Countdown

Two weeks to go

2008-09-10T13:30:00Z

Organise any visas you need for the trip home, get references from employers, and start planning your farewells.

One week to go

2008-09-10T13:30:00Z

Download a P85 from the HM Revenue and Customs website, complete it and send it with parts two and three of your P45 (which you’ll get from your employer when you leave your job). This should enable you to get back any tax you’ve overpaid. See www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Before you leave

Two months to go

2008-09-10T13:29:00Z

If you want your belongings home when you arrive, think about shipping things now. The standard delivery time is six to 12 weeks. Ask your friends for recommendations and get some quotes. A number of shipping companies advertise in TNT.

Think about when you’d like to move out of your flat. To save yourself the stress of finding someone at the last minute — and to make sure you’ve got your deposit secured long before you leave — think about moving out six to eight weeks before you leave. Housesitting, short-term rentals and dossing are easy to organise.

> One month to go

Three weeks to go

2008-09-10T13:29:00Z

Contact banks, gyms, phone providers and anyone you have a contract with to sort out how to settle your account. Redirect your bank statements or plan to close the accounts altogether. Make sure you’re aware of how much you’ll need to pay in the event of opting out of a mobile phone contract early.

> Two weeks to go

One month to go

2008-09-10T13:28:00Z

For most people, now is the time to hand in notice. Check your contractual obligations, if you have any. This is especially important if you’re on a work permit, as some companies require you to work for a certain period to recoup the cost of the work permit.

If you’re still in your flat, now’s the time to advertise. You don’t want to be chasing up your deposit once you’ve left. Also keep an eye on your flat’s bill cycles. Settle any debts and make sure you’ve taken your name off the council tax, gas, power, water and TV licence accounts, otherwise you could still be liable for outstanding bills.

If you, or your employer, paid into a UK pension, look into transferring it to a plan back home. Ask about the cost because it can be high On the plus side, transfers to an approved Australian superannuation fund within six months may avoid tax charges and, in New Zealand, it can often be paid in cash, tax free, within six months of returning. It’s the same for Kiwis who contracted out their NI contributions.

Start contacting ex-colleagues and friends to find out about jobs at home. Also look online for jobs of interest, and to get a feel for the market.

> Three weeks to go

Three months to go

2008-09-10T13:25:00Z

Start looking at flights and plan any stopover trip you might have in mind. Organising this early can save cash and the stress of sorting out a trip as you rush to tie up loose ends later.>

Now is also the time to locate your tenancy agreement, check your work contract and look up the terms of any services you’ve signed up for (mobile phone, cable TV, gym membership etc) and make yourself aware how much notice you need to give.

> Two months to go