retirement

The Thailand Moving Checklist

Twelve months down to departure day.

Tim in Thailand6 min read

Published 20 March 2026 · Last updated 1 August 2026

Moving abroad is a project, and projects go better with a timeline. This is the version we would work to. Some items will not apply to you; the ordering is the useful part.

Twelve to six months out

Decide, in principle, which visa route you are aiming for and what it requires.
Get health insurance quotes now — while your health is what it is today.
Do a research trip, ideally in the wet season.
Check your passport has plenty of validity and blank pages.
Start the conversation with family about how often you will see each other.

Six to three months out

Apply for or prepare the visa, allowing far more time than the stated processing period.
Order certified copies and translations of anything official you might need.
Get a full medical and dental check-up, and stock up on prescriptions.
Decide what is being shipped, sold, stored or binned. Shipping furniture is rarely worth it.
Arrange a UK/US correspondence address for anything that must have one.

Three to one month out

Book flights and the first two weeks of accommodation.
Tell HMRC, your pension providers, your bank and your GP practice.
Set up online access to everything, and check it works from abroad.
Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, insurance and memberships with proper notice.
Take photographs of every important document and store them securely online.

The final fortnight

Confirm your accommodation and airport transfer in writing.
Set up an eSIM so you land connected.
Carry medication in hand luggage with the prescription letter.
Keep a printed copy of your visa, insurance and first booking — phones run out of battery.
Say goodbye properly. It matters more than the packing.

Sources and official information

We link to primary sources wherever one exists. Rules change — check the official page before acting on anything here.

UK government — Moving or retiring abroadOfficial

Topics:movingchecklist

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