"To Do" before leaving US?

It could be industry-specific (I work in publishing) or it could just be our company but I've definitely taken copies of diplomas and transcripts for new starters in all positions (support staff, editorial and everything in between) and regardless of whether they're UKC or 'other'.

If I remember correctly, I had to supply the transcripts from both my degrees when I applied for my current job.

But then again, I was applying for a scientific position, which required a specific degree and involved an interview with a maths test, scientific questioning/equation identification and an academic presentation, so it made sense for the transcripts to be requested.

w/r/t 'paperwork', I like to keep any important papers close to hand. Even though I'm now retired, I still have a file with transcripts and my 3 diplomas.

I also have copies of my US tax returns for the past few years along with the back up. That's a bit of overkill, but I was a self-employed consultant, so having the stuff to prove business deductions remains essential until I'm well past the typical time limits for audits. Never had one, but just in case.

Having just gone through an ordeal supplying proof to my former state for a ruling on change of domicile, anything and everything you can do to 'break ties' (and keep the paperwork) is a must if your state has state tax. If it's one of the 'nasty states', even cancelling your library card before you go (or by letter afterward) is something to think about.

If you choose to leave papers with a relative in the US, be sure that everything is labeled and easily accessible should you need a relative to retrieve something.

I also have copies of my US tax returns for the past few years along with the back up. That's a bit of overkill, but I was a self-employed consultant, so having the stuff to prove business deductions remains essential until I'm well past the typical time limits for audits. Never had one, but just in case. 

Seeing this reminded me to backup remaining scanned docs on my Zip drive and CD-Rom. Thank you for reminding us there is no overkill when it comes to the IRS.

I sent copies of my degrees with the visa documents but no one has asked for transcripts but ive kept the PDFs of the diplomas.

I'm a tax accountant - but I better read more into severing ties with PA!  Though, fortunately, the state tax is only 3% and not anything too crazy

I sent copies of my degrees with the visa documents but no one has asked for transcripts but ive kept the PDFs of the diplomas.

I'm a tax accountant - but I better read more into severing ties with PA!  Though, fortunately, the state tax is only 3% and not anything too crazy

Yeah, it's weird.  They want the actual diplomas for the application.  I remember being very confused.  In the US, transcripts are king!

Here's what's on our list (what we've done, and what we've got to do), as we're going through this right now! Would love to hear other ideas, too!

1. Schedule Garage Sale or Donation Pick Up (even if you're storing or moving stuff, you'll still probably have stuff to sell of give away - we're getting rid of EVERYTHING, so we had 2 garage sales AND a Salvation Army pick up)
2. Get reference letters from Landlord, Employers (not sure if this is really necessary, but we figured they might come in handy when looking for a new flat, etc.)
3. Cancel all services, utilities, etc.
4. Closed all bank accounts except for one (my husband and I still had several separate accounts from before we were married and consolidating them will make it easier, I think, to transfer our money, possibly?)
5. Go to our dentists, doctors, etc. (I guess I won't get health benefits my first 5 years in the UK, so I'm trying to get as checked up as I can, while I still have insurance)
6. As others said, gather all important documents, and update anything as needed (for example, my passport was due to expire in 1 year--I'm not sure if I could have applied for a visa on that, but I just went ahead and got a new one anyway)
7. Buy a few things we'll need in winter in the UK (that we didn't ever need in Texas) - wool socks, a nice heavy coat, a pair of boots, etc. I'm sure I'll need some of that right when I arrive, and I'd rather make those purchases while I have time and I'm paying $ instead of £

Just a couple of notes about your list:

5. Go to our dentists, doctors, etc. (I guess I won't get health benefits my first 5 years in the UK, so I'm trying to get as checked up as I can, while I still have insurance)

Not true - you will be entitled to free NHS healthcare from the day you arrive in the UK. The NHS is not considered a public fund and so you will be entitled to it as soon as you arrive.

From the word go, you will have free doctor's appointments, free hospital treatment, free tests, free birth control and a fee of just £8.05 per prescription item if you will be living in England (prescriptions are free if you live in Scotland or Wales), plus subsidised dental treatment if you are an NHS patient.

However, from next April, when you apply for your next visa in 2.5 years, there will also be an NHS levy added to your visa fee (currently believed to be £200 per year, so it will most lilkely be £500 extra added to the visa fee - 2.5 years times £200).

Having said that, it's a good idea to get up-to-date in the US before you arrive here, especially as it can be difficult to get registered with an NHS doctor or dentist when you first arrive (dentists especially - some have long waiting lists because the practices are full). You should stock up on any presciptions you may need in the first few months and also get hold of your medical records in case you need them in the UK.

Great advice, thanks ksand - and good list, savedbythekell!  (Cute name - are you a Kelly, too?)

I have been donating stuff for months and I still have more things than I ever imagined could fit into my bedroom (I shudder to think if I had to move a whole house's worth of stuff!)!!  I have 3 days to throw more out or find a magical shrink-machine to fit everything into the few suitcases I am taking...... and that's even with a box set aside of 'summer' items to collect and take over later.  Yiiikes.

I have been donating stuff for months and I still have more things than I ever imagined could fit into my bedroom (I shudder to think if I had to move a whole house's worth of stuff!)!!  I have 3 days to throw more out or find a magical shrink-machine to fit everything into the few suitcases I am taking...... and that's even with a box set aside of 'summer' items to collect and take over later.  Yiiikes.

If you have a lot of clothes or bulky items and just need more space, vacuum seal bags are your friend!

you will be entitled to free NHS healthcare from the day you arrive in the UK. The NHS is not considered a public fund and so you will be entitled to it as soon as you arrive.

Wow! So great to know that, ksand24! I'm still glad I got up-to-date, but that really eases my mind! Thank you for correcting me on that

I have been donating stuff for months and I still have more things than I ever imagined could fit into my bedroom

It's been the same for me! I've been getting rid of things for months and I thought I'd done a good job. But now that it's down to putting stuff in the suitcases, I realize I still have a long way to go! And, yes, my name is Kelly, haha!

Unfortunately it's too late for me for vacuum seal bags.  I just filled a large suitcase with only shoes (including wellies - obviously a necessity), purses, scarves/hats, and other accessories.    This is challenge #1 of Americans expatriating - haha

Made a huuuuge drop off to Goodwill today!

Hopefully I got everything done on the list because T-minus 22 hours until take-off!  See you all on the other side of the pond soon 

Yeah, shoes are a real pain to bring over.  You can only wear one pair  and they can be pretty heavy and can't be compressed to fit better in a suitcase.  And I'm not into most of the shoe styles I see in the UK.   

Yeah, shoes are a real pain to bring over.  You can only wear one pair  and they can be pretty heavy and can't be compressed to fit better in a suitcase.  And I'm not into most of the shoe styles I see in the UK.   

Solid half-size, the struggle is real!  My wellies were so full of socks and shirts when I moved them over otherwise the bag would have been just a pair of boots.

Oooh  I should have stuffed my wellies with stuff too - darn it.

I've been watching shoes here, especially on young female professionals.  Some are okay, some are downright frightening.  Also when did it become normal to wear socks with flats??  Shudder.