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Relocation is difficult at the best of times, but with many expats leaving Hong Kong with short notice it’s worth knowing what you need to do to get the process started.
I can’t really put my finger on it but #HomeKong just draws you in completely with its views, infrastructure, food, holidays, local markets, Airport Express and limitless opportunities. If, like me, you’ve lived in this bubble for many years you might never have dreamed of leaving Hong Kong. Though, at the back of my mind (way back!), I always knew the day would come when we would have to move for various reasons — we may be permanent residents but, sadly, the 852 is not our forever home.
Leaving this amazing city can be heartbreaking but it’s also a great opportunity to get excited about new adventures. A change is as good as a rest, as they say! Moving at the best of times seems like a prodigious task, but for me, it has come with a unique set of obstacles (quarantine, lockdown, social distancing). Luckily, I am one of those who has a list for everything. So, if the time has come for you to face the daunting task of relocation, hopefully, this “Leaving Hong Kong checklist” will make your life much easier!
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1. Get Your Medical Records
The first thing you should do is sort out your medical records especially if you have been a part of the public health care system. When I wanted to register my four-month baby with a hospital in my new home, they required his discharge summary and medical records (it was important in his case as he was a premature baby). I hadn’t realised that I only had his vaccination card and was missing his medical information (and mine).
Like most things in Hong Kong, the process is fairly simple. You download an online form and post it with a cheque. You can even request for the documents to be sent to your new address offshore. The only catch is it can take anywhere between 60 to 90 days.
Read more: Booking A COVID Vaccine For Children Age 5 to 11 In Hong Kong
2. Choose A Relocation Service And Fix A Date
I have spent a lot of time collecting little knick-knacks and investing in some beautiful furniture. If you also have a great collection, you’ll want the best company to ship your goods. There are numerous options available. My husband did the research on several companies and got them to assess and provide quotes. When picking a relocation company, choose one that fits your budget and has a decent reputation.
These relocation services often come recommended in Hong Kong:
- Crown Relocaton, www.crownrelo.com
- Asian Tigers, www.asiantigersgroup.com
- Transworld Relocation, www.transworldrelocation.com.hk
- Santa Fe Relocation, www.santaferelo.com
Fixing a shipment date is a close second to the medical records. From my own experience, I have understood that some companies try to combine shipments especially if the container is only half full. This can cause a delay to the arrival of your belongings which typically takes a month to a month and a half. And don’t forget to insure your shipment.
Read more: A Quick And Easy Guide To Relocating Within Hong Kong
3. Make An Exhaustive Inventory List
List down everything you are going to send via the shipping company, items that you plan to send through a courier and others that you would prefer carrying with you such as baby stuff, jewellery, your wedding dress, etc. This really helps you get organised and also can be used as a reference for insurance for when your shipment arrives. Numbering boxes and having a list of what is in each box is a great way of keeping track.
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4. Inform Your Landlord
We were lucky as we were on the second year of the renewed contract and so for us, all that was required was just a months’ notice. Please read your contract and speak to your agent at the earliest. In some cases, there is a lock-in period for a fixed number of months. Landlords in the city are generally reasonable but some experts advise including an expat break clause in your tenancy agreements.
Read more: What You Need To Know About Buying A Property In Hong Kong
5. Inform Your Child’s School
Let your child’s school know when his or her last day will be. If you’re already close to the end of the school year, some schools may agree to give an extended leave. See what best works for you.
Even more important is applying for the return of your debenture or deposit amount (if applicable). This is often a large sum of money and can be worrisome for parents. Because rules vary from school to school, so it’s best to study your child’s school’s policy in detail.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide To International Schools In Hong Kong
6. MPF — Keep Or Close?
If you know for sure you are never going to return to this lovely city, you can request a withdrawal. The process can be time-consuming. If it’s not critical to collect the money immediately, you could also do it once you are fully settled in your new location.
Read more: Moving With Pets: Relocating To Another Country With Pets
7. Pare Down
This, by far, was the most difficult aspect for me. I had nine years’ worth of my best memories in my Hong Kong home and it was hard to give up anything. But this move left me with no choice. I literally had to Marie Kondo my way through everything I owned. Before you leave the city, get rid of everything unnecessary and donate useful items to one of Hong Kong’s great charitable organisations.
Read more: Cull The Clutter: Your Guide To Donation Resources In Hong Kong
8. Get Your Financials And Documents In Order
Inform your bank that you are leaving Hong Kong and provide them with contact details in your new country of residence. Even if you no longer reside in Hong Kong, it is advisable to keep the bank account, at least for the short term. Speak to your bank about the minimum deposit required in the account.
Speak to the different utilities companies to close your connections and collect any deposit due. Keep scanned copies of your house rent agreement, employment contract, payslips, utility bills, etc. Sometimes these are credited into your bank account directly which is another reason to keep your bank account active for a while.
Equally importantly, pay any tax due. This is true whether you are staying on or leaving the city.
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9. Cancel Subscriptions
Say bye to your cell phone number, your amazing WiFi network and any TV, magazine or newspaper subscriptions you may have. Again, check your contracts here. Cancel all direct debits and automated payments from your bank or credit card that you can’t or don’t want to carry over to your new location.
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10. Helper’s Visa
Yes, we all wish we could relocate with our wonderful helpers who have become a part of our family. But that’s not always possible in your new country of residence.
Here are the ways you can help your domestic worker(s) when you decide to relocate:
- Inform immigration with a letter stating your relocation date. This way your helper has the time to stay longer and find other opportunities. Since it is noted down as a termination due to relocation, it won’t be seen as a break-contract case.
- Also, a personal recommendation on social media platforms goes a long way.
Read more: What To Know If You’re Hiring A Helper For The First Time
11. Revisit Personal Favourite Spots
This city is full of adventures, which is why it’s so tough to think of leaving Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland was on the top of our list just because it’s what you have to do in the city – especially with an annual pass and an enthusiastic toddler! Just as importantly, go for that last challenging hike, that last lingering drink in your favourite pub, that last taste of steaming dumplings and that last gorgeous sunset on the beach…
Read more: 50 Things To Do With Kids In Hong Kong
12. Last-Minute Shopping
This leads us to this next point. It never hurts to shop and Hong Kong is filled with treasures! I bought lots of local art and Chinese lampshades only because my shipping container had tons of space. Also, I loved visiting the Night Market because it was so convenient (I lived just a street away), so I made a pitstop there quite often as well.
Read more: Local Hong Kong Tours: Explore The City With Your Kids
13. Clean Your Home
When we walked into our beautiful home, it was in pristine condition because we were the first tenants. We always took care of our apartment as if it were our own and while leaving, we tidied it up so the next family could enjoy the place as much as we did.
Read more: Hong Kong House Cleaning: Cleaning Services, Carpet Cleaning, Air Con Cleaning And More
14. Saying Goodbye
When you’re an expat in the city and away from your home, you tend to build strong relationships with people you meet. I have noticed that in Hong Kong, you become a part of many different social circles — friends from work, your apartment complex, fellow-mummies, expats from your own country, Hong Kong locals who you lean on and so on. Being a baker, I had another set of people whom I had to say goodbye and thank you to — my loyal clients. Goodbyes are important so make sure to take your time saying bye to friends and well-wishers.
Read more: How To Help Expat Kids Say Goodbye To Friends In Hong Kong
15. Miscellaneous To-Dos Before Leaving Hong Kong
- Return library books
- Pick up any laundry or dry cleaning
- Keep your warranty cards in a safe place
- Exchange numbers and Skype IDs with your child’s friends’ mummies
Even after leaving Hong Kong, it will always be a part of you. Stay in touch with friends and keep your connection to this vibrant city. Good luck and enjoy the journey.
Read more: Raising Resilient Hong Kong Kids By Teaching Them Happiness
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2020 and updated in February 2022.
