The Essential Guide To Repatriation

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 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

To find out what you should be doing 6 months, 3 months, weeks and days before your repatriation, visit Relocate Magazine - the essential relocation industry portal.