Making a list can help, but since this departure is at least semi-permanent, it’ll take more time and effort to complete. The most important thing is to let every regular contact in your address book, both professional and private, know where you’re going. This makes it easier should you need to tie up any loose ends once you’re there. Regularly checking expat websites such as www.expatica.com, berlin.craigslist.org and www.toytowngermany.com can help you prepare for your move and form a better picture of Berlin, its jobs, schools and diverse neighbourhoods.

• Rent or sell your house or apartment.
• Sell, store and ship your belongings.
• Cancel all utilities, phone service, satellite TV and internet.
• Give banks, credit card companies and pension programmes a new address in Germany.
• Collect contact data for all regularly used services both at home and in Berlin.
• Collect vital documents such as birth certificates, driving licences and school records.
• Leave copies of documents with a friend or relative for safekeeping.
• Refill or find the German equivalents for necessary over-the-counter and prescription medications.