Things you need to do before leaving the UK

[sakurasanta86 4]

When I did an adv. search for threads like this, I found that while they started off well they tended to get derailed big time because they didn't focus on the subject matter (the last one went from "you need to do this" to "I want to get this food to take with me" to "I'm going to be living near you"). Others got ignored and pushed to the bottom of the pile.

I would like this thread to be the main resource for things you need to do or cover before you leave for the US from the United Kingdom. Hence I will be dividing it into sections and anyone can contribute items that they know of which needs to be sorted before you go.

Government (inc. Taxes)

-File Form 85 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/income-tax-leaving-the-uk-getting-your-tax-right-p85 with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

-Check with Jobcentre Plus regarding any benefits you are currently claiming. Most will stop when you move abroad (like JSA and ESA).

-Inform your Local Council you are leaving. You may be able to claim back Council Tax for the time you won't be in the UK if you paid it in one blast up front.

Medical

-Get your Medical Records from the Doctor's. You may have to pay for this. Also inform Doctor's you're emigrating and thus will be leaving the surgery.

-Stock up on any vital medications you will need whilst changing over to a US Doctor. Be aware that some items (or large quantities of items) will need a Doctor's Letter verifying you actually need the medication.

Financial

-Inform your Bank that you are moving abroad to the States. You might want to keep the account open to avoid exchange rate fees when you visit the UK.

-Transfer any savings or anything in that vein over to where you want it to be (be it in a UK or US account).

-Cancel any Insurance Policies you won't need in the US (Car, for example).

-If you're expecting a pension you may need to check on whether it can be paid in the US or if you need to take action now.

Employment

-Hand your Notice in and make sure you get the length of time right. You might lose pay or the like if you don't.

-See if you can get a reference to take over with you, sealed in an envelope (if on good terms with employer).

-Don't do anything silly on your last day of work which might jeopardize you being able to leave for the States. 

Possessions

-Anything of sentimental value you can't pack could be couriered over pre-move in plenty of time. Check around for costs and applicable regulations at Customs and Border Protection. See details here: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go

-Get any last items of food or drink you want to take over with you to tide you over, again keeping in mind the Customs regulations (see link above).

-Sell anything you can't take or don't want to take. Ebay or local shops may be an idea. Charity shops are also an excellent idea.

-If renting accomodation make sure it is clean and tidy, nothing is missing from your inventory and the Landlord knows where to send a deposit refund to (or a bill for damages/cleaning).

-Make sure your Mobile Phone is unlocked and therefore can accept a US Simcard to save on roaming and all.

Family/Friends

-Make sure your family can get hold of you in an emergency (be it via email, social media, phone or whatever you choose). You might find that teaching family members to use Skype or the like is a good idea.

-In a similar vein, make sure that you have a nice send-off with your friends and family so they can all see you before you go. This may be the last chance you get for the next six months or so.

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What else do you think needs to be added under these categories, guys?

[Harry M 12]

I was looking for this very information. Thank you for taking the time to bump this up again to help making the change over as smooth as possible. It's worth noting as well, if you have any outstanding student loans you'll need to get in contact with the loans company to arrange payments from overseas.