9. Things to do before I leave

This is the abridged version of my to-do list. I’ve omitted any of the really obvious stuff, like socks, toothbrush, car keys etc. so it’s easier to read through for you:

  • Quit job – done
  • Open Irish bank account – done
  • Activate debit card – done
  • Obtain PPS number – do when I’m there
  • Get a job – do when I’m there
  • Find somewhere to live – kind of done
  • Add ICE (In Case Of Emergency) number/s to mobile phone – done
  • Cancel UK direct debits and standing orders where possible – done
  • Consolidate all regular UK outgoings into one UK bank account – done
  • Make a list of all important / emergency email addresses and contact numbers I will need. Print out.
  • List any names / addresses of places I’ll be staying and contact numbers for family members. Print out. – done
  • Back-up all computer items and phone – done
  • Book one-way ferry crossing, print details
  • Inform van insurance company of my change of location – done
  • Switch off electrical items at home
  • Look into informing any English / Irish offices / organisations of my move
  • Set up a blog – done
  • Rig up a leisure battery in the van to enable charging of laptop, phone when camping – done
  • Fix ceiling in van – done
  • Shelving in van – done
  • Pack – done
  • Transfer money into new Irish bank account – done
  • Prepare all camera gear, lenses etc. – done
  • Leave enough money in UK bank account for outstanding monthly payments – done
  • Order enough contact lenses to keep me going for 3 months – done
  • Driving license and counterpart – done
  • Passport renewed – done
  • Obtain cash in Euros – kind of done
  • Itinerary – done
  • Contact WOOFING hosts
  • Set up a rented postal box, as I won’t have a fixed address – not bothering with
  • Print copies CV to give out while I’m there? – done
  • Buy portable printer?
  • Service mountain bike – done
  • Service van – done (new tyres, wipers and fuel filter)
  • Print a speed comparison for KM / MPH to stick on dashboard (for quick reference) – done
  • Prepare dried food / tins of food for van – done
  • Note down any important GPS co-ordinates (No postcodes in ROI)

For those of you who are interested in what I have done to my van in preparation for the trip, I have created a few blog sub-sections:

Bodywork
Ceiling and architrave
Curtain

 

If you would like to continue without reading about my van tinkering, click the following link:

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