Checklist

5 - 6 weeks before your move

• Check that your passports and visas are valid.
• Check whether any permits are required, e.g. for residency, work, vehicles, firearms, or pets (check for quarantine requirements).
• Check your vaccination requirements.
• Check your travel documents and tickets.
• Collect all your personal documents, e.g. birth and marriage certificates and records.
• Apply for and obtain your international drivers' license.
• Request your vehicle insurance records.
• Cancel subscriptions to clubs, magazines and newspapers.
• Notify schools.
• Clear out the loft, garage and shed.
• Dry clean everything that will not be moving; clean stored items: rugs, draperies, comforters, blankets, coats, suits, woollens and silks.
• Have any repair work done: shoes, watches, appliances, clothes, stereos, etc.
• Arrange doctor's appointments for family physicals: update shots; obtain a 1 year supply of prescription medicine.
• Obtain the necessary permits for shipping original artwork
• Put your motor vehicles for sale.

3 - 4 weeks before your move

• Prepare the valuation for insurance and complete the Universal Cargo insurance proposal form.
• Get appliances serviced as needed (check for voltage and frequency compatibility): washer and dryer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave oven.
• Dispose of the items you do not want to ship; have a garage sale.
• Supply a contact number and/or address for after you have moved but before you leave the country (if appropriate).
• Supply your overseas contact address and phone number.
• Ask for final balances for gas, water, electricity and cable.
• Complete all outstanding credit agreements.
• Cancel all rental agreements.
• Run down stocks of food and drink.
• Confirm your removal date with Universal Cargo.
• Notify change of address: post office, credit card companies, banks, creditors, debtors, stockbroker, attorney, professional organizations.
• Obtain all school records, medical and dental records, eyeglass prescriptions, x-rays, pet's records, etc.

2 weeks before your move

• Clean garden tools, bicycles, etc.
• Arrange care for children and pets on moving day.
• Arrange for main services to be disconnected: phone, electricity, gas, water, cable television, trash services...
• Empty lockers at school and work.
• Return or retrieve any items on loan.
• Drain fuel from motor mowers and all other motors that you will ship.
• Dispose of plants and perishable food.
• Arrange for trash to be picked up after the packing is completed.

1 week before your move

• Close out bank accounts or notify of direct or foreign deposits
• See if your bank can make wire transfer to new bank.
• Buy travellers checks.
• Pick up medications for travellers.
• Arrange transportation to airport.
• Defrost and clean refrigerator.
• Arrange for house cleaning after packing is complete.
• Send back to Universal Cargo all the shipment forms signed and completed.

1 - 2 days before your move

•  Separate all personal items which are to travel with you, e.g. keys, documents, passports, tickets, certificates, currency, clothing, medications, toiletries, maps, games, books.
• Confirm air reservations.
• Disconnect, clean and dry any electrical appliances that you wish to ship.
• Disconnect lights for shipment and make wiring safe.
• Arrange with the neighbours or with building administrator to leave enough parking space for the removal vehicle.
• Remain on hand in case the packers have any questions.
• Check all rooms, cupboards and walls to make sure nothing is left behind.