Hi,
We have decided after 17 years of living in Florida, to return to England.
You just know when it's time! Having said that where do we begin?
We have a 11 year old boy with special needs and of course he's our main priority so I did contact the education dept. And we are getting his records together.
The thing is what do we do now as far as everything else? A broad question I know but what I really mean is what should I do from here to get things in place?
Again it's a very open question but really do appreciate any advice.
Thanks

Do you have to sell up a house first?
If not I guess it's time to sell and clear out all the stuff you won't be talking back, and look at shipping for the rest.
Pets? See the new DEFRA rules at the top of the Moving back main page.
Then I guess you pick and date and book some flights.
Do you have all your passports in order?

Luckily we don't have to go through the house selling nightmare. I'm in the process of sorting out the passports so they'll be in order.
Right now we're saving as much as we can to have at least 6 months-year worth of rent.
I would just like to do as much as I can before leaving but of course I know there's plenty we have to wait to do!

I think you have the right idea with savings! The more breathing space the better, as you try to find your feet back in the UK. And I agree with Mummy ITF... get rid of stuff starting now, inessentials first, obviously. Trash, recycle, dumpster, Salvation Army, give stuff away to neighbors & work colleagues, sell if possible. It is an immutable rule that you have more possessions than you realize.

Good luck with your relocation!

Hi

I have a few suggestions which might help.

1. If you can afford it - it would be really helpful if one of you could do a reccy visit first. Failing that perhaps one of you could travel a week or 2 in advance of the other - this would help to get the ball rolling with various things and if any information / things you have not considered arise one of you is sill in the US to sort things out. Having a chance to view accommodation, talk to schools, visit tax and benefit offices really helps to clarify things you will need to do / think about.

2. The UK government have a very good website which covers lots of different areas related to living in the UK. The link below is about benefits...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTax...port/index.htm

3. You may be entitled to benefits for your child - e.g. DLA (Disabled Living Allowance - 2 components care and mobility) or a badge to allow you to park in special spaces / on some roads where you would not normally be allowed to park. These can take quite a while to come through. You may be able to download the forms, complete them and to apply in advance of your arrival in the UK.

4. Get your paperwork in order. Use polypockets and file it in groups - e.g. health, disability, tax paid in US... You will need a lot of different forms of proof when you move back and it helps to have your papers in order.

I hope this has helped you a little. Kind regards, Fiona

Thank you so much for the info. So much to think about!