Is it time to start a new and exciting adventure? Then relocating to a new country might bring you that much needed change in your life. Some of the benefits of leaving your comfort zone behind may include better career opportunities, soaking up a new culture and making new friends. Once you have made the decision to move out of your country, the stressful task of planning the relocation begins, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed with all the details that need to be taken care of. Have a look at these few steps you might want to follow to help minimize stress on the big day: The Day of your International Relocation If you need to make special allowances for parking space for the removal truck on the moving day, contact your local council in advance so this can be arranged. Settling Utility Bills As is the case with any move, there are utility bills that will need to be paid for. Electricity, Gas, council tax and any other bills will need to be up to date and it’s advisable to let the companies know up to five months in advance. Organizing Mail Forwarding We recommend to arrange a mail re-directing so that when you leave you don’t need to return to collect important letters and so that things don’t get lost. Most post offices provide a reliable service at fair prices so that you can inform companies that you have moved, as well as family and friends. Education for your Children If you have kids, make sure you give the school a reasonable time of notice before your relocation date. Check if there are any outstanding bills for school fees, transport expenses or meals to be settled before you move. Request recent reports and certificates of grades passed by your children as you might need to provide these to the new school. It’s recommended to leave your new address with the school so you don’t miss out on any correspondence. Banking Services It is advisable to keep your bank account open for a short to medium period to settle final bills. Any direct debits in place should be cancelled and credit card companies will need to be notified of a new address for statements. Banks usually allow clients to close accounts and change addresses online. If this service is not available, accounts should be closed in person or by sending a letter via registered mail. Arranging Pet Relocations Relocating your pets overseas will require documentation and possible additional vaccinations or medical treatment. The majority of domestic pets require documentation before they can travel. The EU pet passport covers dogs, cats and ferrets for movement within Europe. Local veterinaries can provide information and documentation. Contact the Embassy in the new country of residence for up-to-date information. As a general rule, animals have to travel in approved pet containers and by approved routes. Be aware that sudden outbreaks of diseases (such as avian flu) can affect the travel of your pets. Depending on the destination of your move, some animals may require a period of quarantine.