Moving out of accommodation is pretty much hassle free. Check your lease and make sure you give your landlord the appropriate amount of notice. If you’re invoking your diplomatic clause (see accommodation) you may have to give proof that you’re fulfilling the requirements. If you don’t give enough notice you may end up losing your deposit. Attitudes to wear and tear vary. Some landlords are quite relaxed while others will insist you return the property to the condition it was in when you moved in, and you’ll have to do the necessary touching up if you want your deposit back.
Utility bills are usually in the landlord’s name, so arrange for the meters to be read on the day you leave and pay the bills so that you can get back your utilities deposit. You will have to disconnect your phone a couple of weeks in advance to get your hefty expat deposit back from Telekom Malaysia. The same goes for mobile phone contracts. It’s best to switch to a prepaid SIM card for the last few weeks.

Shipping costs can vary, so get at least three quotes. Relocation companies can help you return your property to order and sort out your utilities but these services can add extra expense to your move. If you have bought bamboo or wicker furniture you may need to have it fumigated before shipping.

Allow a couple of months to sell your car. Cash transactions are ideal, as it can take time for a buyer to get financing approved. If it’s refused, you can be left with no time to find another buyer. Cars tend to get bought and sold between expats, so try asking around to see if anyone you know is looking for a car. Selling to a dealer is the easiest option, but you’ll get less for your vehicle than if you sell privately. Given the high cost of vehicles in Malaysia, you’ll probably want to get as much of your investment back as possible. Expat-friendly City Motors (see buying a car) will allow you to continue to use your vehicle for a short time after selling it to them.