Things to do leading to departure

[nickydwuk]

I am frantically trying to start my spreadsheet so that I can organise things to do in preparation for the BIG move. I know I have seen on the forum numerous posts about what to do in the lead up to the move but I just can't seem to find any.

Perhaps someone who is more experienced in searching for threads (you know who you are MB ) can point me in the right direction.

Or if anyone has any advice on what needs to be done apart from the usual -declutter the house, submit EOI, ITA, book shippers it would be gratefully appreciated

[MotherBear]

I couldn't come up with many threads purely about getting organised and I suspect there's quite a lot of hidden info buried in threads about other things. Life's too short to go through every one, so I've just pulled up these two.

Don't know if you can glean any ideas from this . It starts off OK but then veers off track as you'd expect with us lot.

Here's one that has more structured info about things to do.

And this is a site about helping those who are about to move whether it's a few miles down the road or overseas, so there may be some tips for you in there if you hunt around.

More basically, suggestions for your list of things to do, in no particular order, which you can add to as you think of items.

Mail order catalogue companies
Doctor
Dentist
Vet
Alarm Company
TV cable company e.g. Sky etc
Newsagent
Window cleaner
Internet provider
DVLC
TV licence
Post Office for redirection of mail
House insurance
Car insurance
Life insurance
Medical insurance
Pensions company
Premium Bonds
Gas, electric and phone - cancel
Child benefit agency
Schools
Colleges
Membership of any organisations/clubs you belong to e.g. AA, RAC
Library
Magazines or papers that you subscribe to.
Milkman (do they still have these?)
Credit card companies
Local council
Inland Revenue (National Insurance etc.)
Bank
Building Society

[nickydwuk]

I knew I could count on you MB - thanks My spreadsheet is starting to take shape

[selchie]

It seems like coming up with an inventory of things you're bringing would be good. I think customs and MAF would like to see that. Plus, you can identify items which might need to be decontaminated (e.g. garden tools, camping gear) or checked for pests (e.g. wooden items). This list would also be useful for insurance purposes. Also for insurance & movers, take photos of items whose condition might need to be documented (e.g. furniture). It's amazing how the value of your "piddling" possessions mounts as you take stock, and consider how much it would cost to replace it.

List and collect items which you should carry with you, like important paperwork.

Have fun with it. I know I should be starting now

[nolasmom]

Originally Posted by selchie

It seems like coming up with an inventory of things you're bringing would be good. I think customs and MAF would like to see that. Plus, you can identify items which might need to be decontaminated (e.g. garden tools, camping gear) or checked for pests (e.g. wooden items).

Oh, Selchie, you don't know how right you are! Our movers put one word descriptions for each packed box on our inventory. Not what MAF wanted to see. Make sure each box's contents are descriptively labeled on the outside of the box and on the inventory/manifest.

Red Flags for MAF:
Any boxes you packed yourself if professional movers are involved
Any items made of cane, wicker or bamboo
Any items labeled "decor" or "decorations" (not descriptive enough)
Replica swords or firearms (even if they're are non-functioning models)
Prescription drugs (have a written prescription from doctor)
Cat litter or pet toys
Garden tools (steam clean and then wrap in plastic)

We had all of the above and that's what MAF inspected. We brought all sorts of liquor and loads of new furniture. Supposedly, both of those categories would have duties levied. We declared them and one prescription bottle of Vicodin (leftover from childbirth). After inspecting all of the above, all MAF wanted was the "drugs" which they couldn't locate. We were told to deliver the Vicodin in a sealed plastic bag to our moving company once we unpacked it, and they would forward it to MAF. It was a BIG deal. Turns out I had packed it in my carryon and would not have had to declare it (oops). And we were never taxed on the booze or furniture.