As you prepare to leave Norway, here’s a departure checklist that might be helpful for you.
1. HOUSING CHECKOUT
Plan to move out on the date stipulated in your housing contract. If you wish to extend your stay, contact your landlord and agree on a new date in writing. Regardless of when you depart, be sure to confirm that everything is in order with your landlord before you leave (extra important for private market rentals). Landlords expect their property to be thoroughly clean and damage-free and will charge you if the condition of the property is found to be unsatisfactory. Schedule a walk-through of your place with your landlord and be sure to sign a departure inventory.
2. CANCELLATION OF ELECTRICITY & INTERNET (not applicable if you live in university housing)
Talk to your landlord regarding cancellation/transfer of electricity. Don’t cancel your electricity unless you have agreed with your landlord to do so; it is possible to transfer the service to your landlord’s name.
3. CANCELLATION OF PHONE SERVICE
Contact your phone company to ensure that your service ends when it should so that you will not be billed after your departure.
4. NOTIFY THE POST OFFICE TO HAVE YOUR MAIL FORWARDED TO YOUR US ADDRESS
Information and a downloadable change of address form are available on the post office website. Please note that the post office will not forward newspapers, magazines or items requiring that a toll be paid, and that there is a fee if you wish to have your mail forwarded for more than two months.
5. REGISTER YOUR MOVE WITH NORWEGIAN AUTHORITIES
If you have a residence permit you must notify Norwegian authorities of your move out of Norway by completing and submitting the relevant form. We recommend that you keep a copy (electronic or paper) of what you submit. Failure to register your move may result in difficulties in the future should you wish to return to Norway for longer periods of time.
6. BANK ACCOUNT
Consider what you would like to do with your Norwegian bank account. Grantees who plan on coming back to Norway in the future, either for travel or to study, sometimes decide to keep their accounts. Should you decide to close your account, be sure to do so after all outstanding bills have been paid.