These are just some of the main items to consider, but, depending on your own circumstances, you will undoubtedly have other things that will need to planned. As with everything, do not leave everything to the last minute, do your research and act as soon as you can to help reduce the stress of the move.
Be Organised
Regardless of whether you are moving with a company which will cover the main part of packing and shipping there are many things that you will need to do yourself, and many of these you will need to start planning as soon as the relocation is agreed.
Your Current Accommodation (if rented or owned)
If you rent then this is easier but you will need to contact your landlord ASAP to finalise dates to move out especially if you have a contract with a break clause if you are early into a lease agreement. Obviously if you own a property you will need to decide if you are going to sell it, rent it out or leave it vacant. If you own the property outright, then renting it can be an extra income stream but if you are paying a mortgage then you will need to consider whether the rent covers the mortgage, the fact that it may not be rented out all of the time, agent fees and ad hoc maintenance costs that will occur. Selling it may depend on whether it is a good time to sell but selling may add issues to timelines as there is uncertainty on the speed with which it may happen.
Cars
You may need to decide whether to keep your car or sell it. This could be difficult if you need your car right until the last minute before you leave. If you keep it, where can you store it? Do you have a friend or relative who can sell it on your behalf after you depart?
Shipping Volume
Depending on how large the shipping allowance is you may need to consider putting some items into storage, selling items, giving them away or simply disposing of them. Be aware that in many places you relocate to you may be moving to a condominium / apartment which most likely be smaller than a house and almost certainly will not have the storage space of a house with a garage, attic or garden shed. For example, in a condominium you may not have storage space for bikes and certainly will not need lawnmowers and garden tools. You need to be very aware of these things and decide what you want to take and leave quickly and plan accordingly depending on your decision.
Pets
Relocating pets is possible, but it is expensive and it may well not be covered in a relocation package. There are many things to consider including the rules of the host county on restrictions which can vary depending on where you are currently based. Vaccination requirements are almost certainly going to be required and animal quarantine periods may also apply in certain countries. In many places owning pets may limit your ability to rent, especially in condominiums and also may limit options in temporary accommodation as many serviced apartments do not allow pets. You need to consider all of these things along with the fact that transporting animals can be quite a traumatic experience for the animal especially if they are elderly pets. Obviously if taking your pets is not feasible you need to plan on rehoming them to a good home as soon as possible.
Post Forwarding
Regardless of how organised you are, you will need to change your mailing address with many organisations, but do consider that you will unlikely have a new fixed address for some time. You should consider getting your mail redirected which is a service most postal services provide, but you may not need to get them redirected overseas, but may best to a trusted friend or family member.
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