subject: Advice When Moving To Gibraltar [print this page] Moving house is a very significant upheavalMoving house is a very significant upheaval. While selling and buying both being complicated operations laced with estate agency fees, there are many more things to consider including packing and moving possessions, cancelling and setting up utility bills. People move house for a variety of reasons including retirement, a new job or simply a change of lifestyle. Relocating within one country can be stressful enough, so moving all the way to Gibraltar should involve some considered planning and preparation.
Residence Status
One important part of moving abroad is relinquishing residence in your old country and establishing residency in your new country. Relevant authorities should be informed of your departure and arrival. Ensure you are aware of all the paperwork involved in switching residencies or you could be forced to pay penalty fines.
Connection
Be sure to inform utilities companies of your move so they can disconnect all your appliances when you leave, and contact another to ensure it is connected in your new home as soon as you arrive. The more notice you can give the utilities companies, the smoother this part of the move is likely to go.
Packing
It can be good to remember that the more items you plan to take with you, the more it will cost to transport. Be ruthless when packing personal possessions, and ask yourself this pertinent question; do you really need it?
If you're moving a long way sometimes it can take a while for things to be delivered, so sometimes it is often a good idea to take some key items with you personally. Remember that you'll start accumulating all manner of junk again once you arrive at your destination, so use the journey as an opportunity to throw away unwanted and unloved possessions which can be easily and cheaply replaced.
Medical
It's imperative that you inform your doctor and dentists of the move, and try to obtain copies of your records to take with you, as this could become a difficult task once you arrive. Get a new doctor as soon as you arrive, and ensure that your new doctor has access to your medical records.
Post
It is relatively straightforward to get mail redirected from your UK home to your new Gibralta address, with Royal Mail's Re-Direction Service, available for a small charge from almost any post office.
Above all, remember to relax and don't let yourself become overly stressed about the move. Although it can be stressful, you will pull it off eventually. The worst that can occur is that you end up without electricity or your belongings for a couple of days, or perhaps with a few irritating fines for not getting your paperwork sorted out in time. Stay positive about the move and don't let these trivialities stand in the way of you and a new life in Gibraltar.
