2 Months before moving

• Determine what expenses will be paid by the company and what expenses you will have to bear personally.

• Get quotes from moving companies (make sure your goods are insured). Before the transport companies visit your home to prepare a quote, make sure you are clear about which furniture and belongings you will take with you.

• For items/furniture that will remain in your country, arrange for appropriate storage facility.

• When moving with pets, obtain quotes for transport and get information about necessary vaccinations.

• Obtain transport quotes and detailed information about possible costs/import taxes involved in bringing a car with you.

• It is advisable to have a medical check-up, including dental, before leaving your home country, as it may take some time in Austria before you find a doctor with whom you feel confident. If you are on prolonged medication, obtain a prescription and letter from your home country doctor explaining your illness and medication so that you can be provided continuing treatment from a local doctor or chemist in Austria.

• Ensure each family member's passport is valid for at least 6 months from the time of your departure.

• Organise all important documents to be brought with you to Austria (Birth certificates, marriage licence, school reports for the children, medical records, etc.).

• According to your present rental contract, cancel your rental contract or contact an agency to start the process of selling your property on time.

• Inform the school/kindergarten about your move.

• Cancel your utilities with the proper cancellation notice for internet, telephone, cellular phones, cancel newspaper subscriptions and insurances.

• Give notice of resignation to your fitness clubs, associations or clubs to which you belong.

• As soon as your date of move is decided, arrange for temporary accommodation in Vienna and possibly a rental car.

1 months till 2 weeks before moving

• Begin packing less-used items. Number and label each box and keep an inventory.

• Retrieve and return borrowed items to neighbours and friends. Return library books.

• Pick-up all dry cleaning, shoes or other items.

• Inform your bank about your move. Keep your bank account active for approximately 3-6 months after your move to close-up all open payments/invoices, etc...

• Start using up food items.

• Clean out empty cupboards.

• Inform friends and relatives of your move and of your new contact details.

1 Week before your move

• Make of list of items that you will require in the first weeks of your arrival. You should take those items personally with you since it can take some time for your furniture/belongings to arrive in Vienna with the transport company or for you to have chosen a final accommodation in Vienna.

• Be sure to check cellars or sheds for items to pack.

• Take pictures of furniture, paintings etc... of all items which will be transported. This could be useful in case of damages caused through the transport.

• Confirm arrangements and dates with the moving & storage companies as well as your flight and hotel reservation.

• Keep cleaning products and vacuum cleaner aside fort he final cleaning.

• Clean out and defrost the deep freezer.

• Since in Austria, it is not always customary for hotels, shops and restaurants to accept credit cards and it can take some time for you to have chosen a bank and open a bank account, ensure that you have enough cash or travellers cheques. You can of course withdraw money with a credit card and its pin code or with your ATM card. Be aware that there are daily limits!

1 - 2 Days before the move

• Empty and clean the fridge and the kitchen equipment.

• Pack the personal belongings which will not be transported by the moving company.

Moving Day

• Confirm delivery address and delivery date with the moving company.

• Carefully supervise the move. Make sure boxes are clearly marked.

• Clean the house.

• Make sure all equipments are switched off, all windows and doors closed and locked.

• Leave the keys of the property with the new tenant or with the person taking car of the house in your absence. Make sure you have their contact details and they have yours.