Managing and cancelling services and subscriptions

1. Mobile phone

Cancelling your phone contract is easy if you’re on a SIM-only plan. You may have to call your provider and explain you are moving abroad, but it’s usually a straightforward process.

Things are a bit trickier if you signed a contract. You may have to pay a penalty or buy out the remainder of your contract. Moving abroad is a legitimate reason for termination. However, the proof required is sometimes extremely hard to get.

Remember to keep proof of cancellation (screenshots, emails, etc.).

If you want to keep your telephone number, you can ask customer service if putting your plan on hold is an option. Otherwise, you can switch to a cheaper plan to keep your number and reactivate it when you return.

2. Internet, cable and landline

You may have to pay penalty fees if you signed a contract. Again, try to play the “moving abroad” card to get out of the contract without penalty.

Don’t forget to return your modem and all rental equipment—and once again, keep proof of cancellation.

3. Lease

Find out how to terminate your lease and how much notice you have to give. You can also investigate subleasing if allowed.

Don’t forget to contact your water, electricity or gas supplier to end your contract.

4. Insurance

Do you still need car insurance if you’re selling your car? How about your home insurance? Go through your various contracts and cancel as needed.

5. Subscriptions

Don’t forget to cancel your cinema or gym membership! Go through all your regular subscriptions on your bank statement—reviewing which subscriptions you need is always a great way to save money and start fresh.

6. Power of attorney

It may be worth giving power of attorney to someone you trust:

• To collect mail from the Post Office (if you receive registered mail, for example).
• For banking purposes (to make a transfer or to cash a cheque).
• To vote (if you are planning to travel at election time, find out about proxy voting).

7. Mail forwarding

Make sure to organise mail forwarding to a registered address in your home country. Ask family or a trusted friend if you can use their address.