After months of searching you have found your dream property in Portugal and you can’t wait to move abroad. Now you face a major task that will test your management skills.

 

The following guides will help you organize your move abroad to Portugal:

 

Moving checklist – will help you prepare and organize your move abroad.
Who to tell – lists the people who need to know you have moved.
New home checklist – outlines the things you should do when you move into your new home.

 

MOVING CHECKLIST

If you want an organized move, you will need to put a lot of effort into planning for the big day. Preparation should start a month before the moving date.

 

1 month to go

  • Time to start sorting through all that you have accumulated over the years. Anything you will not take with you should be designated as items for the bin or for charity.
  • Arrange time off work for the move.
  • If you are hiring a removal firm you should book them for your moving date.
  • Get boxes, packing material, tape, markers and plenty of rubbish bags. You will be surprised at how much rubbish you have accumulated.
  • Make a list of essential furniture and equipment you need to buy.

 

2 weeks to go

  • Start packing non-essential items and label each box clearly listing items contained and/or what room it belongs to.
  • Plan the layout of your new home and where you would like your furniture to go.
  • Prepare a list of people you want to notify of your change of address. Our who to tell guide will help you.
  • Make sure the telephone is connected and all appliances are working in your new home.

 

1 week to go

  • Arrange with the Post for your mail to be re-directed to your new address.
  • Cancel milk and any other regular deliveries.
  • Organize the collection of keys with your solicitor.
  • Send out your change of address notifications.
  • Start cleaning the house.

 

1 day to go

  • Finish packing everything except essentials.
  • Read the meters for all final bills.
  • Defrost the fridge and freezer.
  • Remove all the fittings you are taking with you.
  • Dismantle large pieces of furniture to make it easier to move.

 

Moving day

  • Disconnect any remaining appliances.
  • Check that all cupboards and drawers are empty.
  • Do a final check of all rooms before the removal van leaves.
  • Finish cleaning the house.
  • Lock all windows and doors.
  • Pick up your new keys and deliver the old keys as arranged.
  • Try to inspect and clean your new home before the removers start unloading.
  • Direct the removers to where everything should go.
  • Check that everything has been delivered.
  • Read the meters.
  • Check that the telephone, gas and electricity work.
  • Unpack the basics and get some well-deserved rest.

Back to Top

WHO TO TELL

 

This list should help you identify some of the people you need to notify of your change of address.

 

  • Family and friends
  • Banks
  • Building Societies
  • Credit card companies
  • Insurance companies
  • Doctor
  • Dentist
  • Employer
  • Telephone company
  • ESB
  • Gas company
  • Hire purchase and leasing companies
  • Tax inspector
  • Share registrar
  • Private health-care company
  • Professional organizations
  • Sports and social clubs
  • Magazine subscriptions
  • Cable TV company
  • Pension and investment funds

Back to Top

NEW HOME CHECKLIST

You should have a good look around to make sure everything is in order. If some items included in the sale are missing, or if you spot faults to the building that you were unaware of, you should bring it to the attention of your solicitor.

 

Follow this checklist of things to do when you move into your new home:

 

  • Check that all fittings and equipment specified in the original offer have been included
  • Inspect the house to confirm it is in a satisfactory condition
  • Ensure all the light switches and power points work
  • Find out how the alarm works and run a test
  • Test the smoke alarms
  • Check that the central heating and all the radiators are in working order
  • Check that all taps and toilets are working
  • Set the controls for the central heating
  • Find out where the electricity meter and fusebox are
  • Find out where the mains water switch is
  • Get the telephone number of a local doctor
  • Get a list of the telephone numbers for local services: taxi, takeaway, etc.

Back to Top

 

Disclaimer
The above information is provided as guidance only and does not form part of any contract. You must seek professional assistance before making any buying decision. Currency equivalents are indicative only and should be checked with your bank. All information is subject to alteration without prior notice.