Repatriation Checklist by:Fiona Murchie

When it comes to going home there are plenty of things to think about for the whole family

. We have compiled a handy check list to ensure you cover all the bases.

Move Minus 12 Months

* Check your passport is up to date for you and the whole family and organise any renewals

* If you own a property in the UK and it is rented out, check when the lease expires and notify your managing agent/tenant that the tenant will not be able to renew at the end of the lease or give notice that you are exercising your break clause to terminate the lease

* If you want to buy - arrange a mortgage, appoint a solicitor and start to research areas and properties on the internet or contact a relocation agent to help

* Familiarise yourself with the current UK property market through property and financial websites, UK national and local papers and the Land Registry http://www.landreg.gov.uk

* Apply for school places, check out websites, get prospectuses, check out league tables and Ofsted reports - For state schools you need an address in the area you're returning to and check out the application deadlines for new primary school intake and secondary school transfer. For independent schools check out application deadlines and entrance exam dates, pay any registration fees. Check the language teaching available.

* Check out international and American schools if you think further international moves are on the cards

* Consider taking advice from an Education Consultant especially if you might need to go 'to appeal' for your chosen state school place

* Check out your tax situation and take into account any key dates and expenditure when planning the move back home

* Check out finance and currency implications for the move - ie mortgage, rent, pension, savings, insurance etc

* If you or your partner will be job hunting in the UK now is the time to review your career, start work on your cv and check out potential employers and the UK job market. If further education is an option check out places and application procedure.

* Find out how to transfer/convert any professional or other qualifications obtained abroad

* Familiarise yourself with websites and journals covering your industry sector/profession

* Consider working with a Career Counsellor/Coach - particularly if you're thinking of changing direction

Move Minus 6 Months

* Check out removal companies, arrange quotes, schedule move and arrange storage if necessary

* Arrange shipment of pets and put into quarantine in UK for 6 months ahead of your move to be reunited when you arrive home or put into quarantine when you arrive. Alternatively arrange to bring pets back under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) without quarantine if applicable. Check details on http://www.defra.gov.uk

* Check out recruitment websites, start applying for jobs

* Find out about networking opportunities - research professional associations, business clubs and their local activities in your UK home area

* Get in touch with all your UK business/professional/career contacts and let them know you're coming back and your plans for the future

* Contact any organisations in the country where you are working now that might have job opportunities in their UK offices

* Reconnect with family and friends in the UK

Move Minus 3 Months

* Contact and brief a relocation agent if you are looking for a rented property

* Look on websites and register with letting agents if looking for a rented property

* Book temporary accommodation (ie serviced apartment) as a stop gap if required

* Pay fees for first term for independent schools to secure places

* Update your CV and compile references

Move Minus 1 Months

* Compile school records for new school and inoculation records

* Check with the managing agent of your property, that your tenant will have left the property and that the property has been professionally cleaned, garden tidied ready for your home coming.

* If returning to an unfurnished property and your furniture is still in shipment book rented furniture, linen and household packs to tied you over - you can rent practically anything these days!

* Transfer the utilities and Council Tax back into your name if tenants have vacated

* Confirm packing dates

* Arrange to get any furniture etc out of storage in the UK

* Compile medical records and register with a GP in the UK if you have an address in the UK

About the author

For further information about relocation, repatriation, global mobility and international human resources visit Re:locate Magazine.

http://www.relocatemagazine.com

For relocation services, including home search, careers advice and spousal assistance please visit Profile Locations

http://www.profilelocations.co.uk

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2907.shtml

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