Complete moving to the U.S. checklist: What to prepare in advance

Check your documents
Start preparing for your move by reviewing your important documents. Check the expiration dates of passports for every family member, as well as visas or other documents that authorize your entry into the United States.

Make digital copies of passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, medical records, and other important paperwork. It's best to keep these copies in more than one secure location, such as an encrypted cloud storage service and your phone. If you're traveling with children, prepare their documents in advance. Depending on your circumstances, you may need birth certificates, custody documents, or consent from the other parent.

If you plan to continue your education, pursue professional employment, or verify your qualifications, gather your diplomas, professional certifications, employment records, and other supporting documents before leaving your home country.

Build an emergency fund
Your first few weeks in the United States may be significantly more expensive than expected. In addition to monthly rent, you'll likely need money for security deposits, transportation, groceries, cell phone service, household essentials, and other initial expenses.
Ideally, you should have enough savings to cover several months of living expenses.

The amount you need depends on your destination, family size, and personal circumstances. Generally, the fewer local connections and arrangements you have in place, the larger your financial cushion should be. Before traveling, check whether your bank cards can be used internationally and make sure you'll be able to access your accounts from the United States.

Plan your housing in advance
If you already know which city you're moving to, start researching neighborhoods and rental prices before your departure. You don't necessarily need to sign a long-term lease immediately, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Temporary accommodations for your first few weeks may be a better option. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods, evaluate transportation options, learn about local amenities, and choose a more suitable place to live.

When researching rental properties, pay attention to:

• Security deposit requirements
• Lease duration
• Utilities and additional fees
• Income verification requirements
• Credit history requirements
• Early lease termination policies

If you're moving with children, check which school district serves the address you're considering.

Arrange cell phone service
Think about how you'll use your phone immediately after arriving in the United States. Check whether your smartphone supports eSIM and research available U.S. mobile carriers and prepaid plans. Having a working phone during your first few hours in the country is extremely important.

You'll likely need it for navigation, arranging transportation, communicating with family members, accessing email, and using essential online services. Save important addresses and contact information offline in case you temporarily lose internet access.

Prepare your medical records
Gather medical records that you or your family members may need after moving. This is particularly important for children, people with chronic health conditions, and anyone who takes medication regularly. Prepare a list of your medications, including their names and dosages.

If your medications are sold under different brand names in the United States, research their U.S. equivalents and how they can be obtained. Keep copies of your vaccination records and relevant medical history. For children, vaccination documentation may be required for school or daycare enrollment.

Review medication requirements
Don't simply pack all your medications without checking the rules. Before traveling, verify the U.S. import requirements for the medications you plan to bring and make sure you have any necessary prescriptions or supporting documentation.

Pay particular attention to medications containing controlled substances, which may be subject to additional restrictions. If you take medication regularly, consider bringing an appropriate supply for your initial period in the United States, provided the quantity and medication comply with applicable import regulations.

Prepare your educational documents
If you're planning to study or work in your professional field, gather your educational records before moving. Diplomas, transcripts, and other academic documents may be requested by employers, educational institutions, or organizations that evaluate foreign qualifications.

Depending on your situation, you may need an English translation or a credential evaluation, which assesses how your foreign education compares to U.S. educational standards. Don't leave this until after you've moved. Obtaining certain documents and arranging translations or evaluations can take time.

Prepare your driving documents
If you plan to drive in the United States, bring your valid national driver's license and driving record, if available. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be useful or required in certain situations, but it does not replace your original driver's license.

Driving regulations and licensing procedures vary by state. Before moving, research the requirements of the state where you plan to live, including how and when you may need to obtain a U.S. driver's license.

Decide what to pack
Before moving, divide your belongings into three categories:

1. Items you absolutely need to bring
2. Items you can ship later
3. Items that are easier or cheaper to buy after arriving

Transporting large household appliances, furniture, or significant quantities of inexpensive items isn't always practical. In some cases, additional baggage or international shipping fees may cost more than replacing those items in the United States. However, important documents, essential medications, a small selection of clothing, electronics, and everyday necessities should remain easily accessible throughout your journey.

Plan your flight carefully
Review your flight reservations, baggage allowances, airline policies, and connecting flight arrangements. If you're traveling with children, check any additional requirements related to their documents and baggage. Save your tickets and booking confirmations on your phone and in your email.

Write down the address of your first accommodation and the contact information of someone who can meet or assist you after arrival.
Remember to account for time zone differences and travel fatigue. After a long international flight, your first day may be exhausting, so avoid scheduling too many activities immediately after landing.

Plan transportation from the airport
Decide how you'll get from the airport to your accommodation before you depart.

Depending on your destination, your options may include:

• Taxis
• Rideshare services
• Public transportation
• Rental cars

Save your destination address in a format that's easy to show a driver. If family members or friends are picking you up, confirm the meeting location and time in advance. Having a clear transportation plan can make your first few hours in the United States much less stressful.

Take care of banking matters
Before leaving your home country, make sure you can access your bank accounts while abroad. Check whether your bank may flag or block transactions made from another country and confirm that your cards will work internationally. If you have recurring payments, loans, or subscriptions in your home country, decide how you'll continue managing them after moving.

Opening a U.S. bank account may be another important task after your arrival. Account eligibility and required documentation vary depending on the bank and your circumstances.

Save important contacts
Create a separate list of phone numbers and addresses you may need during your first few days.

Consider including contact information for:

• Family members and friends
• Your employer
• Your school or university
• Your landlord or property manager
• Your insurance company
• Other essential organizations

Don't keep all your important contacts in a single messaging app. Save a backup in your phone's notes or a separate document.
It's also helpful to identify the nearest hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, and other essential services near your initial accommodation.

Review your health insurance options
The U.S. healthcare system differs significantly from healthcare systems in many other countries. That's why it's important to understand your health insurance options before moving or shortly after arriving, depending on your immigration status and circumstances.

If your employer provides health insurance, confirm when coverage begins and what services are included. If you need to purchase insurance independently, research the available plans, enrollment requirements, and coverage limitations. Don't assume that the government or your employer will automatically cover your medical expenses.

If you're moving with children
Moving to a new country can be a major adjustment for children. In addition to preparing the necessary documents, think about school or daycare enrollment, vaccination records, medical information, and possible language support. Consider bringing a few familiar belongings that can help your child feel more comfortable in a new environment.

These might include favorite books, toys, or other small personal items. After arriving, give your child time to adjust. Adapting to a new country, language, school, and social environment all at once can be challenging.

If you're bringing pets
Moving internationally with a pet requires additional preparation. Research airline requirements, veterinary documentation, vaccination rules, microchipping requirements, and U.S. animal entry regulations. You should also review any additional rules established by the state or city where you plan to live.

Requirements may vary depending on the type of animal and your destination. Don't leave pet-related paperwork until the last minute, as some procedures may take time to complete.

What to check one week before departure
A few days before your trip, review all your essential documents, flight reservations, and luggage. Make sure your phone is charged, your important documents are available offline, your bank cards are working, and the address of your first accommodation is saved.
Prepare a small carry-on bag containing the items you'll need immediately after arrival.

These may include:

• Passports and essential documents
• Medications
• Phone and laptop chargers
• Cash
• Bank cards
• Basic personal necessities

Keeping these items with you can make the journey and your arrival much easier.

Pre-departure checklist
Before heading to the airport, make sure you have everything you need.

• Passports and documents required for entry into the United States
• Flight tickets and booking confirmations
• Address of your first accommodation
• Bank cards and access to your accounts
• Cash or a backup payment method
• Medical records and essential medications
• Children's documents, if applicable
• Pet documentation, if traveling with animals
• Valid driver's license
• Diplomas and professional certifications
• Digital copies of important documents
• Cell phone service and internet access
• Contact information for family members and other important people

Your first days after moving
You don't need to handle every task on your first day in the United States. Start by focusing on your essential needs:

• Housing
• Communication
• Food
• Transportation
• Personal safety

Once these basic needs are taken care of, you can gradually move on to longer-term matters. These may include opening a bank account, arranging health insurance, obtaining a driver's license, finding permanent housing, starting work, enrolling children in school, and completing other administrative tasks. The more you prepare before departure, the fewer urgent decisions you'll have to make after arriving.

Key takeaways
Good preparation can help you avoid many of the common challenges associated with moving to the United States. Check your documents, build an emergency fund, research housing and transportation, organize your medical and educational records, arrange reliable communication, and familiarize yourself with the rules of the state where you plan to live.

Moving to another country is a major life transition, so don't try to accomplish everything at once. Break your preparation into manageable steps and work through your checklist gradually.

Taking care of important details before departure can make your first few weeks in the United States significantly smoother, less stressful, and more organized.