Don’t Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out!

Relocating to Belgium? Moving to France? Wherever you’re off to, in all the frantic hubbub of the move, it can be difficult to hear the feeble whispers of those UK loose ends over the excited rambunctiousness of relocating somewhere fantastic!

Whether you intend to return to the UK or not, it simply makes sense to get your affairs in order before you leave.

Practicalities

Utilities – Your utility providers need to know the residential state of your home (if you have one) whether you rent it out, leave it empty, or have a friend/relative living in it rent-free. Furthermore, your mortgage provider needs to be kept in the loop too.

Health – Doctors and dentists are busy people, so don’t waste their time. Moving to Belgium etc. doesn’t mean you can’t be registered with most of your original health services in the UK.

Post – Redirecting your UK mail is crucial to cover those unforeseen notifications of various types.

Tax and Paperwork

P85 – This notifies the tax authority that you’re leaving the country, and helps ensure you’re taxed appropriately for your location.

R105 – This will prevent your savings being taxed by both the UK and your new country.

Pension – Applying for a pension forecast/update is a sensible idea, especially if you’re likely to be out of the UK indefinitely.

Will – Making a will might feel like casting a morbid shadow over the fun of moving to France etc, but it’s really just a prudent plan to cover the more unpleasant possibilities.