up frozen food and any non-moveable pantry items — reduce what needs to be left behind.
- Notify your children’s current school of the move date, and begin researching schools at your destination.
- Cancel or redirect magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Set up mail forwarding with USPS.
- Advise utility providers — electricity, gas, water, internet — of your closing date.
- Notify your employer’s HR department and payroll team if relevant.
- Arrange pet relocation if needed — vaccinations, microchipping, and import permits vary by country.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
- Confirm the packing crew schedule and move-day logistics with your BLUEmove coordinator.
- Begin sorting and labelling items: what goes by sea freight, what goes by air freight, and what stays.
- Return all library books, rental equipment, and borrowed items.
- Arrange parking and access for BLUEmove’s crew on move day — in dense urban areas, notify building management in advance.
- Back up all computers, external drives, and digital files.
- Arrange temporary accommodation at your destination if your new home will not be ready on arrival.
- Notify the IRS and relevant state tax authorities of your change of address.
- Arrange for final meter readings and utility disconnections on your departure date.
The Week of Your Move
- Confirm all travel arrangements — flights, airport transfers, and hotel bookings if needed.
- Prepare a “move-day essentials” bag containing documents, passports, medication, chargers, a change of clothes, and valuables you are hand-carrying.
- Separate items you will carry personally from what BLUEmove will pack — clearly mark DO NOT PACK items.
- Make arrangements for children and pets on move day — BLUEmove’s crew works efficiently, but move day is easier without small children underfoot.
- Request final electricity, gas, water, and telephone bills from your providers.
- Ensure BLUEmove has the correct delivery address and contact details for your destination.
- Advise your BLUEmove coordinator of any firearms, hazardous materials, or restricted items in your shipment — these require special documentation.
The Day Before Move Day
- Defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer — appliances must be empty and dry before packing.
- Disassemble any flat-pack furniture you would like BLUEmove’s crew to pack, or note items requiring disassembly.
- Disconnect and prepare all electrical appliances — cords should be secured and remotes packed with their devices.
- Set aside your move-day essentials bag in a clearly marked location — it will not be packed.
- Confirm your inventory of high-value items such as artwork, jewellery, and antiques with your BLUEmove coordinator.
Moving Day
- Walk through every room with the Team Blue chief before packing begins — confirm what is included.
- Review and sign the detailed household goods inventory — keep your copy safe for customs clearance.
- Be present or have a trusted representative on site throughout the day.
- Do a final sweep of all rooms, cupboards, loft spaces, and the garage before the crew departs.
- Collect all keys, garage remotes, and access cards — hand them to your landlord or estate agent.
- Confirm your destination delivery contact details with BLUEmove before you leave.
Your Moving Abroad Checklist: BLUEmove Supports You Every Step
This moving abroad checklist covers the key tasks — however, your dedicated BLUEmove move coordinator will provide a personalised checklist tailored to your destination country, shipment size, and departure date. Furthermore, they will prepare all customs documentation on your behalf, so you can focus on your family and your new chapter ahead. To get started, request your free international moving survey here, or call us on 855.808.4900. We don’t just move boxes. We bring families home.
