Moving checklist: 6 things every expat should do before leaving Hong Kong

July is the month when school is out and summer holidays officially begin. It’s the time of year when many of us have to face saying “goodbye” to old friends, or part ways with this beautiful city ourselves. If you’re making the break this year, we’ve compiled a list of things you will probably need to take care of before taking off.

1. Leaving home

Whether you are looking to terminate your lease or putting your flat on the market, there are a few steps to follow through to make for a smooth transition. We chat with Bonnie Chan, Associate Director of Residential Services at Colliers International, to give you the most up-to-date information on what you need to do when leaving your home in Hong Kong.

Breaking your lease

• Check your tenancy agreement regarding the break clause. Most of the leases in Hong Kong are based on two years with a break clause after the first year, the notice period can be from one to three months.
• Make sure to serve written notice to your landlord and coordinate a date for the handback and how to refund the security deposit.
• Make sure to terminate all utilities including water, gas and electricity. Internet termination usually requires one month in advance.
• Ask your landlord/agent whether they would like to schedule a pre-marching out inspection, where to highlight anything that needs to be reinstated or pay attention to.
• Coordinate dates with the movers to move out all personal belongings and furniture.

Selling your home

• Obtain a bank evaluation, these days, it’s very easy to do online.
• Ask your agent to provide recent transactions in the building or area. If you are keen to sell your home, make sure to set a realistic price that aligns with market transactions.
• List your home with agents. If you would like to avoid the hassle work, appoint an agency as the sole agent for your property where they can manage and coordinate all viewings.
• Arrange with your agent to take photos of your home so that it can be published online for advertisement.
• Arrange an open day for viewings as to boost up the speed for selling your home.

2. Power off

Most public utility companies in Hong Kong offer online services which allow you to close your accounts. Be sure to claim back your deposit (if any) that you paid to open that particular account. To close a water account and request a refund of deposit, you should notify the Water Supplies Department at least 14 days in advance. The following is a list of public utility service providers that you may need to inform about your move:

• Water Supplies Department
• Electricity company
• Gas company
• Fixed and mobile telecommunication network operator
• Internet service provider
• Paid TV service provider

3. Sell, donate, dispose

Selling your items

It can be hard to part with items that you have spent a small fortune on, especially when you’ll only get a fraction of what you paid for it back in your hands. But if you are interested in selling, there are many platforms in Hong Kong that can help you to do so. All you need to do is take some snaps, write a description and upload to your preferred selling site.

• AsiaXPAT allows you to browse and sell everything from electronics to home furnishings.
• GeoExpat hosts one of Hong Kong’s most helpful expat communities and one of the busiest classifieds.
• Facebook Marketplace allows you to sell items by filtering within your selected location.

Read more: Where to sell and donate second-hand furniture in Hong Kong

Donating your items

Although Hong Kong isn’t awash with charity shops like some cities, there are around 200 clothing bins scattered around the city that accept second-hand clothes and accessories in good condition. Any unwanted furniture and fashion can find new homes via these charities and organisations (who also welcome any monetary donations and volunteer efforts).

• Enrich Others is a mobile app which allows you to post your “gifts” to others anonymously and, if they are requested by multiple users, you get to decide who would benefit from them the most (rather than donating on a first-come, first-served basis).
• Crossroads Foundation accepts all kinds of second-hand items in good condition including household goods, furniture, electrical appliances in working order, stationery and clothes. Fill out the online donation form and drop off at its centre in Tuen Mun.
• Oxfam accepts all second-hand clothing, handbags and accessaries. They can be dropped off at Hong Kong’s only Oxfam shop in Jardine House, Central.
• The Salvation Army accepts clothing (but not fur, underwear or towels), footwear, handbags and accessories, electrical home appliances including computers and monitors in working order, toys, stationery, books and copyrighted DVDs/VCDs/CDs. If you have a lot to donate, a pickup service can be arranged.

Disposing your items

If your items are in no condition to sell or donate, there are a few refuse collection points in Hong Kong where you can dispose of them. These points are located on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories and Outlying Islands. Simply search ‘refuse collection points’ to find your nearest at the FEHD website.

4. Dear Mr. Postman

As informing your family, friends and other organisations of your new address can be time consuming, it’s handy to make use of the Mail Redirection Service provided by Hong kong Post to ensure that none of your mail is lost. For each business user, charges are $409 for the first three months and then $512 for each six months thereafter. For each private user, charges are $136 for the first three months and then $172 for each six months thereafter. Applicants must fill out the Pos 800 form which can be downloaded from the Hong kong Post website and submitted in person at any post office.

5. Tax facts

Those born in Hong Kong will not need to worry about the following when leaving Hong Kong. This is only for those who have lived here as a temporary citizen and intend to leave Hong Kong for good. You should first give your employer no less than one month’s notice so that they can notify the Inland Revenue of your salary. At this time, you will also need to complete an I.R.56G form which you can pick up at the Revenue Tower. You must personally notify the Inland Revenue of your leaving date so that any outstanding payments or rebates can be settled. You will then be sent a green tax form in the post to complete within 14 days which you are required to settle in person at the Revenue Tower. Those who are self-employed must also alert the Inland Revenue of their plans to cease business in Hong Kong in order to avoid various fees.

6. Crossing the globe

If you require movers and packers to transport your items to your new home overseas, there are several trusted companies in Hong Kong that can make the move a breeze for you.

• Seven Seas Worldwide Shipping help you move excess baggage, personal belongings and household furniture all over the world at affordable prices.
• Crown Relocations owns and operates over 200 facilities in almost 60 countries world wide. They will assist in everything from the pre-move planning through to settling in to your new home.
• Allied Pickfords will assist you with a moving package to cater to your specific moving needs. As they move to over 600 global locations daily, they are well versed on international shipping rules and guidelines so you can be sure you will be in for a smooth transition from A to B.

Feature image courtesy of Unsplash.