All,

Job offer has come through, Vancouver in 8 weeks. Suddenly its become very real and I just know that the eight weeks will fly by. Work permits etc are beign sorted by the company, but everything else is up to me.

Just wondering if anyone here has a kind of 'complete checklist' of things they had to do before going. I am sure some of you are very organised and have put together a list. I know the details will be different for everyone but I imaginge there will many common elements, close/move bank accounts, end council tax etc etc.

Anyone put such a thing together. Just to start me off.

ade

OMG whatever you do - do NOT !!! close your UK bank account...

Here's a checklist of things to do before you leave for Canada.

Here is a moving planner published by another company. This one includes some points that are relevant only to a move within North America, but it also includes some points that are relevant to an overseas move.

The first list is relatively high level (banking issues, insurance, medical records, children's school records, etc.). The second list goes into some minute details that the first list skips (remember to return library books and retrieve all garments from the dry cleaners).

I think if you check both lists you'll cover most of the waterfront.

Hi Ultranaut,

Here's our time line from deciding to move to Canada, and arriving there. Don't follow our model!!

This is a description of what we did, and when. We were living in Kettering, Northants at the time.

6 Months to Go

Mentioned to partner that moving to Canada might be nice. Job found on internet, interviews arranged.

4 1/2 Months to Go

Job offer confirmed. Began sorting through cupboards with realisation that the amount of clutter we possess is equivalent to the Isle of Wight.

Completed forms for work permit. Submitted applications for my professional licensing equivalences.

3 Months to Go

Had numerous car boot sales, and sold life on eBay. Mentioned to family that that we're moving to another country.

2 Weeks to Go

Arranged Yard Sale at home. (This included educating our UK neighbourhood what a Yard Sale is).

1 Week to Go

Work permit received. Air tickets booked.

5 Days to Go

Got some quotes for shipping and picked one. Booked a part container as already sold most of belongings.

4 Days to Go

Took last of our American cars to a buyer in Loughborough. Took a rental van back to house, picked up remaining furniture to drive to family in Swindon. (Realise that we can't lift our piano into the van, and break down crying sat in the front garden - everything getting too much by then).

2 Days to Go

Arranged first 3 months of medical insurance - to cover us before the BC system kicks in. Arranged mail redirect to new work address in Canada. Repainted kitchen of rental house 'cos it looked dingy.

1 Day to Go

International Movers arrive to wrap & pack remaining belonging. Used Pink & Jones in Kettering. (Part of Brittania). The 3 guys were surprisingly unfazed by the frantic look of fear permanently fixed on our faces by then.

Have a bonfire in garden when we notice that there's a load of paperwork we'd forgotten to pack.

Cleaned rental house & handed keys back to agent.

Driven to Gatwick to stay in hotel overnight.

D-Day

Realise that you've got far too much stuff in your suitcases and dump it all on your relatives who are at the airport to see us off.

This is an example of what you can achieve in the minimum of time. It certainly helped that we were in a rented house, and don't have kids. However the process did leave us on the verge of a nervous breakdown. However, it still stressful no matter how much notice you have. The task of preparing for the move will always fill the time that is available.

All the best,

Sarah

Great post. I hope I have the skills and confidence to do it too, when the time comes.

LOL!!

Before realising that our clutter is equivalent to Jersey and Guernsey put together :scared: I'm off to start decluttering.... Sorry Ade, no advice, but good luck!

I arrived here from Edinburgh about 2 weeks ago; Vancouver is fantastic, the Canadians are generally great, believe in yourself, be confident and you will be fine!!!

Thank you for that I really appreciated it

Ditto. Very helpful post Sarah.