Destination-UK : Prepare to Depart : The myOE Relocation Guide

The myOE Relocation Guide

To help make your relocation as smooth as possible, we've put together a relocation guide, counting down 12 weeks prior to departure, to remind you of the key tasks to work through before you board the plane. By planning your shift, you can greatly improve your chances of finding employment and settling into a flat, giving you time to really enjoy all the UK has to offer.

12 Weeks To Go

Research: Read as many books, publications and websites as you can - the more you know, the more prepared you'll be. Start asking friends (and their friends) about travel experience - sometimes the smallest tips can make the biggest difference.
Register with myOE: We'll assign you your very own UK account manager, who will provide you with a wealth of important information and advice from personal experience about what you're preparing to do.
CV Sorted: Get your CV updated into the UK format to give yourself the best chance at competing with the local market - your myOE contact can assist you here with an agency introduction and a template format for your resume.
Pack and Sort: Start packing and sorting, including tracking down important paperwork such as birth certificates and employment history information that you may need. This is also a good time to sort out winter / summer wardrobes, deciding what you will want to take with you and what you still need to buy before you go.
Visas and Permits: Ensure all your Visas or Permits are being processed, and make sure that you have time to apply for entry clearance which is needed in nearly all cases prior to your arrival in the UK.
Belongings: Book a mover or make plans for your belongings while you're away.
London Accommodation: If you're looking for temporary accommodation when you arrive in the UK, giving you time to search for that ideal flat, we recommend you book into the myOE Guesthouse.

8 Weeks To Go

Paperwork: Start to sort out paperwork. Put passports, visas, flight details, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation aside so that you don't pack them. Also ensure that you have some bank statements showing your address to bring with you, this will assist you when attempting to open a new account in the UK and for other credit checking purposes.
Clean Out: Arrange to dispose of any unwanted items (try a car boot sale, ebay or a donation to your local charity shop).

6 Weeks To Go

Health: Visit your health clinic to arrange for any necessary vaccinations. If you are on medication make sure you have enough to cover you until you get settled. Also arrange to get a copy of your prescriptions and any important medical letters and let your doctor know you will be moving.
Entry Clearance: If it is a condition of your visa that you need to obtain entry clearance from the British High Commission in your local country before you can travel to the UK, make sure you apply for this with at least 6 weeks to go to allow time for any unforeseen delays in processing.
Notify: Tell all relevant companies that you will be leaving the country and arrange for any outstanding bills to be sent to you i.e. council, water, electric, gas, telephone, mobile, internet, store cards, rentals.
Mail: Arrange to have your mail re-directed by the Post Office. This can be arranged by post, however you should allow 10 working days for this to be set up and note that they charge per name.
Banks: Notify your bank/banks that you are moving abroad. If you have any savings and your account includes the facility to make a 'not ordinarily resident' declaration you can arrange for your interest to be paid without deduction of tax. Your building society or bank will be able to advise you more. Don't forget to close any credit or store cards.
Tax Office: Contact them and let them know you are moving abroad. Make sure you complete any necessary paperwork to notify that you will be leaving and for how long. You may get a tax rebate if you move before the end of the financial year.

4 Weeks To Go

Wardrobe: Sort out your wardrobe, thinking about what you need to take with you on the plane, and what can be shipped. You can then box up those items you don't require in the short term, and arrange for them to be shipped to the UK. This usually takes 6-8 weeks.
Voting: Contact your local electoral office for the relevant forms to notify them of your departure.
UK Employment: Now is the best time to start scouring the UK jobsites and working on securing your first contract role in the UK. Two of the best job sites are Job Serve and CW Jobs they list thousands of available positions and are widely used by recruitment agencies. Ensure that your myOE account manager also has a copy of your CV so they can market this to our agency contacts a month before you arrive.
Car: You need to decide what you plan to do with your car. If you don't have a friend (or younger brother) keen to borrow it, this is a good time to arrange for a sale through a car dealer or list it online.
Downsize: Get rid of anything extra around the house, including food (in cupboards and freezers), and any additional furniture or borrowed goods that can be returned.

1 Week To Go

Contact: Your myOE account manager and reconfirm your meeting in the UK. If you have also made an appointment with a recruitment agent through myOE, make sure this meeting is confirmed also.
Pack Your Bag: Complete a trial pack of your bag, ensuring you don't exceed any weight restrictions from your airline (regulations from all airlines differ).
Money: Purchase some travellers cheques (for emergencies) and some local currency to ensure you can catch that first tube from the airport (there are currency exchanges at all UK airports, but they may not be open depending on what time your flight arrives in).
Travel Arrangements: Arrange your transport to the airport, and if you are planning to travel prior to arriving in the UK, make sure your tour / accommodation / flights are all confirmed and that you have confirmation paperwork.
Contact Details: Before you leave, make sure you record all contact details, directions and other information that you will need when you arrive, including friends, travel agencies and accommodation.
Valuables: Separate and pack valuable documents and jewellery so you can take this as hand luggage on the plane.
Readings: Organise for final readings for your electricity, gas and water.

3 Days To Go

Laundry: Do any last minute laundry and collect any items from the dry cleaners - don't leave this to the last minute as you do not want to be rushing around.
Keys: Dig out any spare keys you have, and leave them clearly labeled for your landlord or whoever is looking after your home.
Fridges/Freezers: Empty, defrost and dry out your fridge / freezer if required.
Rental Property: If you are in a rental property, now would be a good time to arrange your final inspection in order to have your bond refunded. You will need to let your real estate agent know that you will be leaving the country, provide them with a point of contact at home for any issues and also the bank account details for your bond to be returned to.

1 Day To Go

Packing: Finish the packing today if you are doing it yourself, apart from a few essentials in the bathroom.
Final Farewells: Make any last minute phone calls to friends, and tell them to look forward to your adventures via facebook or email.
Relax: Take time to relax before the big day. Order a nice takeaway and break out the champagne.

Moving Day!

Double Check: That you have your passport, tickets, accommodation/tour confirmations, a copy of your CV on disk, CD or USB drive (it's also a good idea to have a copy in your email account as a backup), visa paperwork, your address book and diary. Also make sure that your carry on luggage does not contain any prohibited substances (especially liquids when arriving in the UK). It's a good idea to check the website of the airport you will be flying into and make sure you're not carrying any prohibited goods.
Final Check: Take a walk around to ensure that any items being moved have been placed into storage boxes, with your mover for collection or in your luggage. Check behind doors, in cupboards and on the walls. Ensure delicate items have been well packed and padded or they might not last the journey.