We're looking to move back in the early spring, which is racing toward us. There seem so many things to do and I get panicky at times, so I thought a list might help. Bear in mind we're in Canada, but a lot of the things would be the same from anywhere.

We're also going for a month first, to try to live as if we were living there, and also to look at where exactly we might want to live, but that's just a bit more bother, not a huge factor.

But here's the list I've come up with. What have I forgotten?

Set up UK bank account and credit card. I think I just have to go to HSBC to do that. It won't hurt to have that even if we chicken out because we'll visit.

Decide whether to hire a car for the month, or buy an old banger that'll start us off if/when we do the move. Will we get insurance okay? We can use my sister's address.

Get the one-month rental for March.

Book tickets. Minor one, but don't want to forget!

Get estimates for moving, probably a 20 foot container.

Get rid of the stuff we don't want to take. That seems such a big one, especially all the electrical stuff. I remember when we came over we had so little -- toaster, kettle, hi-fi, TV, vacuum cleaner. I think that was it. Now it seems everywhere I look!

Then it's all to buy at the other end, but I won't look at that yet.

Decide what to do with the old but reliable car.

Do something about the post. Do they forward post abroad? If not, it can go to our son, I suppose.

Bill payments in the transition period. What do we do about that?

Doesn't look too overwhelming put like that. So what am I overlooking?

Bev

We are also moving back to the UK from BC sometime this year (I have been saying next year for ages and now we are finally in 2009 it feels great saying we are going back this year!).

What about your house in BC, do you rent or own it? Will you need to hand in notice to a landlord or put it on the market and sell? Or are you not at this stage yet?

I have just checked the Canada Post website. They do re-direct post internationally and also they can hold mail so it is not delivered to your address in Canada whilst you are away for a month. You have to speak to them directly though about re-direction, you can't do it on-line as we did with the Royal Mail for when we came over here.

We will sell our car here at the last possible minute then rent one to tide us over until we leave. Expensive but I can't think of another way round the problem.

If you keep your Canadian bank account open can you pay bills either by direct debit or on-line whilst your away? Or make overpayments so when the bills come in they are already covered?

I'll be interested to read the rest of the things-to-do-list as this thread continues. It'll form the basis of my list too!

Hi Erica.

We sold our house last year, so we're renting. Do have to remember to give notice. Thanks. Added to list.

I know about holding mail. We've done that many times. Good to know they will redirect abroad.

I think we'll probably have to get into online banking for a while to keep things straight.

How long have you been in Canada, and when do you think you'll be going back?

Bev

Make sure the first thing you do when you get there, is put yourself on the electoral register at an address. Doesnt matter whether you will be living htere permanently as it will at least show you exist in UK from the point you have registered somewhere which is very important for your credit rating.

Good point. Thanks.

As I'll be getting an HSBC account off my Canadian one, will my credit rating go with me? Don't know how that works, really.

Bev

Hi Bev

We hope to be leaving late Spring, my OH is organising work to go back to before we leave. We'll have only been here a year by the time we go. I feel the need to justify our decision, don't know why but I will! We have a toddler and it really breaks my heart everyday that she's not growing up with grandparents or any other family around. I miss their support too. Also I have realised I just prefer the UK. Canada is OK but I just want to be "home" If we go back now we can pick up where we left off.

Erica

Wouldnt bank on it (pardon the pun), since HSBC's "systems dont talk to each other", but if you end up with a friendly personal banker in the UK, they may be able to honor your credit limit if they are prepared to talk to your Canadian branch manager.. May also help if you run and print off a copy of your Canadian built-up Credit Score to take with you. Best of luck!