What to plan?

[Taffy]

I think it would be good to compile a list of important things people need to consider when moving to NZ. I know everyones situations are different, but no doubt there are many common things people need to take in to consideration. So, have a think and post your ideas - what do you need to do to plan the move? I'll then compile a checklist for the website from all the ideas, so the forum shy can benefit too. Don't think your ideas are too simple, or probably wont matter - all ideas matter! Things like:

Pets vaccinations if required
Contact bank(s)
Contact credit card company(s)
Set up international mail redirection with post office
etc etc.

Also, in situations where guidance may be needed, such as setting up an international mail redirection, if you can add a mini how-to then that would be great!

[Maggiemoo]

Gather together all important documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, kids health books, passports etc and keep them in a safe place to take with you in your luggage - not the container!!

cancel subscriptions to magazines etc unless you want to pay huge amounts to get them sent on to you

organise a big leaving party!!

[zummerzet_lou]

I have a "list" ... in excel format, would you like me to email it to you? Or I can post it here.

Lou

[Ginabridget]

If you're in the UK get a refund on your TV licence, they'll send a form out to you and you can get the money put straight into your bank account.

I've just rung them this morning to get mine sorted....

I got a lecture from my dentist a few weeks ago about making sure that I removed myself from their books before we left so that someone else could take my place, with the dentist shortage over here I guess that's pretty important.

[Caz]

Hey....
What an amazing idea!! Super!

Well as you all know i am in the initial planning stages. We have kids so some of our organising will be to tell the school we are leaving and stop the Child benefit haha

The shipping kind of worries me a bit.. who to go with etc

I think Lou should post her list.. that would really help.
My head is in a tizz just trying to think of everything i will have to do.

The international mail redirection.. i hadnt thought of that one!! Great

Keep posting please... this is a great starting point for anyone wanting to move to NZ.

Cheers Caz xx

[MotherBear]

This previous post has a few suggestions for things to do before departure.

[zummerzet_lou]

*Bugger* I "cleaned* my to-do list, and deleted off all the stuff I'd done.

Here's what's left .... it's in note form, mostly changes of address & informing people you've moved

Cancel Magazine subscriptions
Arrange for handover files from Doctor and Dentist
As above but for vet - also need written confimation of her being neutured/spayed
DVLC - car sold hopefully
Driving licenses - change address
redirect post - NZ PO Box?
Cancel home insurance
Cancel car insurance - get copy of No claims bonus
Life insurance - sort .. change if necessary
Child Benefit
Child Tax credits
Schools/pre-schools
Library
Credit card
Close surplus Bank accounts/savings accounts
Inland revenue
Get Pension statement
Apply for IRD numbers
Organise birthday etc cards/pressies for next 6 months or so
Sell / keep shares

Dog:
Arrange shipper
Blood tests - 30 days prior
Pooh tests - 4 wks & 2 wks prior
Ear blood test - 10 days prior
Worming - 3 wks & 4 days prior

[Maggiemoo]

We didn't bother with the international mail redirection - we got all our mail re-directed to mother in law instead here in the UK, and she weeded out all the junk mail and stuff that we wouldn't actually want, and just forwarded on the important/personal stuff every week or so, really important stuff we got her to fax to us or she scanned it in and e-mailed us with it - worked well for us, but might not work for everyone.

Depending on your circumstances, it might be worth registering with estate agents/letting agents in the area that you are moving to so that they can let you know what properties are going to be available when you arrive.

(Am sure there are loads more things, will add them if and when I can get my brain in gear to think of them!!!!)

[nickydwuk]

Originally Posted by zummerzet_lou

I have a "list" ... in excel format, would you like me to email it to you? Or I can post it here.

Lou

Probably the same list as mine

[ebianca]

Think Lou has covered most things there that we had to do.

Travel insurance- if required.

NZ Bank account- some let you set up form the UK so you can start transfering money befoe you leave.

Shuttle bus from Airport to accomodation- thing you can book online with some companies.

Cancel phone contracts- get NZ mobile when arrive. Or get your UK phone unlocked before you leave and then you can just buy a Vodafone sim card for about £35 rather than buying a new phone.

Make sure all family/friends have contact details.