Moving Abroad Checklist (Free PDF Download)
Cancelling services, preparing documents, packing, and registering in your new country—there’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we’ve…
Moving to another country is a big change—and one that requires careful preparation. It’s not just about transporting your belongings from point A to point B. You’ll also need to deal with planning, paperwork, and dozens of little details that demand your attention. The better your preparation, the smoother and more stress-free the entire process will be.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps—from early planning and packing to the move itself and your first days in a new country.
Before you start packing, it’s important to have a few basics sorted out. Moving abroad isn’t only about shipping furniture and boxes. Just as important are the documents, paperwork, and basic setup in your new country.
Start with your documentation. If you’re staying within the EU, a valid ID card is usually enough. But if you’re moving to the UK or outside the EU, you’ll likely need a visa and additional formalities. It’s also smart to check in advance how your health insurance will work, and whether you’ll need to register with a local provider.
Housing is another major factor. While it may be tempting to look for a place after arrival, it’s safer to arrange at least temporary accommodation in advance. Don’t forget practical matters like switching utilities, setting up internet, and notifying important institutions of your change of address.
Packing is one of the most important parts of the move. The better you prepare your items, the easier the transport—and the unpacking—will be. Before you even touch a roll of tape, take a moment to consider what’s really worth taking with you.
Packing is often the moment you realize how much stuff you actually don’t need. Moving is a great opportunity to declutter and get rid of anything that’s just taking up space. Donate, sell, or dispose of things you won’t use—you’ll make things easier for yourself both logistically and mentally.
How to pack so that everything arrives safely? These 4 tips will help:
The transport itself is one of the most critical parts of any international move. Most relocations across Europe happen by road—which is usually reliable and straightforward. However, for destinations like the UK or Scandinavia, you’ll also need to consider ferry bookings and potential customs requirements.
It’s essential to schedule the move in advance. A clear timeline prevents confusion and keeps everything running smoothly.
The cost depends mainly on distance and how much you’re moving. The more you transport, the higher the overall price. The destination also plays a role—moving to Slovakia tends to be simpler and cheaper than moving to Italy, where you’ll need to account for a longer route, toll fees, and more complex logistics.
It also depends on how much you want to leave to the professionals. A full-service move that includes packing, disassembly, or handling documents will cost more—but it will save you a lot of time and energy. Sometimes the right combination of services can help you save money and reduce stress.
Want a more concrete idea of what it might cost? Check out our article How Much Does Moving Abroad Cost? or head straight to our pricing list.
When moving abroad, it’s easy to overlook small details that later turn into big problems. One of the most common issues is incomplete paperwork. A forgotten document or a wrong detail in a form can delay your move—or even cause problems at the border.
Many people also underestimate how much stuff they have. They book a van that’s too small, only to realize they need an extra trip—or have to repack everything under pressure. That costs time and increases expenses unnecessarily.
What should you be most careful about? Check out our article 5 Common Mistakes in International Moving for practical advice.
Doing it all yourself might seem cheaper at first—but it often brings more stress, more work, and more unexpected complications. When you hire professionals, you save time, effort, and frustration.
An experienced moving company will make sure everything is packed safely, loaded correctly, and delivered on time. You won’t need to worry about logistics, insurance, or paperwork—we’ll handle it all for you.
A clear plan and good organization go a long way. And if you don’t want to handle it all on your own, just reach out. We’ll prepare a no-obligation quote and take care of everything that matters.
