So, you’re going to Europe for 7 months AND you’re moving everything into storage – time to write a checklist cause there’s a TON of stuff to do…

I will say this – the beauty of a checklist (even if it is a long, daunting one) is the sense of joy and accomplishment you get as you cross each thing off the list.   It’s a great feeling knowing that each thing that comes off the list brings you one step, one day closer to leaving for your trip.

Anyway, here’s my list…

• Get my phone unlocked and jail broken (so I can use my phone with any Sim card in Europe)
• Get 2012 tax forms and inquire about getting my T4’s early so I can file my taxes before I leave
• Get a list of embassies
• Get my mail forwarded
• Get a reference letter from work and upload it with my resume for when I get back
• Photocopy/Scan and then upload copies of my travel documents
• Change my address with all government agencies to my mom’s place
• Make sure I’m back on BC Medical Plan (I was off for awhile because my job gave me medical)
• Get travel insurance
• Open an ING account and get a bank card to use in Europe with no foreign conversion fees
• Contact banks and credit cards to let them know I’m going so my cards don’t get blocked
• Roll all my coins (I had $20 worth of pennies – this took awhile)
• Get a copy of a bank statement to bring on the trip
• Get an international drivers’ licence
• Setup a blog
• Book flight into Europe and return flight home
• Make a list of good hostels I want to stay at
• Change paycheck to direct deposit (just so I can get my last paycheck)
• Cancel my costco membership card
• Cancel my utilities and make arrangements for final payments
• Find out about storage insurance for my car while I’m gone
• Arrange a contingency plan if something happens to my car while I’m gone
• Book a moving van
• Sell my couch
• Pack everything
• Clean and paint the apartment
• Arrange a final dinner with friends
• GO SHOPPING! (that’s a whole other checklist…)