International Moving Checklist

If you are planning an international move, you will likely be feeling a mix of excitement and stress. As every move comes with its fair share of challenges, ensuring you are well-prepared can give you much needed peace of mind and help your relocation go smoothly. From packing up your belongings to navigating a new culture, there’s no shortage of things to keep track of!

The team at Allied Singapore has decades of experience assisting individuals and families with their international moves worldwide, we have developed this comprehensive moving checklist so you don’t forget anything. Whether you’re planning to move overseas from Singapore or moving to Singapore from another country, you can follow our moving checklist which guides you through every step of the way - ensuring you are well-prepared in the lead-up to your relocation!

Countdown checklist for an international move

When it comes to international moving, it's important to start planning and preparing well in advance. Packing for your new home can be overwhelming, especially if you wait until the last minute. You can make the process of packing easier by decluttering your home in the months leading up to your move. This is an opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need or use and create more space for your new home!

When hiring international movers, they will factor in the volume of items being moved into their quote. So you can save costs by leaving behind items that you can easily replace in your new destination. Reducing the number of belongings you are taking with you will not only save you money, but will also make the move faster and more efficient! As you go through your belongings, make a list of items that require special care during transport to ensure they are handled properly. This list can then be given to your moving consultant to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Three months till moving day

Three months may seem like a long time, but it’s when you should begin preparing for your move! Here is how to get started on preparing for moving day. 

• Research the visa and residency requirements for your new country.
• Start decluttering and selling or donating items you won't be taking with you.
• Find and book a reputable international moving company, plus book your international move.
• Begin gathering important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and medical records.
• Research schools and childcare options in your new location.
• Research tax laws in your new country
• Arrange an appointment with your GP for any vaccinations you might need in your new country.
• Notify your banks, utility companies, and other service providers of your move.
• If moving with a vehicle, arrange vehicle transportation.
• Organise transit insurance to ensure you are covered for your relocation and give yourself complete peace of mind.
• If moving with a pet, arrange for pet transportation to your new home and take your pet for any necessary vaccinations.

One month till moving day

There’s only one month until moving day, so it’s time to start finalising some of the details of your international relocation.

• Confirm your travel arrangements.
• Confirm your visa and residency requirements with the appropriate authorities.
• Confirm dates and details with your professional packing service.
• Prepare an inventory list of items being moved and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
• Pack and arrange pick-up or delivery for any items going into storage. 
• Confirm all travel arrangements and paperwork with your moving company.
• Begin packing non-essential items.
• Update or cancel any subscriptions.
• Schedule disconnection of utilities and other services.

Two weeks till moving day

With two weeks to go, make sure to wrap up any remaining loose ends.

• Set up your forwarding address with the post office.
• Pack essential items for the first few days in your new home.
• Notify your friends and family of your move and new contact information.

One week till moving day

As the big day approaches, there are just a few tasks that need to be attended to.

• Pack and label all remaining boxes.
• Prepare a plan for the first few days in your new home, including groceries, transportation, and local amenities.
• Let your bank know about your upcoming move so that they can authorise purchases/transfers in your new country.

The night before moving day

It can be tricky to get any sleep before the big night, however you can take a few last-minute tasks to ease your mind.

• Double-check your checklist to ensure all items are packed and ready to go.
• Get a good night's sleep to prepare for the big day.
• Charge all electronic devices.
• Confirm any last-minute details with your moving company.

The big day!

Moving day is here! With everything planned and organised, you're ready to tackle the challenges of your international move.

• After your movers arrive, take the time to talk through the move and raise any possible concerns or questions you may have
• Perform a ‘walk-through’ with the moving company to check no belongings have been forgotten.
• Say goodbye to your old home and neighbourhood.

Have more questions about your international move?

At Allied Singapore, we pride ourselves on our expertise in minimising stress when it comes to moving internationally. You can trust that Allied has the right expertise and moving solutions you need to make your international relocation a success. If you have any questions about your Singapore international move and how best to prepare, you can get in touch with our experienced team. Discuss your specific moving requirements and receive a quote which is specific to your relocation!