18 months to go
Plan a visit to New Zealand to investigate the country. If this is not an option, start researching the web, and contact other migrants (Don’t forget to check out our forum ).
Take a look at the different regions and cities , and investigate house prices .
Decide when you will tell friends and family. Older children sometimes need a bit of time to get used to the idea.
Attend Working In expos to find out more about New Zealand and potential employment.
Take a look at your finances and plan how you can best repay debt/ save for the move.
Select a migration agent . Find out what you need to prepare for entry.
Investigate what type of visa you would be most suitable for.
Begin to get your house ready for sale or renting out.
12 months to go
Check your passports. They need to be valid for at least two years before they expire.
Collect all your personal papers, including driver’s licence, birth, marriage and adoption, references for employment and qualifications.
Talk about your plans with extended family.
Start the visa application process
Put your house on the market.
Start job hunting and contact companies that match your skills and qualifications.
6 months to go
Inform schools that your child will be moving to give them time and help them adjust.
Book your flights to New Zealand.
Review your pension and research opportunity of transfering to NZ.
Talk to a specialist relocation company about assistance in setting up your new life.
Ask several freight companies for quotes for moving personal effects and furniture.
Research schools in New Zealand and read their websites. Read their ERO reports.
Find out what you need to do to ship your pets successfully, or find a new home for them.
Go for your medicals and apply for police checks for visas.
Sell any unwanted furniture and belongings.
Ask your employer for your P45, and give formal notice.
Open a New Zealand bank account.
Request credit references from your bank/lending institute.
Find temporary UK accommodation to bridge the gap between selling your house and leaving.
2 months to go
Book temporary accommodation in New Zealand and look at properties for sale .
Research cost of living in New Zealand
Research taxes in New Zealand
Register your children at their new schools in New Zealand .
Book your pet’s kennel accommodation in New Zealand.
Begin goodbye functions and social occasions.
Give notice to your landlord if necessary.
Start packing any non-essential items.
Book hotels and car hire for your first few weeks in New Zealand.
1 month to go
Give a forwarding address to all official contacts including your bank, passport office, DVLA, Inland Revenue and accountants.
Cancel accounts for TV, Internet, phone and insurance.
Bring all your utilities and council tax up-to-date.
Give away or sell any remaining personal effects.
Pay off any outstanding debts.
Arrange for your post to be redirected.
Transfer funds to your New Zealand bank account.
Confirm bookings with travel agents and freight companies .
Cancel direct debits coming from your account.
Ask for a copy of your no claims bonus form from your insurance agency.
Arrange a web-based email address to make it easy to stay in touch with your family and friends.
1 week to go
Cancel milk and newspaper delivery.
Sell your car.
Cancel car insurance.
Wind down the goodbye parties, leaving you with a bit of breathing space.
Finalise packing and ensure your possessions are ready to be sent.
Arrange any thank you gifts for friends and family who have helped.
Organise transport to the airport, leaving yourself plenty of time.
Change money into dollars for spending when you first arrive
Purchase little treats for children to keep them entertained on the flight.
1 day to go
Confirm transport to airport.
Double check your hand luggage has everything you need.
Try to have an early night!
