Whether you’re relocating overseas for work, studies, family, or simply seeking a new adventure, the process can be both exciting and uniquely challenging. Having a plan is essential to ensure that your transition across international borders is smooth.
This checklist provides a step-by-step plan and considerations for Kenyans planning their move abroad. Read on to avoid common mistakes.
1. Research Visa and Immigration Requirements
Ensure you understand the visa and residency requirements for your destination country. Kenyan citizens moving abroad for work often require a valid work permit or visa, signed proof of employment, educational certificates, and sometimes medical insurance.
Check the visa application requirements and deadlines for your country and any special conditions set by the foreign embassy or consulate. It’s advisable to start early as processing times for these documents may vary.
You can sort and pack these documents and keep digital copies just in case, to avoid inconvenience.
2. Sort and Pack Your Stuff
Moving with all your household goods and personal items can be expensive. You may donate or sell items you no longer need, such as furniture and clothing, to reduce the size of your shipment abroad and save on transport costs. However, you may give away items of sentimental value or the ones you aren’t exactly ready to let go of to a friend or relative or put them away in a temporary storage unit.
Write an inventory list of items you plan to ship to assist with tracking. Make sure you label packing boxes clearly and important documentation is on your person and within reach, rather than in the moving shipment.
Consult a professional international mover for sorting and secure packing using the best packing supplies for your move.
3. Cancel or Transfer Utilities at Home
To help prevent unwanted charges, remember to notify service providers 30 days prior that you will need to cancel or transfer services 1-2 days before you leave home. Some include:
- Internet and broadband
- Television subscriptions
- Electricity and gas
4. Financial and Legal Requirements
Consider opening a new international bank account that accepts direct deposits and paychecks, if your local bank doesn’t have a branch abroad. Note the bank account information and routing number so you don’t experience payment delays. Remember to notify your bank in Kenya of your move overseas to prevent access issues or unexpected freezes.
Besides ensuring your passport/visa is valid for the period of stay, you may also need to notarize birth and marriage certificates and academic transcripts for use abroad. Additionally, consider designating someone the Power of Attorney (POA) to handle any legal matters in Kenya in your absence.
Remember to fulfill all necessary tax obligations in Kenya such as filing returns and paying outstanding taxes before your international move. Some destination countries may require you to register for a tax identification number (TIN) and report your income as per their tax regulations.
Research or consult your tax expert if any tax exemptions or international treaties apply to you during the move.
5. Research and Secure Housing Abroad
Arranging accommodation in your new country will ensure you have a place to live when you arrive. Essential factors to consider when finding a new home overseas include location, type of property, real estate agents, and budget.
Some employers support their employees with temporary housing while they search for a long-term home. If you’re moving overseas for work, it’s essential to work out with your employer if the company’s employee relocation policy also covers accommodation and associated expenses.
One of your first tasks when you arrive will be setting up basic utilities and services such as electricity and water, and a phone contract. To do this, you will first need to report to the local authorities to pick up your residence permit card.
6. Arrange School Transfers if You’re Moving Overseas with Children
Find out about schools in your destination area and what the requirements for enrollment are. Here are some steps to include in your international moving checklist:
- Research the local education system, the available schools (public, private, or international), their curriculum and facilities.
- Admissions criteria or deadlines
- Transcripts and necessary documents required
7. Healthcare Insurance and Medical Records
Healthcare can become a major unexpected expense in your destination country if you’re not well prepared. Do your research and consult your current healthcare provider in Kenya for advice about the country you’re moving to and any current medical needs you or your family might have.
If your employer does not cover medical benefits, you might need to buy international private healthcare insurance.
Expert tip: Book any medical or dental checkups now. You may obtain a written prescription and medications to last through the move or your initial stay without interruptions to your wellbeing.
8. Work and Career Considerations
If you’re not set with work when moving to a new country, you may explore job opportunities via professional networks, online job boards, and local employment agencies. With the necessary technology and equipment, you could apply for remote jobs or discuss the possibility with your current employer.
Building a strong professional network is essential to an enriching life as an expatriate. Find local expat communities and attend industry events where you can seek out mentors or career advisors. A strong professional support network is important as you experience the foreign job market.
9. International Moving Logistics
Working with a reputable and experienced moving company helps you navigate the tedious process of relocation so you can focus on your career transition or settling your family in your new neighborhood.
Your international mover will help you sort and pack, prepare customs and insurance documents, deliver your packed belongings to the port (air or sea), and finally to your new home. The company will advise on the best shipping method depending on your budget and timeline.
The most common options include:
- Air freight: faster, but significantly expensive
- Sea freight: cost-effective for larger shipments, you can also ship with your own container
10. Post-Arrival Adjustments
Making an effort to learn the language of your new country is one of the surest ways to break through the social and cultural barriers. Learning greetings, gestures, and general etiquette makes a positive impression and establishes connections with your neighbors and locals.
Researching the local customs and traditions is an important step in an international moving checklist. It shows respect for your host country and helps you blend in more seamlessly with your new environment.
Nellions Moving and Relocations: Your International Moving Partner
Recognizing the unique challenges most Kenyans face during international moving, Nellions brings 12 years of industry experience and expertise for facilitating smooth transitions for individuals and businesses.
From managing logistics, handling documentation and customs clearance, to providing post-move support, our professionals handle every aspect with the utmost care.
Together with our global network of partners, we ensure a seamless transition from origin to destination. Our affiliation with the International Association of Movers (IAM) attests to our commitment to international standards and best moving practices.
Contact us today or call +2547 00 000 002 for your international moving needs.
