International Removals Tips/Checklist:

• Create a floor plan and label each room so Swift International Removals staff can easily identify them at your new destination.

• Label items and/or boxes clearly to ensure Swift Internatinoal Removals staff can place them correctly in your new home.

• Mark boxes with warnings like ‘Fragile’ or ‘This Way Up’ to prevent damage during transit.

• Label boxes with contents (e.g., wires, leads, instructions, kids’ favorite toys) to help you unpack efficiently overseas.

• Declutter thoroughly—sort through items you haven’t used in years. 

• Consult our advisors about protective covers before moving day. We offer options for delicate furniture, piano removals, and more.

• Use our checklist below for extra guidance tailored to international relocations.

International Removals Checklist: Things to Do and Arrange

Documents

☐ Gather all essential documents needed during and after your international move (e.g., passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates).

☐ Research visa requirements for your destination country and start the application process early (contact the embassy or an immigration expert).

☐ Check import regulations for your belongings and prepare necessary customs paperwork.

Disconnection/Installation of Appliances

☐ Arrange disconnection of gas at your current home.

☐ Arrange disconnection of electricity at your current home.

☐ Confirm voltage compatibility for appliances in your new country or arrange to sell incompatible items.

Disposal of Unwanted Items

☐ Advertise items for sale well in advance (consider international shipping costs when deciding what to keep).

☐ Arrange house clearance for larger items unsuitable for shipping.

☐ Donate usable items to charity shops.

☐ Dispose of remaining items at a council tip or recycling center.

Forwarding Address

 ☐ Provide a forwarding address (e.g., family or friend in the UK) for the new occupants or arrange international mail redirection.

Friends & Family

 ☐ Compile a list of people to notify about your international move.

Heating System

 ☐ Leave operating instructions for the new owners of your current home.

 ☐ Request heating system instructions from the current owners of your new overseas property.

Pets

 ☐ Purchase pet carriers suitable for international travel.

 ☐ Notify your vet and obtain pet health certificates/vaccinations required for entry into the destination country.

 ☐ Research pet import regulations and quarantine rules for your new country.

 ☐ Arrange for pets to be cared for on moving day if possible.

Financial

 ☐ Notify your bank of your move and update your address (check international banking options).

 ☐ Inform credit card companies.

 ☐ Inform store charge card providers.

 ☐ Notify hire purchase (HP) companies.

 ☐ Update premium bonds with your new details.

 ☐ Inform companies where you hold shares.

 ☐ Ensure you have savings to cover at least three months of living expenses abroad.

Post and Communications

 ☐ Set up international mail redirection with Royal Mail or a similar service.

 ☐ Arrange disconnection or redirection of your current telephone line.

 ☐ Arrange a new telephone connection in your destination country.

 ☐ Set up call redirection if needed.

 ☐ Notify your mobile phone provider and check roaming or international plan options.

Professional Advisors

 ☐ Inform your solicitor about your international move.

 ☐ Notify your accountant.

 ☐ Update your financial advisor.

Religious

 ☐ Inform your religious center in the UK and inquire about similar communities abroad.

Service Contracts

 ☐ Notify all service contractors (e.g., gardeners, cleaners) of your departure.

 ☐ Inform guarantee providers for appliances staying behind.

 ☐ Request copies of service contracts or guarantees from the current owners of your new home abroad.

Tax

 ☐ Notify UK tax authorities (HMRC) of your move and check tax obligations in your new country.

 ☐ Inform your local council of your departure.

Television

 ☐ Notify the UK TV licensing authority.

 ☐ Cancel or adjust cable/satellite subscriptions and research options in your new country.

Benefits

 ☐ Inform the Department of Social Security (DSS) if applicable.

 ☐ Notify child benefit authorities.

 ☐ Update pension providers about your international relocation.

Security/Alarm Systems

 ☐ Leave operating instructions for the new owners of your current home.

 ☐ Request security system instructions from the owners of your new overseas property.

Cars

 ☐ Notify the DVLA of your move and check if your car can be exported.

 ☐ Research vehicle import laws and taxes in your destination country.

 ☐ Confirm if your UK driving license is valid abroad or if you need an international permit.

 ☐ Ensure your car is roadworthy for the journey or arrange shipping (don’t forget your VC5 car passport!).

Children

 ☐ Arrange childcare for young children on moving day if possible.

 ☐ Notify current schools of their departure.

 ☐ Research and enroll children in schools in your new country (check language requirements).

Cleaning

 ☐ Collect dry cleaning before departure.

 ☐ Arrange carpet cleaning for your new overseas home if needed.

 ☐ See more about Swift Cleaning Services for End of Tenancy Cleaning [here].

Clubs

 ☐ Notify book clubs.

 ☐ Inform music clubs.

 ☐ Advise football clubs if you’re a season ticket holder.

Medical

 ☐ Notify your current GP and request medical record transfers.

 ☐ Inform your dentist.

 ☐ Register with a new GP and dentist in your destination country.

 ☐ Research healthcare systems and arrange health insurance if required.

 ☐ Keep important medications in your carry-on luggage, not packed boxes.

Removals

 ☐ Confirm your moving date with the removal company (e.g., Swift International Removals).

 ☐ Label items not to be shipped (e.g., for storage or disposal).

 ☐ Plan a packing schedule for international shipping (consider container options).

 ☐ Purchase packing materials suited for long-distance transport.

 ☐ Decide between air freight, sea freight, or a combination based on timelines and budget.

Home Deliveries

 ☐ Notify milk delivery services.

 ☐ Inform newsagents.

 ☐ Update catalogue/mail-order companies with your new status.

Insurances

 ☐ Notify current insurers (home, car, etc.) of your move.

 ☐ Arrange international insurance for your new home and belongings (consider shipping insurance).

Keys

 ☐ Leave all keys for the new owners of your current home.

 ☐ Ensure the current owners of your new overseas property provide all keys.

Perishables

 ☐ Run down freezer food stocks well in advance (especially for long journeys or storage).

 ☐ Defrost and dry out your fridge/freezer if shipping or storing items.