How to Organise an International Move: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Moving abroad is one of the biggest logistical challenges most people will ever face. The difference between a smooth, stress-free relocation and a chaotic one almost always comes down to how well you planned — and how early you started.

This guide breaks the process into clear stages, from 12 weeks out to your first week in your new country. Follow it step by step and nothing should fall through the cracks.

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Why International Moves Require More Planning Than Domestic Ones

A domestic move within the UK involves logistics: van, boxes, keys. An international move involves all of that plus customs documentation, visa applications, foreign utility registrations, currency considerations and the coordination of timelines across two different countries — often in different languages.

The most common reason international moves go wrong is not lack of effort — it is starting too late. Visa applications alone can take 4–12 weeks. Book early, plan early, and give yourself buffer time at every stage.

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12 Weeks Before Moving Day

Research and Book Your Removal Company

The earlier you book, the better your choice of departure dates and prices. Request quotes from at least three international removal companies and compare:

• Whether they offer a fixed price or an estimate
• Whether customs documentation is included
• What insurance is provided
• Whether they operate their own vehicles or use subcontractors

For detailed guidance on what to look for, read our guide on how to choose a removal company.

Start Your Visa Application

If your destination country requires a visa for UK nationals (which most EU countries now do for long-term stays post-Brexit), apply as early as possible. Processing times vary significantly:

• France: 3–6 weeks average
• Germany: 4–8 weeks
• Switzerland: 4–8 weeks
• Netherlands: 2–4 weeks (for some permit types)
• Poland: 4–8 weeks

Do not book your final moving date until your visa is confirmed or you have a reliable expected approval date.

Declutter Ruthlessly

Every cubic metre you do not ship saves you money. Walk through your home room by room and sort everything into: take, sell, donate, dispose. Furniture that will not fit in your new home, appliances that are incompatible with local voltage standards, or items that are cheaper to replace than to ship — all of these should go before your removal.

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8 Weeks Before Moving Day

Confirm Your Removal Booking

Confirm dates, collection address, delivery address and all additional services (packing, storage, specialist items). Request written confirmation with a fixed price.

Gather Your Documents

Create a dedicated folder (physical and digital) for all relocation documents:

• Passport and photo ID
• Visa and residence permit documents
• Proof of UK residency (utility bills, bank statements — typically the last 3 months)
• Tenancy agreement or property deed for your new address
• Employment contract or proof of income (if required for visa or property rental)
• Insurance documents

Notify UK Organisations

Start working through your UK notification list:

• HMRC — notify of your departure date to ensure correct tax treatment
• DWP / National Insurance — if applicable
• NHS — deregister from your GP; request medical records
• Employer — if not already done
• Banks and financial institutions — notify of your new address; ask about international banking options
• Pension providers — notify of change of address and residency
• DVLA — if taking your car, or surrendering your licence

Research Your Destination

• Healthcare registration process
• Local authority registration (many EU countries require registration within 14 days of arrival)
• Local schooling options if moving with children
• Opening a local bank account (often required for rental agreements and utility contracts)

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4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Begin Packing Non-Essential Items

Start with items you will not need before moving day: out-of-season clothing, books, decorative items, spare bedding, non-essential kitchen equipment. Label every box with:

• Room destination (not your current room — your future room)
• Brief contents description
• Fragile / Heavy / This Way Up as appropriate

Complete Your Inventory

Your removal company will need a detailed inventory of everything being shipped. This is also your customs document. Tips:

• List every item — even grouping similar items (“20 items clothing”, “12 kitchen items”)
• Include approximate second-hand values for insurance purposes
• Flag any new or high-value items separately
• Do not forget items in storage, lofts or garages

Arrange Utilities at Your New Address

Contact your new landlord or property agent to confirm:

• When utilities (gas, electricity, water, broadband) will be connected
• Whether you need to set up accounts yourself or whether they are included
• Postal address format for official correspondence

Cancel UK Subscriptions and Services

• Broadband and mobile phone contracts
• Gym memberships
• TV licences and streaming subscriptions tied to UK residency
• Any UK-only insurance policies

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1 Week Before Moving Day

Pack Everything Except Essentials

All remaining items should be packed and labelled. Set aside a clearly marked “Do Not Load” box or suitcase containing:

• Passports and travel documents
• Visa and permit documents
• Medication (enough for several weeks — obtaining prescriptions abroad takes time)
• Phone, chargers and laptops
• Cash in both sterling and destination currency
• A change of clothes for moving day and the first few days
• Basic cleaning supplies for after the van leaves

Confirm All Logistics

• Confirm your removal team’s arrival time
• Confirm your destination delivery time and ensure someone will be present
• Arrange parking for the removal van at both addresses (a resident’s parking permit suspension may be required in London)
• Take meter readings at your UK property

Do a Final Walk-Through

The day before moving, check:

• Every room, cupboard, shelf and storage space
• Loft, basement and garden shed
• Any items left with neighbours or in storage

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Moving Day

• Be present at both ends if possible, or have a trusted person at each address
• Walk the removal team through each room and any fragile or specialist items
• Check the van before it leaves — do not sign off until you are satisfied everything is loaded
• Take photographs of your UK property for your records and deposit return
• Hand over keys to your landlord or agent

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First Week in Your New Country

• Register your address at the local authority (mandatory within 14 days in most EU countries)
• Set up health insurance — compulsory in many countries (Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland) and time-sensitive
• Open a local bank account — needed for rent, utilities and many everyday transactions
• Register with a local GP or doctor
• Apply for your residence permit if not already obtained before arrival

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Ready to Move? Get Your Removal Organised Today

Easy Move handles international removals from the UK to Poland, Germany and all major European destinations — with fixed prices, full insurance, customs documentation included and weekly departures.

For a broader overview of moving internationally from the UK, see our moving from UK to Europe guide.

👉 Get a free, no-obligation removal quote from Easy Move

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