• 18 months to go

    Decide where you would like to live. A fact-finding visit is invaluable, or use the web or word of mouth.
    Research house prices, salaries and cost of living in that area.
    Discuss your plans with your family and make sure they are all on board; teenagers in particular can find a big move difficult to come to terms with.
    Investigate employment and business opportunities for all family members.
    Attend migration and overseas property shows and use expat networks and websites to gain insight.
    Choose a migration agent carefully, to help with your planned relocation.
    Check what kind of visa you will need and get your eligibility checked.
    If you have any serious medical conditions, check that they are not going to hamper your plans.
    Prepare your house for sale (or rental) - you may need to redecorate.

  • 12 months to go

    Make sure you have at least two years left on your passports.
    Dig out all your personal paperwork, including birth, adoption and marriage certificates, employment references, driving licences and qualifications.
    Make an appointment with your chosen migration agent.
    Start filling in Visa application forms.
    Update your CV to make it suitable for the Australian or Kiwi market place.
    Get your finances in order, consolidate bank accounts and reduce debts. Avoid entering into any new long-term commitments or contracts.
    Discuss your plans with your extended family and friends.

  • 6 months to go

    Medicals will be required at this stage, along with police checks.
    Get quotes from removal companies and for flights, and book them both.
    Ensure any pets that are migrating with you are fully inoculated and fit to travel.
    Get quotes and book pet shipment.
    Sell any unwanted furniture.
    Talk to your children's schools and ask them to prepare hand-over files.
    Consider talking to your employer about your migration plans.
    Ask your medical centre and dentist to hand-over files.
    Set up a trading account with a currency broker.
    Put your house on the market.
    Find temporary UK accommodation in case your house sells too soon.

  • 2 months to go

    Clean and paint any garden tools and furniture you plan to take. Items with soil on will be denied entry at customs.
    Open an Australian/Kiwi bank account.
    Find temporary accommodation in Australia or New Zealand.
    Book flights, shipping and pet transport.
    Book accommodation for each destination en route.
    Book pet kennels Down Under.
    Start having goodbye parties now.
    Organise all birthday cards and presents for the next three months.
    Request up-to-date statements on any savings and pensions.
    Request credit checks, or a credit reference letter from your bank.
    Depending on your contract, give notice to your landlord.

  • 1 month to go

    Collect all hand-over files from doctors, dentists and schools.
    Give formal notice to your employer and get your P45.
    Give your new address to your bank, passport office, DVLA, pension company, inland revenue, insurance brokers and accountants.
    Collate three months bank statements, mortgage statements and no-claims car insurance evidence. File together for use on arrival.
    Bring council tax and utilities up to date and cancel accounts for TV, internet, phone and insurance.
    Sell or donate any surplus items.
    Arrange for your post to be redirected.
    Transfer funds to Australia or New Zealand.
    Start packing non-essential items.
    Arrange some private health cover for Australia or New Zealand if required.
    Pay off any outstanding debts.
    Close any surplus bank accounts and destroy unwanted cards.
    Shred surplus personal records.
    Confirm your booking with your removal company and flights.
    Ensure all your relevant paperwork is in a handy travel file.
    Cancel any redundant direct debits or standing orders.
    Arrange car hire and hotels.

  • 1 week to go

    Cancel any newspapers, milk or satellite TV subscriptions.
    Sell your vehicle.
    Buy some currency for each destination en route Down Under.
    Throw more goodbye parties!
    Ensure your goods are either about to leave the UK or are on their way.
    Organise any cards or presents your children may want to send to their friends prior to leaving.

  • 1 day to go

    Make sure early transport to the airport is organised.
    Establish who will be coming to the airport to say goodbye.
    Pack activity sets for young children.
    Get a good night's sleep.

  • arrival

    Pick up a copy of an Arrival Magazine; it contains lots of ideas and info.
    Collect your hire car and check into your accommodation.
    Contact your friends back home to let them know that you are safe.
    Make contact with your resettlement agency or any other people who will be of help to you in the first few days.
    To keep your jetlag to a minimum, try not to sleep during the day.
    Set up a pay-as-you-go mobile to start you off - you can buy a cheap SIM card and use it in your UK phone.
    Contact your new employer.
    Find your nearest internet cafe for property and area research.
    Take a few days to get over the journey and explore the area.

  • 1 week later

    Register your children in new schools.
    Get a tax file number (TFN) in Australia, or IRD number in New Zealand.
    Register at your local embassy or consulate.
    Explore the area you would like to live in and ask the locals for information.
    Meet with rental agents and see some property options.
    Consider buying a car and insuring it.
    Get car insurance for your new motor.
    Get a landline installed and set up internet access.
    Invite your neighbours around for drinks and make new friends.

  • 1 month later

    Review your financial position and transfer more funds if required.
    Investigate family trusts and pension transfer laws.
    Set up standing orders for utilities.
    Register with your local doctor and dentist, and Medicare if in Australia.
    Meet with mortgage brokers to understand your borrowing capacity.
    Visit your children's schools to ensure they have settled in.
    Consider rewriting your will.
    Discuss your first month with your employer and resolve any problems that have cropped up.
    Start to attend social functions or join a sports club.
    Establish a routine and settle into your new life Down Under!