Moving Checklist

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Before you leave for New Zealand - There are so many things to consider!

18 Months to go –

• Decide where you would like to live.

• Research house prices, salaries and cost of living in that area

• Discuss your plans with your family

• Investigate employment and business opportunities for all family members

• Visit migration Expo’s

• Choose a migration agent and have your eligibility confirmed

• Prepare your house for sale (redecorate if necessary)

12 Months to go –

• Check that all passports have at least 2 years left on them

• Collate all personal documents;  birth and marriage certificates, adoption papers, employment references, driving licences and qualifications

• Update CV and make them suitable for New Zealand employers

• Do some market research into your job opportunities

• Put your house on the market

• Put your finances in order, consolidate accounts and reduce debts

• Discuss your plans with your current employer, children's schools and extended family and friends

6 Months to go –

• Medicals and police checks may now be required; check with your migration agent before arranging them

• Organise quotes for shipping your household effects and pets

• Make sure pets are fully vaccinated for travelling to NZ

• Organise quotes for flights to NZ

• Sell unwanted furniture and household effects

• Clean and paint any garden tools and furniture you wish to bring.  Items must be soil free or will be denied entry by customs

• give formal notice to your employer

• request hand over files from your dentist and doctors surgery

• open a New Zealand bank account

• Set up a trading account with a currency broker

• Request credit references from banks, building society or any other lender

2 Months to go -

• Organise temporary accommodation in New Zealand

• Book pet kennels in New Zealand

• Request up to date statements on savings and pensions

• Give notice to your landlord

1 Month to go –

• Advise banks, passport office, DVLA, inland revenue, pension company, insurance brokers and accountants of your new address

• Pay council tax and utilities up to date

• Cancel TV licence, sky, internet, phone and insurances

• Sell or donate any unwanted items

• Redirect your post

• Transfer funds to your Kiwi account

• Collect hand over files from schools, doctors and dentist

• Arrange private health cover if required

• Pay off all outstanding debts

• Close surplus accounts, destroy cards and shred personal records

• Book flights and hotels along your travel route

• Collate all relevant documents to accompany you in transit

• Cancel any redundant direct debits and standing orders

• Request a copy of your no claims bonus from your insurer

• Arrange car hire

1 Week to go –

• Sell your car/bike/van and cancel the insurance

• Buy currency for your trip

• Ensure your household effects are about to leave

1 Day to go –

• Make sure you have transport to the airport

• Pack activity sets for young children

• Get a good nights sleep

When you arrive in New Zealand

On Arrival

• Collect your rental car and check into your accommodation

• Contact your agent and let them know you have arrived

• Try not to sleep through the day to keep jet lag to a minimum

• Find the nearest internet café for research on the local area

• Take some time to explore your new home and familiarise yourself

1 Week later

• Get an IRD number from the Inland Revenue office

• Contact your new employer

• Talk to the locals

• Meet with realtors and discuss your housing options

• Purchase a car and organise insurance

• Register your children with new schools and arrange to meet their new teachers

• Get a land line installed and set up your own internet access

• Meet your new neighbours and make new friends

1 Month later

• Review your financial position and transfer more funds if required

• Set up automatic payments for utilities

• Register with a doctor and dentist

• Meet with mortgage brokers to discuss your options

• Consider re writing your will

• Start to attend social functions and clubs

• Relax and settle into your new life