House
Prepare house for renting – St Anne's - ongoing little jobs
Note final meter readings when moving out
Furniture
Arrange packing and shipping. Get at least 3x quotes. Don't forget local companies.
Arrange storage on the other side (preferably included with shipping)
Make a total inventory of all of your stuff; take pictures of everything in case you can't remember what it all is
Reclaim items that have been lent out
Dismantle furniture that can be flat-packed
Accommodation in UK
Arrange flat to stay in
Arrange removals to flat - should be part of shipping co's service
Change address
Once we are about to embark stop bills
- Council tax and get rebate
- House insurance and get rebate
- Electricity, Gas, Water, Phone
- Car insurance and get rebate
- Mobile phone contracts
- ISP
Sell car
Health
Eye test
UK Tax etc
Contact DWAP about Tax credits, Child benefit, Income tax
Find out your tax/benefits position if you return to the UK
Paperwork
References from banks (you will need proof that you are good payers)
References from employers
Proof of no claims bonus on car and house insurance
Certificates of qualifications
Medical records
Dental records
Air travel tickets
Make 2x copies of everything and leave 1x with family/friends or mail ahead to family/friends
Get a will written when you get to NZ, to apply under NZ law. Use the lawyer conveyancing your property purchase.
Accommodation details for NZ
Bank account details
List of NZ contacts
Get a diary to note when you must do things etc
Travel
Sort shipping company
Book Flights
Find out what you can put in the hold for nothing
Ask for special migrant allowance
Travel insurance
Things to take
3 & 5 amp fuses - they are difficult to get in NZ because the plugs don't have them.
Mobile phones - make sure mobile works in NZ
Money
Open an account with a foreign exchange company (like HiFX or xeTrade). You can also use banks like ASB.
Sort out where to invest the proceeds of the house sale (onshore or offshore). You must open accounts while still in the UK.
Bank Accounts
Change address with bank
Open NZ bank account
Make sure you can pay off bills on-line
Communications
Arrange for mail to be forwarded (your local post office has a form)
Give your details to family and friends
Have a leaving party
Get IRD number for everyone (get this while still in the UK)
Living in NZ
Study 'To let' sections of local papers
View properties to rent and choose one
Arrange freighted goods to be delivered to property
Get internet set up
Car purchase and check credit history
Car insurance
Driving test within 12 months for NZ driving license
Get separate personal injury/accident insurance
Arrange for your phone to be connected
Choose an electricity supplier and get connected
Contents insurance for when your stuff arrives
Registering your car, you need your passport or you'll have to do it at the post office!
Choose a school and enrol kids
Buy uniforms and school supplies
Health in NZ
Health insurance for NZ ?
Register with doctor ?
Locate hospitals
Enrol kids at the local School Dental Clinic for regular checkups