I put together this International Moving Checklist based mostly on my own experiences of moving. I've covered most of the things that I personally had to check off before heading overseas, and added anything else I could think of. This is by no means a complete list. Obviously, everyone's lives are different and we all have different things going on that we need to take care of before moving, so please use this checklist only to get yourself thinking of the many, many loose ends you'll need to tie up before leaving for your new country. Some moving checklists are sorted by timeline (e.g. 2 months before your move), but it made sense to me to break the items up into categories instead. My advice with regard to time, is give yourself as much of it as possible, and map out when things should happen e.g. when your personal items need to be shipped, when housing needs to be arranged, pet travel dates and vet visit timeline, when employment starts etc.
Also, I've generalized the list as much as possible, so that it can apply to any country you may be moving to, but as this is a 'moving to Ireland' website, I've linked to a few references that may be useful to those of you moving here.

International Moving Checklist

Gather records (electronic and paper copies)
Example records to bring with you:

  • Birth, Marriage, Naturalization Certificates
  • Social system cards/numbers (e.g. social security in USA, PPS in Ireland)
  • Passports
  • Visas, Green Cards or residency permits. Eligibility to live in Ireland is covered on CitizensInformation.ie
  • Work permit information. This page covers what you'll need to secure a work permit to be eligible for employment in Ireland.
  • Medical records (medical, dental, vaccination history)
  • Living will, family Trust info
  • Property records
  • Bank details, including paid off loans and closed accounts.
  • Insurance information
  • Education records

International Moving Checklist

Shipping

  • Decide early what you want to bring and what you need to get rid of before you leave. For some of your items it may make sense to re-buy rather than ship them.
  • Get shipping quotes. Here's a link to my step by step guide to choosing an international shipping company.
  • Decide if you need storage at new and old residence. Look at options/rates
  • Itemize everything you are sending. Take photos (this could be very important if you end up filing an insurance claim).
  • Consider air-freight or parcel services for things you will need immediately upon arrival.
  • Pack what you can as early as you can. Consider doing it yourself to reduce costs.

Kids

  • Acquire copies of all relevant records (examples: medical, dental, immunization, school etc)
  • Research and sign up for schools in new country. Here's some tips to help you choose the best school for your child in Ireland.
  • Research activities and clubs for your child in new country.
  • Have 'See ya next time' parties : ) It was a little emotional, but my kids got a chance to say goodbye to all their closest friends, in person, before we left for Ireland.

Animals

Residency requirements in new country

  • Arrange employment visas
  • Spouse/family visas
  • Are there any required vaccinations (schools may need these)
  • Ensure passports for everyone are valid
  • Apply for social services number as soon as possible (e.g. social security in USA, PPS in Ireland). Visit Welfare.ie for the PPS number application process.

Housing

Old Country:

  • If renting, give adequate notice.
  • If selling, list your home for sale.
  • Are you keeping but renting out your home? Explore your options.
  • Figure out any short term housing you may need before your move date.

New Country:

  • Will you need short term housing on arrival?
  • Explore rental options
  • Explore purchase options
  • Is a house swap scheme available?

Travel

  • Research when is the best time to buy airline tickets to your new country to avail of best pricing.
  • Do you have time (and cash) to visit your new country before you move?

Budget

  • Regarding finances the only advice I can really give you is to start planning, calculating and saving for your international move as soon as possible. A move to another country can be extremely costly and it's best to be well-prepared for what's ahead.

Forward your mail

  • Forward to new country or to a friend/family member you trust. Check out mail forwarding companies on the Resources page.

Medical

  • Before you leave top up on prescriptions you take (medicines, contact lenses etc). More on that here.
  • Research facilities in new country for any specific medical needs/conditions you have

Driving

  • Explore what you'll need to drive in your new country
  • Bring: current license, an international permit, no-claims certificate from previous insurer. This can save you a lot of money as I found out. Here's more info on that.
  • Familiarize yourself with driving laws in your new country.

Keeping in touch

  • Tell friends your leaving when you're ready to do so
  • Swap contact details
  • Decide how you'll stay in touch. A combination of Vonage, Skype, email and Facebook works for me.

Income Taxes

  • Research tax requirements in your new country
  • Figure out what your obligations are to your new and old country regarding tax
  • Consult a tax pro if necessary

Insurance

  • Bring insurance records (home, medical, car, etc)
  • Research insurance needs/availability in new country
  • Shop for insurance (home, medical, car, etc)

Banking

  • Close un-needed bank accounts and credit cards in old country.
  • Ensure you can access savings in new country.
  • Research banking facilities in new country. ConsumerHelp.ie does a great job of this for Irish banking services

Employment

  • Research employment opportunities in new country. I wrote an article previously about finding a job in Ireland.
  • Ensure you meet employment requirements of new country.
  • Contact employment agencies and head-hunters.
  • Use employment networking sites such as LinkedIN

Finally
As always, please feel free to add to this article by commenting or sending me an email. And, if you'd like to download this International Moving Checklist in PDF format, you can do so on the download page.