Export Checklist

5-6 weeks before


  • 1. Check that your passports and visas are valid.
  • 2. Check whether any permits are required, e.g. for residency, work, vehicles or firearms.
  • 3. Check vaccination requirements.
  • 4. Check your travel documents and tickets.
  • 5. Collect all your personal documents, e.g. birth and marriage certificates and medical records.
  • 6. Advise your attorney, bank, doctor, dentist, insurance company, building society and DSS.
  • 7. Cancel subscriptions to clubs and magazines.
  • 8. Notify schools.
  • 9. Obtain invoices for new purchases (for customs import formalities).
  • 10.Clear out the attic, garage and shed.

3 - 4 weeks before


  • 1. Prepare a valuation for insurance and complete the S & K 2000, Inc. insurance proposal form.
  • 2. Dispose of the items you don't want to ship.
  • 3. Supply a contact number and/or address for after you have moved but before you leave the country (if appropriate).
  • 4. Supply your overseas contact address and phone number.
  • 5. Check with S & K 2000, Inc. about obtaining a tax refund on new purchases.
  • 6. Ask for final accounts for gas, water and electricity.
  • 7. Complete all outstanding credit agreements.
  • 8. Cancel all rental agreements.
  • 9. Run down stocks of food and drink.
  • 10.Confirm your move date with S & K 2000, Inc.

1 - 2 weeks before


  • 1. Arrange for mail to be forwarded.
  • 2. Clean garden tools, bicycles, etc.
  • 3. Arrange care for children and pets on moving day.
  • 4. Arrange for mains services to be disconnected.
  • 5. Cancel newspaper subscription
  • 6. Empty lockers at school and work.
  • 7. Return or retrieve any items on loan.
  • 8. Drain fuel from motor mowers.
  • 9. Dispose of plants and perishable food.

1 - 2 days before


  • 1. Separate all personal items which are to travel with you, e.g. keys, documents, passports, tickets, certificates, currency, clothing, etc.
  • 2. Disconnect, clean and dry any electrical appliances that you wish to ship.
  • 3. Disconnect lights for shipment and make wiring safe.
  • 4. Dismantle furniture items as per the S & K 2000, Inc. schedule.
  • 5. Arrange with neighbors to leave sufficient parking space for the removal vehicle. On moving day relax and let S & K 2000, Inc. do the work.
  • 6. Remain on hand in case the packers have any questions.
  • 7. Check all rooms, cupboards and walls to make sure nothing is left behind.

Download a PDF version of this checklist

Federal Maritime ComissionAmerican Moving Storage Association German American Chambers of Commerce International Association of Movers Department of Transportation Food For Hunger