Prepping Your Move with Asian Tigers Hong Kong MD (Retired) - Rob Chipman
Join us on ‘The Global Move’ podcast, presented by Asian Tigers Group. In this episode, the host discusses the intricacies of international relocations with Rob Chipman, the recently retired Managing Director of Asian Tigers Hong Kong. Now retired and adapting to life back in the USA, Rob shares valuable insights on overcoming challenges associated with his latest international move: high-rise living and the regulations affecting moving large items. Learn practical tips on organizing and planning your own move. For even more comprehensive information on planning your international move check out the Asian Tigers Group FAQ and try our Tiger Concierge, a GPT-powered chatbot: https://asiantigersgroup.com/faq.
Host: Welcome to the Global Move, brought to you by Asian Tigers Group, where we get insight from professional, international and sensational leaders in the business and try to smooth your move to help you avoid pitfalls. I’m your host. And today we’re joined by the recently retired managing director of Asian Tigers group Hong Kong. Welcome, Rob.
Rob: Thanks. It’s great to be here.
Host: Rob, you’ve had a fascinating journey moving back to the USA now after your retirement. What’s the biggest challenge you’d face in this current transition?
Rob: Well, it’s dealing with high rise living in Hong Kong, and it used to be possible to hoist large items up the side of a building and then through a window or a patio door. But unfortunately, regulations do not allow for such hoisting today.
Host: Because now that stuff obviously can’t go down the elevator. What did you do?
Rob: Well, it’s really it’s all about planning and mostly accepting that some things are different now than they used to be.
Host: I guess that’s life, right? Any special items that you’re moving this time around?
Rob: Absolutely. I’ve got a silk emperor’s robe and a Burmese Bible, both in fragile display cases. I’m only half joking when I say I waited until retirement before I told the team that I wanted them to move these challenging items.
Host: So how did you decide what goes where in terms of shipping?
Rob: Well, that’s a vital part of planning your move. You have to think carefully in advance about what is to go by sea, air, what to sell, what to give away, what to dispose of, and so on. Then we use checklists for each room, and we tape them to the door so that that way we know with certainty what had been done and what was left to do in that room. We also made extensive use of color coded post-it notes. Don’t pack long term storage, pack glass, give away to friends, dispose of it all helped us with our organization and it also helps the movers.
Host: I guess so. So that’s smart way to keep track everything. So what’s the one big piece of advice you’d give to people managing their first international move?
Rob: It’s first just plan ahead. Don’t put things off. Give yourself time. And that’s the best way to reduce stress.
Host: Wise words. Indeed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today, Rob.
Rob: Thank you. Pleasure being with you.
