So it’s come to my attention that in just over three months, I’m moving out of the country for two years. Oh my god. I’ve had my visa approved for a few months, but haven’t really made a lot of progress in preparing for the move. So what is there to do?

I’m the kind of person who has to write everything out and make a million lists. Below is my non-comprehensive list of everything to get done before boarding your flight for a move abroad. I have my list separated into four categories: Travel, “Things and Stuff” (physical possessions), Medical, and Accounts.

Travel

• Buy plane tickets. The earlier you buy your tickets, the cheaper it will be.
• Plan arrival pickup. I have a host picking me up from the airport. If you are meeting someone there, make sure they know when your flight gets in, the airport you’re arriving at, and that they schedule time off to meet you. If you’re traveling or moving on your own, plan for where you will be staying the night of your arrival.
• Make packing list. I’ve put this off so far because I need to do a bit more research, but will make a post to share my packing list with you.
• Pack. Check in advance to know your chosen airline’s policies for baggage. Often, they will charge for each non-carryon item, with an increased price per bag. I’m aiming to get everything into one full-size travel case, and one small one. Plus a carryon.
• Exchange money to have cash for arrival. It’s always a good idea to have foreign currency ready before you arrive, just in case.

Things & Stuff

• Go through clothes. This is basically the best opportunity you could ever have to revamp your wardrobe. I’m super excited to purge my wardrobe completely and use the move as an opportunity to update my personal style.
• Go through “things”. Sort your things into 4 categories: things to bring, things to get rid of, things to sell and, things to store. Storage can either be in personal storage, or with family members.
  • Organize a yard sale. Maybe not applicable if you don’t have a yard, but I think this is a good step to add before moving to donating or selling online.
  • Sell things online. Look for local community sale groups on Facebook. Post on Craigslist or Kijiji (my go-to). Try out some selling apps.
  • Donate what’s left!
• Distribute plants to friends. If you’re as much of a plant person as I am, you’ll need someone to take care of your plants. I’ve got plants for some of my friends as a gift, and the rest I’m leaving with my mum. She has an amazing green thumb, so I know they’ll be in safe hands!
• Give cosplay gear to my friend. Surprise, I’m a cosplayer! Though I’m planning on continuing to be a big ol’ nerd in England, I have a lot of gear that I’m giving to @coffeesandcosplay to make use of in my absence (eg. my sewing machine, EVA foam, dremel)
• Shop for travel gear (and make shopping list). There are some odds and ends that I need to pick up before I go, like power cords for North American plugs, Tim Hortons hot chocolate mix, and a new backpack for weekend travel trips.

Medical

• Doctor appointment. Though I will have health coverage in England, I don’t want to have to go through the trouble of finding a GP. One last checkup and the opportunity to place and fill prescriptions and get a copy of my medical record so I can bring everything with me.
• Dentist appointment. Getting my teeth checked and any potential fillings needed before I go! I also need to find my retainer. Or get it replaced if I can’t find it!
• Optometrist appointment. I want to make sure that my prescription is up to date, and that I can order contact lenses to last for 2 years, as well as tune up my glasses.

Accounts

• Cancel phone plan. It’ll be cheaper to get a new phone and plan in England than deal with international fees.
• Cancel Presto pass since I won’t need my Ottawa transit pass!
• Cancel Crave subscription since it’s a Canadian service.
• Renew credit card. Mine expires a few months before my travel visa ends, and I’ll need my credit card while I’m traveling.

That’s my list! Every month in my bullet journal I’m breaking it down into a few things to do each month. So far, I’ve bought my plane ticket and planned my arrival, and gone through my wardrobe! There’s still lots more to do, but having it written out and organized makes me feel so much better. Hopefully this list will help out if you are also planning on departing for long-term travel!