Pre-move research · quick reference · PDF
Family relocation checklist for Southeast Asia
A family move is a chain of dependencies, not 200 equally urgent errands. This checklist sequences the destination-side research so status, school, healthcare, money and the landing plan are credible before flights and irreversible commitments.
Last verified 26 August 2026
How to use it
Research the dependencies before buying the move
Read the relevant guide, capture the official or provider evidence in your own folder, then tick the quick-reference item. The PDF gives both adults the same pre-departure sequence without turning SettleHappy into another task-management account.
Pre-move research · quick reference · PDF
From feasibility to a protected landing
The checklist is intentionally lightweight. It tells you what to establish; passports, application numbers, banking information and medical records belong in your own secure files.
Research from home
Family relocation research checklist
Use this pre-departure sequence to resolve the decisions that constrain the rest of the move.
How to use it: read the section above first, then tick an item when you have captured the answer or evidence in your own move folder. The PDF is the offline quick-reference version.
19-12 months: prove feasibility
24-8 months: price and document
31-3 months: protect the landing
4Final fortnight: carry continuity
Three release gates
Pause before the expensive commitments
Before school deposits
Confirm placement, campus, curriculum path, refund/notice terms and credible immigration timing.
Before freight and pets
Confirm exact customs eligibility, arrival window, consignee documents and lawful pet entry—not a forwarder's verbal assumption.
Before a long lease or car
Use real school-run, flood, noise, broadband, banking and licence evidence from the destination.
A useful weekly handover
Review exceptions, not every row
- What moved to Done, and what evidence proves it?
- Which Waiting item has no reply date or escalation route?
- Which decision now changes school, housing, freight, tax or travel?
- What can be made reversible before money leaves the account?
- What does each child need to know or influence this week?
Straight answers
Questions about the family relocation checklist
How is this different from the leaving-the-UK checklist?
The UK checklist closes departure obligations such as HMRC, NHS, property and accounts. This checklist researches destination-side feasibility: status, school, health, home, customs, pets, money, transport and connectivity.
Does the checklist save my ticks?
Yes, in local storage in the browser and device you are using. SettleHappy does not receive them. The downloadable PDF is the portable quick-reference copy for a family folder or provider calls.
Can two family members use the same checklist?
Yes. Download or print the PDF and agree who will collect each piece of evidence in the family's own system. The website checklist is deliberately lightweight rather than a shared project-management account.
What does reviewed mean?
Tick an item when the family has captured the answer or evidence in its own move folder. A tick does not mean an application is approved or the fact cannot change.
Should we book flights before every item is done?
No, but the critical path should be credible: permission to enter and stay, school or childcare, health continuity, lawful pet route where relevant, funds and a viable landing address. Use flexible commitments while approvals remain conditional.
Where should we keep the evidence?
Use the family's own secure move folder. Keep dated official sources, written provider answers, application references and next actions there; do not put passport, banking or detailed medical data into a public website tool.
When should we repeat the checklist?
Repeat it when the destination, school, visa anchor, move date or major family requirement changes. Recheck volatile official information immediately before paying or applying.
Is the timeline exact for every destination?
No. It is a dependency sequence, not an official processing timetable. Visa, school, freight, pet and document lead times vary; replace planning assumptions with written confirmation from the issuing authority or contracted provider.