The 90-day city relocation checklist
Most stressful moves aren't caused by the move itself — they're caused by doing the right things in the wrong order. This checklist breaks a city move into four phases so every decision happens when it's cheapest and easiest to make.
90–60 days out: decide and budget
Confirm the city with data, not just instinct. Spend an evening comparing your shortlist on the things that will shape daily life: climate across the year, air quality, daylight hours, commute patterns and cost of housing. Our city comparison tool shows live conditions side by side, and the data-first comparison method turns your priorities into a score.
Build a moving budget with a buffer. List the one-off costs — movers or shipping, flights, deposits (often one to three months of rent), furniture, visa and document fees, temporary accommodation — then add 15–20% for surprises. Separately, estimate your first three months of living costs in the new city, since salaries and reimbursements often arrive later than expected.
Check the paperwork early. If you're moving countries, visa or work-permit processing can take longer than every other step combined. Gather passports, birth and marriage certificates, degree certificates and reference letters now, and find out which need certified translations or apostilles.
60–30 days out: lock in housing and paperwork
Decide between renting, short-stay first or buying. For most people moving to an unfamiliar city, a one- or two-month furnished stay is the smartest first step: it lets you learn neighbourhoods before signing a long lease. If you're buying, get mortgage pre-approval before you start viewing so you can move quickly.
Research neighbourhoods by routine. Map where you'll work, study, shop and exercise, then test commute times at the hour you'll actually travel. A cheaper flat that adds 40 minutes each way usually costs more in time than it saves in rent.
Get three moving quotes. Ask each mover for an in-person or video survey, a written inventory and a clear statement of what insurance covers. For international moves, confirm whether the quote includes customs clearance and delivery to your door.
Schools and childcare. Popular schools and nurseries fill months in advance. Contact them now, ask about admission timelines and what documents they need.
30–7 days out: logistics
- Give notice on your current home and book move-out cleaning.
- Set up mail forwarding and update your address with banks, employers and subscriptions.
- Arrange utilities and internet at the new home so they're live on arrival; installation appointments in big cities can take weeks.
- Declutter ruthlessly. Every box you don't ship saves money and unpacking time.
- Pack an "open first" box: documents, chargers, medication, basic tools, bedding and a few days of clothes.
- Download offline maps and the local transit app for your new city.
Moving week and your first 30 days
Check conditions before travel day. A quick look at your destination's live dashboard shows the forecast, air quality and local time, so you know what to wear and when shops will be open on arrival.
Do the admin in the first week. Register your address where required, open a local bank account, get a local SIM, register with a doctor and, if you drive, check how long your licence remains valid.
Build your routine fast. Find your grocery store, gym or park, and one café you'll return to. Familiar places make a new city feel like home far sooner than sightseeing does.
Want help with any of this?
Our free relocation plan connects you with movers, rental agents, mortgage brokers and visa advisers for your destination — one short form, no obligation.