Things to Do Before Moving Abroad: For USA to Portugal Move

The first step in making a smooth international relocation is understanding the most important things to do before moving abroad. Leaving the USA and settling in Portugal is exciting, but without proper preparation, it can also feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to simplify the process, break it down into actionable steps, and make the transition less stressful.

Portugal attracts Americans for its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful coastlines, and affordable living compared to many US cities. But moving to a new country requires far more than just booking a flight. From preparing paperwork and financial arrangements to organizing shipments and settling daily needs, every step plays a role in creating a seamless relocation.

This article will act as your roadmap. It not only shares a moving abroad preparation list but also provides context on why each step matters. You’ll learn about the documents to gather, the costs to plan for, and the living adjustments to expect. And throughout your journey, Earthrelo can handle the logistics of shipping, packing, and customs support so you can focus on your new life in Portugal.

Things to Do Before Moving Abroad: USA to Portugal Essentials

Relocating internationally involves more than packing bags and saying goodbyes. The things to do before moving abroad must be carefully thought out, especially for a USA-to-Portugal transition. A structured plan saves time, prevents last-minute stress, and ensures you carry everything necessary to settle comfortably.

This section serves as a big-picture overview. Think of it as a combination of an expat relocation checklist and a master moving abroad preparation list. Each category can be tackled step by step, and Earthrelo can help streamline the logistics of packing, shipping, and transportation, leaving you free to focus on the personal side of your move.

Setting a Clear Timeline

Every prepare for international move begins with a timeline, and creating one is among the most valuable things to do before moving abroad. Planning should ideally start at least three months in advance, giving enough space for decluttering, document collection, and service bookings. Breaking tasks into 90, 60, 30, and 7-day windows makes the process easier to track and ensures no task is missed.

Gathering Essential Documents

One of the most critical areas in your expat relocation checklist is paperwork, which ranks high on the list of things to do before moving abroad. Essential documents before moving include your passport, birth certificates, marriage records, school transcripts, and medical histories. Having multiple copies and digital backups prevents unnecessary delays. Certified translations are often useful for school or medical purposes once in Portugal.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

Understanding financial requirements before relocating is one of the important things to do before moving abroad. This includes estimating living expenses in Portugal, arranging international banking options, and keeping emergency funds accessible. It’s important to consider international money transfer fees and plan a buffer for the first three months to cover rent, utilities, and setup costs.

Housing and Initial Stay

Securing a place to stay immediately after arrival is also one of the practical things to do before moving abroad. Temporary rentals or short-term accommodations give you time to explore neighborhoods before committing to long-term housing. Researching lifestyle differences between Lisbon, Porto, and coastal towns helps you choose the right environment for your family or work situation.

Health and Safety Preparations

Healthcare readiness should also be part of your moving abroad preparation list. This includes carrying prescriptions, medical records, and arranging private coverage until local options are available. Having this in order before leaving ensures uninterrupted access to care.

Partnering with Earthrelo for Logistics

Coordinating shipping and customs can be overwhelming without expert support, making it one of the most important things to do before moving abroad. Earthrelo specializes in international relocation, providing packing, transportation, and delivery services tailored for families and individuals. With Earthrelo handling the heavy logistics, you can focus on building a comfortable and confident start in Portugal.

Essential Documents Before Moving (Copies, Translations, Backups)

Among the most important things to do before moving abroad is organizing your paperwork. Essential documents before moving are more than just passports; they form the foundation of your life in a new country. Without them, accessing healthcare, enrolling children in schools, or even signing rental agreements can quickly become stressful. A solid moving abroad preparation list should begin here, ensuring you and your family are ready for every requirement.

Passports and Identification

Your passport must be valid well beyond your planned arrival date, which is one of the very first things to do before moving abroad. It is wise to renew early if it’s within a year of expiration. Along with passports, keep birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any name-change documentation in both original and copy formats. These records will likely be needed for school enrollment, banking, or even rental contracts.

Medical and School Records

Healthcare and education transitions are smoother when records are ready, and preparing them is one of the key things to do before moving abroad. Immunization charts, medical histories, and prescription lists should be organized before departure. Parents should also carry transcripts and standardized test results for children. Certified translations are highly useful in Portugal, especially when dealing with schools or medical institutions.

Financial and Legal Papers

Bank statements, tax records, and proof of income are part of an expat relocation checklist. These papers can be requested when renting housing or setting up utilities. Wills, power of attorney, and insurance policies should also be included to cover legal matters abroad. Having multiple printed copies as well as digital files stored securely online will protect you from loss.

Digital Backups and Safety

A practical prepare for international move plan always includes digital organization, which is one of the most overlooked things to do before moving abroad. Cloud storage provides quick access while encrypted drives add extra security. Carrying paper files in a dedicated folder is also essential for use at airports, customs, and when meeting local service providers in Portugal.

With Earthrelo guiding the logistics, you can dedicate time to preparing and securing these documents. Having your essential documents before moving neatly organized will give you confidence and peace of mind once you arrive.

Money & Logistics: Banking, Taxes, and Budgeting

Financial readiness ranks high among the critical things to do before moving abroad. Adjusting to a new country involves not only lifestyle changes but also careful money management. Your moving abroad preparation list should include cost planning, setting up international banking solutions, and maintaining compliance with tax requirements in the United States.

Understanding Living Costs in Portugal

Before relocating, study the costs of daily life in Portugal compared to the United States. Lisbon and Porto may be more expensive than smaller towns, while coastal areas bring unique lifestyle benefits at varying price points. A realistic budget that factors in rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation makes the transition smoother and avoids surprises.

Banking and Currency Solutions

Setting up reliable financial systems is part of an expat relocation checklist and stands out as one of the necessary things to do before moving abroad. International-friendly accounts, credit cards with minimal foreign transaction fees, and trusted money transfer methods will save time and costs. Having access to both US-based and Portugal-based accounts ensures flexibility. It is also smart to keep cash on hand for the first few weeks.

Tax Considerations Abroad

Even after relocation, US citizens are still subject to American tax laws. Preparing documents in advance helps avoid complications. Keeping records of income, bank statements, and past tax returns simplifies the process. Professional advice may be needed for compliance, but organizing the right papers before departure remains your responsibility in a prepare for international move plan.

Creating an Emergency Fund

Unexpected costs often arise in the early weeks of settling in, which makes financial readiness one of the most important things to do before moving abroad. Whether it’s an urgent home repair, additional documentation fees, or health-related expenses, having an emergency reserve is critical. A fund set aside exclusively for your first 90 days abroad allows you to focus on adapting to your new environment rather than worrying about short-term costs.

Earthrelo can help align your financial logistics with your relocation plan. While the brand handles the shipping, customs paperwork, and household goods, you’ll be free to manage the banking, taxes, and budgeting steps that shape your daily life in Portugal.

Home Base Setup: Researching Areas & Renting in Portugal

One of the most practical things to do before moving abroad is securing a reliable place to live. Without planning your housing strategy, even the most carefully designed moving abroad preparation list will feel incomplete. The right neighborhood can shape your lifestyle, daily routines, and comfort during the transition period.

Exploring Different Regions

Portugal offers a variety of living experiences. Lisbon provides a fast-paced urban lifestyle with cultural richness, while Porto offers a blend of tradition and modern living. The Algarve attracts those who want sun-drenched coastal towns, and smaller villages provide quieter settings for those seeking peace. Researching each region thoroughly ensures your home base aligns with your long-term goals.

Renting Basics

A core step in any expat relocation checklist is understanding the rental process, and it ranks as one of the practical things to do before moving abroad. Portugal typically requires security deposits and proof of income before signing a lease. Rental agreements can vary between furnished and unfurnished options, so clarity is important. Many people choose short-term rentals first, giving them time to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a longer lease.

Documents Required for Rentals

Landlords often request proof of income, identification, and sometimes references before finalizing contracts. Essential documents before moving, such as bank statements and employment records, should be prepared in advance to avoid delays. Carrying both printed and digital copies allows for quick submission and smoother negotiations.

Temporary Housing Options

For those who prefer flexibility, temporary accommodations such as serviced apartments or short-term rentals are excellent first choices, and preparing them is one of the smart things to do before moving abroad. They allow time to adjust to local surroundings, understand daily costs, and choose a long-term home wisely. This step plays an important role in any prepare for international move plan, reducing stress during your initial weeks in Portugal.

With Earthrelo handling logistics like shipping and customs clearance, you can focus your energy on finding the right home base. A carefully considered housing plan ensures you transition smoothly into your new community.

Healthcare Game Plan: Before You Fly

Healthcare planning ranks high among the essential things to do before moving abroad. Access to medical support in the first weeks is critical, especially when settling in a new country. Including healthcare preparation in your moving abroad preparation list ensures you avoid disruptions to daily life.

Health Insurance Coverage

International health insurance is vital until local systems are available. Coverage should extend from the day you leave the United States until your long-term healthcare in Portugal is arranged. Reviewing policy details carefully is an important part of an expat relocation checklist, as it protects you from unexpected expenses.

Carrying Medical Records

Organizing medical records is just as important as carrying passports, and it is one of the essential things to do before moving abroad. Essential documents before moving include immunization histories, prescription details, and any reports of chronic conditions. Digital backups in secure storage ensure you can access these records at a moment’s notice. This preparation saves time when visiting doctors or specialists abroad.

Prescriptions and Medications

If you rely on ongoing prescriptions, make arrangements to bring an adequate supply for at least the first few months. This gives you time to register with local clinics and find a nearby pharmacy. Packaging should include clearly labeled prescriptions, and carrying a doctor’s note is often recommended for international travel.

Locating Care Providers in Advance

Before arriving, it is useful to research nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in your chosen neighborhood, which is one of the most practical things to do before moving abroad. Doing this as part of your prepare for international move strategy gives peace of mind, especially for families with children or individuals with medical conditions. Knowing where to go in case of emergencies reduces stress during the early adjustment phase.

Earthrelo can support this stage by freeing you from logistical burdens, allowing more time to focus on healthcare readiness. With records, coverage, and prescriptions in place, you can step into Portugal confident that your health needs are protected.

Schools & Education (If You’re Moving with Kids)

For families, one of the most essential things to do before moving abroad is preparing for your children’s education. A strong moving abroad preparation list must cover schools, enrollment requirements, and record-keeping. Ensuring this part of your expat relocation checklist is handled early makes your child’s transition smoother and minimizes stress after arrival.

Choosing the Right School Type

Portugal offers a range of school options, from public institutions to bilingual programs and international schools. Public schools provide cultural immersion, while bilingual and international schools may be more familiar for American children. Deciding which option best fits your child’s learning needs and your family’s goals is a vital part of any prepare for international move strategy.

Enrollment Documents and Records

Education systems require a clear set of documents for enrollment, and preparing these is one of the crucial things to do before moving abroad. Essential documents before moving include transcripts, report cards, and immunization records. Parents should also carry letters of recommendation and any specialized education plans. Certified translations can help with faster processing, ensuring children do not face delays when joining their new classes.

Planning Around Academic Calendars

School years in Portugal typically run from September through June. If your relocation falls mid-year, it’s important to contact schools early to secure a spot. Factoring this into your expat relocation checklist ensures your children adjust quickly without interruptions to their education. Preparing this step well in advance is one of the most critical things to do before moving abroad with kids.

Earthrelo takes care of the moving logistics, giving you space to focus on this important family decision. When the household transition is handled seamlessly, parents can dedicate more time to supporting their children’s academic success abroad.

Driving, Transport & Mobility

Transportation planning is another crucial part of the things to do before moving abroad. From short-term driving arrangements to long-term licensing, the way you get around Portugal affects daily convenience and independence. Including mobility in your moving abroad preparation list ensures you are not caught unprepared once you arrive.

Short-Term Driving Solutions

For the first months, many expats rely on short-term transport options such as rental cars, public transit, or ride-hailing services. Bringing an International Driving Permit, paired with a valid US license, allows you to legally drive while you settle in. This temporary step buys time to explore neighborhoods and adapt to local driving conditions.

Transitioning to a Portuguese License

Eventually, most residents choose to exchange their US license for a Portuguese one, and preparing for this is one of the necessary things to do before moving abroad. Requirements can vary depending on timing and documentation, so keeping your paperwork ready is essential. Copies of your current license and certified identity records are among the essential documents before moving that simplify this step. Including this in your expat relocation checklist ensures compliance without delays.

Deciding Between Buying or Bringing a Car

An important prepare for international move decision is whether to ship a vehicle or purchase locally. Shipping requires customs paperwork, while buying in Portugal may involve comparing taxes, insurance, and registration fees. Evaluating which option suits your budget and lifestyle is a task best handled before departure.

Understanding Public Transportation

Portugal’s cities are well connected with metro systems, trains, and buses. Coastal towns and smaller villages also benefit from regional routes. Learning about local passes, ticketing systems, and schedules before arrival helps you navigate confidently. This step is often overlooked, but it is one of the practical things to do before moving abroad for smoother daily living.

Earthrelo manages the complexity of transporting household belongings, freeing you to focus on practical issues like transportation. By aligning your mobility plans with your overall relocation, you create a balanced start in Portugal.

Packing Strategy & Shipping Your Household Goods

Among the most time-consuming things to do before moving abroad is preparing your household goods. Packing is more than just filling boxes; it requires strategy, prioritization, and organization. A moving abroad preparation list should include what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to prepare items for shipping. Getting this step right helps avoid unnecessary costs and stress once you arrive.

Creating a Room-by-Room Checklist

A strong expat relocation checklist begins with inventorying every room. This step makes it easier to evaluate what has sentimental value, what can be replaced in Portugal, and what may not be worth transporting. Breaking the home into manageable sections prevents the process from feeling overwhelming and helps track the weight and volume of goods.

Deciding What to Ship and What to Replace

Portugal’s homes often have different layouts and sizes compared to the US. Furniture, for example, may not fit as easily in smaller apartments. Electronics designed for US voltage may require converters or may not work at all. Reviewing these factors is one of the practical things to do before moving abroad, ensuring that only valuable or irreplaceable items make the trip.

Shipping Methods and Timelines

When preparing for an international relocation, you will need to choose between air and sea freight. Air is faster but more expensive, while sea freight offers affordability for large shipments. Timelines can range from weeks to months, so scheduling shipments ahead of time is essential. Including this step in your prepare for international move plan ensures you are not left waiting for essentials.

Customs Preparation and Documentation

Shipping household goods also requires careful attention to customs rules, which is one of the technical things to do before moving abroad. Essential documents before moving, such as packing lists, invoices, and identification records, will be requested upon entry. Keeping clear and accurate inventories prevents delays and ensures a smoother process. Partnering with Earthrelo ensures professional packing, secure handling, and complete support with customs paperwork.

By creating a clear packing strategy and aligning it with your shipping schedule, you reduce stress and gain confidence. With Earthrelo’s guidance, the logistics of transporting your household goods become seamless, leaving you free to focus on the personal side of your transition.

Pet Relocation Without Stress

For families with animals, planning pet relocation is one of the most emotional things to do before moving abroad. Pets are part of the family, and ensuring their safety and comfort is just as important as arranging housing or finances. Including this step in your moving abroad preparation list guarantees that your pets are ready for the journey and can settle into their new home smoothly.

Preparing Health Records and Vaccinations

Before traveling, pets must meet certain health requirements. Essential documents before moving include veterinary records, proof of rabies vaccinations, and a health certificate from an accredited vet. These should be prepared weeks in advance to align with airline and entry regulations. Digital copies, along with originals, provide added security during travel.

Selecting the Right Travel Crate

A comfortable and regulation-compliant crate is vital for air travel, and preparing one is among the overlooked things to do before moving abroad with pets. Crates should allow pets to stand, turn, and rest easily, with adequate ventilation. Preparing your pet early by introducing them to the crate reduces anxiety on travel day. This step may seem small but it is an important part of a prepare for international move plan.

Planning the Journey

Choosing routes with fewer transfers and shorter waiting times helps reduce stress for pets. Booking flights early ensures space in cargo holds or cabin areas designed for animals. This logistical step should sit high on any expat relocation checklist because travel arrangements directly impact pet well-being.

Settling Pets into Their New Environment

Once in Portugal, pets need time to adjust. Introducing them gradually to their new surroundings, keeping familiar toys, and maintaining consistent routines helps with the transition. It’s also wise to research local vets in advance, ensuring immediate access to care if needed. Preparing for this adjustment is one of the practical things to do before moving abroad with animals.

Earthrelo supports pet relocation by managing timelines and customs requirements alongside household goods. With expert coordination, you can focus on comforting your pets, knowing their journey has been arranged with care and precision.

Utilities, Connectivity & Daily Setup

One of the practical things to do before moving abroad is planning how you will handle daily necessities such as utilities, internet, and mobile services. A moving abroad preparation list that ignores these essentials can make the first weeks unnecessarily stressful. Organizing them in advance ensures you step into a functional living environment from day one.

Setting Up Electricity, Gas, and Water

Arranging utilities is often one of the first responsibilities after signing a rental contract, making it one of the immediate things to do before moving abroad. Many landlords in Portugal may expect tenants to register accounts in their own names. Having essential documents before moving, such as proof of identification, bank details, and rental agreements, makes the process smoother. Adding this to your expat relocation checklist prevents last-minute issues when moving into your new home.

Internet and Mobile Services

Staying connected is crucial both for work and for staying in touch with family abroad. Researching internet providers and mobile carriers ahead of time allows you to compare plans and avoid delays. An effective prepare for international move strategy also includes exploring eSIM or prepaid SIM card options so you can stay connected immediately upon arrival.

Mail Forwarding and Package Handling

Managing mail is another detail often overlooked in relocation. Setting up forwarding services ensures important documents continue reaching you after departure. In Portugal, you can also arrange to pick up parcels through designated collection points. This step may seem small, but it is one of the practical things to do before moving abroad to maintain uninterrupted communication and service.

Earthrelo streamlines your relocation process so that your focus can remain on these day-to-day details. With the logistics of shipping and customs managed, you’ll have more time to handle the setup of utilities and digital connectivity.

Culture & Everyday Living: Set Expectations

Adjusting to local culture is just as important as arranging documents or housing. Embracing the Portuguese lifestyle is one of the most rewarding things to do before moving abroad. Building cultural awareness and setting expectations in advance helps reduce frustration and allows you to integrate more smoothly.

Learning the Language

While English is commonly spoken in urban areas, learning European Portuguese opens doors to better communication and stronger relationships. Adding language learning to your moving abroad preparation list enhances your confidence when navigating daily interactions such as shopping, dining, and using local services. Even basic phrases make a significant difference.

Everyday Customs and Etiquette

Social norms in Portugal may differ from those in the United States, so learning them is one of the cultural things to do before moving abroad. Quiet hours, mealtime schedules, and traditions such as greeting with cheek kisses are part of everyday life. Understanding these customs in advance is a practical step within your expat relocation checklist that makes you feel more at home.

Shopping, Dining, and Lifestyle Differences

Grocery shopping often happens in local markets rather than massive supermarkets, and dining times are generally later in the evening. Cafés play an important cultural role and are often used as social gathering places. Adapting to these patterns should be part of your prepare for international move planning, as it helps you align with community life more naturally.

Building Community Connections

Settling in is easier when you connect with local groups, neighbors, or international communities, which is one of the social things to do before moving abroad. Taking part in cultural events, volunteering, or attending classes creates opportunities for new friendships. Including this step in your moving abroad preparation list enriches your experience and supports long-term integration.

Earthrelo’s relocation expertise ensures your practical logistics are managed, giving you the freedom to focus on embracing cultural experiences. By combining preparation with openness, you create a smoother pathway to enjoying everyday life in Portugal.

Master Timeline: Your Prepare-for-International-Move Countdown

One of the most effective things to do before moving abroad is to break tasks into a clear timeline. A structured moving abroad preparation list not only prevents last-minute panic but also ensures you complete essential tasks in the right order. Creating a countdown approach makes your expat relocation checklist more manageable and keeps the process on track.

90 to 60 Days Before Departure

At this stage, the focus is on major preparations. Begin decluttering your home, making decisions about what to ship, sell, or donate. Start gathering essential documents before moving, including medical, school, and financial records. It is also the right time to research housing, schools, and healthcare providers in Portugal. Early planning during this period lays the foundation for a smoother relocation.

60 to 30 Days Before Departure

With two months left, concentrate on logistics, which is one of the essential things to do before moving abroad. Confirm shipping schedules with Earthrelo and finalize your packing strategy. Organize insurance coverage, both for health and for household goods in transit. This is also the time to notify relevant institutions, such as banks or subscription services, about your move. Keeping these details in your prepare for international move plan ensures continuity during your transition.

30 to 7 Days Before Departure

As departure approaches, focus on packing essentials and securing daily arrangements. Set aside items for travel day, such as clothing, toiletries, and important documents. Double-check customs paperwork and confirm temporary housing reservations in Portugal. Adding these to your expat relocation checklist helps prevent overlooked details. It is also wise to ensure mail forwarding and utility cancellations are complete before leaving the United States.

Moving Day and First Week Abroad

The final stage is about execution. Carry your essential documents before moving in a secure folder, and keep digital backups accessible. Upon arrival, settle into temporary housing, explore the neighborhood, and prioritize opening local accounts or setting up utilities. A structured timeline is one of the most practical things to do before moving abroad, providing confidence and peace of mind.

Work with a Trusted International Mover (Earthrelo)

While checklists and planning are crucial, one of the most impactful things to do before moving abroad is partnering with the right relocation expert. Managing shipping, customs, and logistics independently can be overwhelming. Earthrelo provides tailored support for international moves, making the entire experience more organized and less stressful.

Personalized Pre-Move Survey

Earthrelo begins the process with a thorough pre-move survey to evaluate your household goods. This allows for accurate cost estimates and customized solutions. Including this step in your moving abroad preparation list ensures you know exactly what to expect, both financially and logistically.

Professional Packing and Shipping

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of an expat relocation checklist and remains one of the practical things to do before moving abroad. Earthrelo’s professional packing services ensure fragile items are protected, furniture is disassembled safely, and goods are crated securely for long-distance shipping. Choosing between air and sea freight is also simplified, with guidance on timelines and costs.

Customs Guidance and Documentation

Navigating customs requires attention to detail. Essential documents before moving, such as packing lists and proof of ownership, must be accurate and ready. Earthrelo assists in preparing and organizing these documents, helping you avoid delays at entry points. This service is a vital component of a prepare for international move plan.

Delivery and Settling In

Upon arrival, Earthrelo coordinates the safe delivery of your goods to your new home, and this step is among the most crucial things to do before moving abroad. Support continues with unpacking, reassembly of furniture, and handling any issues that arise during the final stage of the move. This end-to-end approach ensures your relocation feels seamless.

Earthrelo’s expertise allows you to focus on the personal aspects of moving, from setting up schools to adjusting culturally. With trusted professionals handling logistics, your transition to Portugal becomes less about stress and more about opportunity.

Wrapping Up: Your Confident Start in Portugal

Relocating to another country is never a small step, and one of the most valuable things to do before moving abroad is to approach it with structure and preparation. A carefully designed moving abroad preparation list ensures no critical task is overlooked, from documents and finances to housing and cultural adjustment.

By following an expat relocation checklist that includes healthcare, transportation, packing, and education, you are setting yourself up for success. Essential documents before moving should always be at the top of your priorities, but the small lifestyle adjustments and cultural preparations matter just as much. When combined, these steps form a balanced prepare for international move plan.

Earthrelo makes this journey even smoother by managing the logistical side of your relocation, which is one of the top things to do before moving abroad for peace of mind. From professional packing to customs support and secure delivery, Earthrelo ensures the transition is not just efficient but also stress-free. With expert guidance, you can focus more on starting your new chapter and less on the challenges of moving.

Moving from the USA to Portugal is not simply about crossing borders—it’s about creating a life that feels complete and comfortable. With preparation, planning, and the right support, your relocation becomes less of a challenge and more of an opportunity to thrive.