Expatriate Survival Guide -
Expat Moving Checklist

• Prepare your moving budget.  List all of your moving expenses, as some may be tax deductible or claimable.
• Confirm the pick-up and delivery dates with the movers.
• Ensure that your move is adequately insured (Read and understand the terms & conditions).
• Arrange storage if the goods are not to be shipped immediately (due to delays...etc) and not to forget storage insurance
• Arrange transport services for pets (as they always need extra special care).
• Contact bank(s) and arrange transfer or closure of your bank account(s).
• Empty and close any safe deposit boxes.
• Notify the postal service and request to redirect your mail to your new address.
• Contact schools and arrange for transfer of student records.
• Notify any child care services with a proper notice of withdrawal.
• Contact any tutors, gardeners, cleaners etc that you will no longer require their services
• Contact your doctors for medical records and possible referrals to a new physician at your destination.
• Modify your insurance policies on property, vehicles and medical services where required.
• Seperate all important records and travel documents needed prior to delivery, from items to be moved.
• Give adequate notice to clubs, Associations or volunteer activities you belong to.
• Cancel or redirect newspapers and magazine subscriptions.
• Arrange for hotels, rental cars or temporary housing required during the move process. 
   

Two weeks before moving - Checklist

• Determine what you really wish to take with you.
• Hold a garage sale or contact a charity to take the items you do not want. (or donate to charity)
• Remember to clean out Club, Gym and School Lockers.
  Collect all dry cleaning, alteration and repair items.
• Arrange for disconnection of utilities such as electricity, gas, cables, mobile phone, telephone and broadband services.
• Start packing items you need to take with you on your trip, together with your jewellery and small valuable items.
• Retrieve or return any borrowed items.
• Give away or start consuming existing stocks of canned food and perishables.
• Give away or start consuming (responsibly) any alcohol. Import duties and restrictions may apply at destination.

One Week before moving - Checklist

• Double check with your movers that all dates are confirmed.
• Confirm vehicle and pet travel dates and times.
• Confirm hotel, car rental and overseas temporary accommodation.
• Give away unused contents of deep freezer, allow to defrost and clean to minimise odours on arrival.
• After all your items have been packed and removed from the residence, arrange for cleaners to arrive.
• Double check all items against our survey inventory to ensure all items are listed.
• Arrange for voice mail/recording on your current telephone number so callers know where to find you.
• Take pictures (digital pictures) of all furniture, paintings and works of art. (use Picasa to organise your photos)
• Prepare a survival kit with items you may need at short notice.
   

Last day before moving - Final Checklist

• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator ready for it to be packed.

• Convert your local currency to ensure you can pay for incidentals on arrival in the country of your destination.

• Close Bank accounts if you have not already done so – watch out for any last minute transactions!

• Moving day (the move process may take 2 to 3 days depending on the size of your shipment)

• Movers will finish ‘export-wrapping’ and load your personal effects into your shipping container.

• Double check that all instructions regarding shipping details and/or storage are clearly understood, make these checks with the office coordinator.

• Clean your home or have cleaners do this for you.

• Check all power and water has been turned off and hand your keys to the appropriate person.

Related Links:
- International Movers in Malaysia
- Get a Taxi/Cab in KL
- Donate your old stuff away
- Hotels and Serviced Apartments 

Articles:
- TMpoint - TM's one stop centre for fixed line phone, mobile & broadband
- Learn simple Bahasa Malaysia (common phrases)

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