Planning Your Move
15 min read • Updated December 2024
A comprehensive timeline for planning your international relocation. From initial research to settling in, know what to prioritize and when.
Quick Start:
Most successful relocations take 3-6 months from decision to moving day. Visa processing alone often takes 4-12 weeks. Start planning as early as possible.
Download our comprehensive checklist to track all tasks by phase.
6-Month Timeline
Research & Decision
The foundation of your move. Bad research leads to bad decisions—invest time here.
- ✓ Research potential destinations (cost, visas, jobs, lifestyle)
- ✓ Connect with current expats in target cities
- ✓ Narrow down to 1-3 cities
- ✓ Visit if possible, even for a week
- ✓ Make the decision—this is your destination
Preparation Begins
Start the official process. Visa applications take time—apply early.
- ✓ Gather required documents for visa application
- ✓ Check passport validity (usually needs 6+ months remaining)
- ✓ Apply for visa if required (jobs, investment, residence permits)
- ✓ Research housing options and neighborhoods
- ✓ Start job search if needed
- ✓ Get quotes from international moving companies
Logistics & Commitments
Lock in major logistics. Secure employment and housing if pursuing those paths.
- ✓ Finalize job offer if applicable (or confirm remote work)
- ✓ Start apartment hunting (short-term or long-term)
- ✓ Book flights (booking 2-3 months out is usually cheapest)
- ✓ Decide on moving company and ship date
- ✓ Check health insurance options for destination
- ✓ Notify current employer of departure date
Financial & Administrative
Handle paperwork and finances. This is tedious but important.
- ✓ Update address with banks and financial institutions
- ✓ Arrange international money transfers (Wise, Revolut, etc.)
- ✓ Set up mail forwarding
- ✓ Research and arrange health insurance
- ✓ Cancel/transfer subscriptions and memberships
- ✓ Document important information (degrees, certifications, medical records)
- ✓ Take copies of all important documents
Final Preparations
Close in on details. Most major logistics should be locked by now.
- ✓ Confirm housing arrangements (lease signed or Airbnb booked)
- ✓ Finalize moving company details and packing date
- ✓ Create list of things to sell/donate locally
- ✓ Sort belongings: ship, sell, donate, trash
- ✓ Arrange utilities in new place if possible
- ✓ Notify important services of change of address
Moving Month
The final push. Last-minute details and emotional goodbyes.
- ✓ Start packing essentials
- ✓ Moving company picks up belongings
- ✓ Final bills and closing of accounts
- ✓ Cleaning of current residence
- ✓ Final check: locked doors, utilities off, mail forwarding active
- ✓ Goodbyes with friends and family
- ✓ Depart for new city!
First Week
Arrival! Settle in and handle immediate needs.
- ✓ Arrive and check into accommodation
- ✓ SIM card or local phone plan
- ✓ Exchange currency or find ATM
- ✓ Locate essential places: grocery store, pharmacy, hospital
- ✓ Rest and recover from travel
- ✓ Explore immediate neighborhood
Critical Milestones (Don't Miss These)
Visa Application
Most critical. Visa processing takes 4-12 weeks. Apply as early as possible. Missing visa deadlines can force you to postpone your entire move.
Housing Confirmation
Need accommodation by arrival. Book at least 2-4 weeks before flying. Many people do short-term first while apartment hunting.
Employment Agreement
If relocating for a job, ensure offer letter is finalized and clarifies visa sponsorship, salary, benefits, and start date. Confirm before resigning from current job.
Health Insurance
Ensure coverage is active before you arrive. Many countries require proof of insurance for residence permits. Don't skip this.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Starting too late
Most people underestimate how long things take. Start planning 3-6 months ahead. Last-minute rushes create stress and mistakes.
- ✗Ignoring visa requirements
Visa issues are the #1 blocker. Don't assume you can figure it out once you arrive. Research and apply early.
- ✗Shipping too much
Shipping is expensive ($5000-$15000+) and slow (4-12 weeks). Most expats regret shipping so much. Ship essentials only; buy the rest locally.
- ✗Not budgeting for unknowns
Relocation always has surprise costs. Budget a 15-20% contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
- ✗Giving too much notice at current job
Tell employer only once logistics are finalized (visa approved, housing booked, flights purchased). People who announce too early often face pressure to leave earlier or stay longer.
Ready to start?
Use our detailed checklist and city guides to plan your move