Relocation Guide
International Moving Checklist — Everything to Do Before You Leave India
International moves involve months of complex planning. From customs regulations to visa approvals, leaving things to the last minute guarantees stress.
This comprehensive checklist is organized by timeline — breaking down exactly what you need to do at 12 weeks out, 8 weeks out, 4 weeks out, moving week, and after you arrive.
12 Weeks Before Moving
- Decide strictly what you are shipping vs. selling, donating, or storing in India.
- Get at least 3 written quotes from international movers (including Gxpress).
- Thoroughly check the specific customs rules for your destination country.
- Ensure visa and work permit paperwork is initiated or completed.
- Notify your employer about the relocation to clarify any corporate support or reimbursement policies.
8 Weeks Before
- Book your international mover — confirm the exact dates and choose between a full container (FCL) or shared container (LCL).
- Begin aggressively decluttering. Host a garage sale or donate items you won't ship.
- Get a detailed home inventory done (your mover will do this via a video call or home visit).
- Research storage options at your destination if your new home won't be ready immediately.
- Notify your Indian bank, insurance providers, and government authorities of your upcoming address change.
4 Weeks Before
- Confirm the exact packing and loading dates with your movers.
- Begin collecting original documents: property papers, vehicle RC, medical records, and educational certificates.
- Double-check what is restricted in your destination country (e.g., food, plants, soil, animal products).
- Sort valuables you will carry in your hand luggage: jewelry, important documents, and external hard drives.
- Cancel recurring Indian subscriptions: newspaper delivery, milkman, DTH, and domestic services.
1 Week Before
- Prepare for packing day: clear pathways, label rooms, and separate items clearly.
- Pack a 'first week' bag with daily essentials (clothes, toiletries, basic meds) that the movers should NOT pack.
- Ensure all export clearance documentation is signed and ready for the mover.
- Take final meter readings and close utility accounts (electricity, gas, water).
- Surrender your rented flat or officially transfer the rental deposit.
After Arrival at Destination
- Clear customs at destination (your international mover should handle the heavy lifting for this).
- Confirm the exact delivery date at your new address.
- Inspect all goods at delivery — explicitly note any visible box damage before signing the receipt.
- Begin unpacking and setting up your new home.
- File an insurance claim within the stated window if any items were damaged.
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