Guide: Checklist for moving

Our to-do list covers all aspects of the move – from packing your belongings and handing them over to the movers to decorating your new home. Read on and get started with the preparations.  

Good preparation is the key to a successful move 

Preparation is the foundation for a smooth move. When everything is carefully planned, stress and unforeseen events can be reduced to a minimum. Additionally, by creating a detailed checklist, you ensure that nothing is forgotten and that each task is allocated appropriate time and resources.  

There are many tasks that require you to plan ahead and prepare in good time, while others can be taken care of on an ongoing basis or even after your move. For that reason, it is important that you keep track of deadlines so that you avoid acting too late. For example, you might want to make use of a moving company’s services or rent a trailer, you must report the move to the National Registry, and you may have to change doctors.  

In addition, it is always a good idea to organize your home before you start the actual packing. If you want to sort your things and get rid of what you no longer use, do so before you pack everything into boxes. Decluttering can be a big task and therefore, it might be tempting to wait until you have arrived in your new home. However, the packing itself will be significantly easier and take up less space if you have sorted in advance.  

The to-do list for moving 

Use our comprehensive moving house-checklist below and read on to get more knowledge and good advice. 

Plan your packing 

When planning your packing, it is a good idea to start early so that you have boxes as well as other packing supplies you need. With our moving checklist, you will get through the moving project well.  

Find moving boxes and wrapping paper 

One of the most important things on the to-do list is to find moving boxes – and you probably need more than you might think, because things tend to take up far more space than expected. If you start packing well in advance, you avoid it becoming a stressful task. A non-stressful move beats having to be surrounded by moving boxes for a few days or weeks.  

In addition to moving boxes, it is a good idea to find wrapping paper for glass, porcelain, and other fragile items. Many people choose to use newspapers, but it is important to remember that the ink from newspapers can rub off on certain things. This may result in you having to spend time washing them again when unpacking.  

Who will help with the move?  

Another important element on the to-do list is to figure out who will help with the move itself. This should be ticked off the checklist well in advance of the moving date, as it is of paramount importance for your move.  

Consider whether it makes the most sense to gather a group of friends and family who can assist with the work. This can be a pleasant and economical solution but remember to take into account different skills. Some must be able to carry furniture and boxes, while others must be able to organize. It might be nice to have one person that takes care of food and drinks during the day as well.  

Alternatively, hiring a professional moving company can be a good investment. Even if it costs more, it can give you freedom and peace of mind knowing that the professional movers have everything covered and will safely move all your belongings in a moving truck made for the purpose. The moving companies can typically be hired to either carry and transport only or to pack everything into boxes as well. So, you just have to figure out what you need. 

Rent a trailer well in advance 

When you choose to move your things yourself, you need to get hold of a car and a trailer. Maybe you already have a car, or you can borrow a car from friends or family. Then the next step is the trailer. If you do not own or cannot borrow one of those, you can often borrow one for free or for a very modest amount in hardware stores.  

Make sure to book your trailer well in advance, especially on the big moving days around the 1st and 15th of the month, when many others are also moving.  

What are the relocation requirements in your lease or transfer agreement? 

It is essential to review your lease or transfer agreement carefully to understand the specific requirements for relocation. They will include detailed instructions on what to expect when you move out.  

This typically includes cleaning. For example, what is expected to be cleaned, and to what extent should it be cleaned? Some landlords also expect that painting will be done. Whether you have permission to do it yourself, or whether a professional needs to be hired, it must be explicitly stated in your contract or agreement. Maybe there are even demands for small repairs. 

If you live in a rental property where gas, water, and heating are part of the rent, then you usually do not have to measure the consumption yourself when moving out. Your landlord will take care of that. If, on the other hand, the lease agreement states that the tenant is responsible for the supply of gas, water, and heat, then you must measure the consumption yourself and register it with the utility companies. This is typically also the case in cooperative and owner-occupied housing. Check with your utility companies well in advance when they need the information at the latest.  

Unsubscribe from TV and internet 

TV and internet are often not included in the rent of rental housing, but rather something you as a tenant must order and pay for yourself. However, this will be clearly stated in your lease.  

If TV and internet are included, it will simply be handed over to the new tenants when they move in. If you have provided TV and internet yourself, you must report the move to your provider up to 6 weeks before the move, and then you must take good care of the equipment during the transport so that you can use it in your new home.  

Handover of your new home 

Knowing the exact time of taking over the keys to your new home is essential for a smooth moving process. It is important to agree on a specific date and time with the seller, landlord, or real estate agent so that you can plan your move down to the smallest detail. This ensures that you can arrange relocation assistance, transportation, and any services that the key exchange may require well in advance. A clear key handover agreement helps avoid misunderstandings. 

Returning keys 

As you approach the end of your moving process, it is also important to coordinate the handing over of your keys. Whether they are to be returned to the landlord or passed on to the new tenants, you should agree on a specific time for the transfer. Remember to confirm the meeting a few days before so that all parties are on the same page and the handover happens smoothly.  

Do you need furniture for your new place? 

When you move to a new home – and especially if you move from a smaller home to a larger one – a need for new furniture may arise. Suddenly, your current bed may seem too small, and your sofa may not fit into the new living room. It provides a unique opportunity to rethink your décor and invest in furniture that fits your new home.  

Report your new address (everywhere) 

An essential part of the moving process is to report the move to the National Registry, and in many cases, you can easily and quickly do this online. It is important to report a move in time to ensure that your mail is delivered to the new address and that government agencies have the correct information. Please note that when you report your move to the National Registry, providers of postal services will automatically be notified. 

But it is not only the National Registry that needs to be notified of your new address. Organizations, streaming services, and various subscriptions and memberships also need to have the correct information registered, especially if you receive physical letters from them. In addition, you must notify the following:  

• Your employer 

• Your dentist
   
• Your doctor (if you continue to have the same doctor) 

Change doctor for free 

Maybe you are only moving a few hundred meters away from your current home, or perhaps you are moving far away. If the latter is the case, you will be offered a free change of doctor after you have been notified of the move, but this must be done within a certain deadline. Be sure to research how and when to act to avoid unexpected challenges with medical access after your move.  

Apply for housing benefit 

When you are moving away from home or changing your address and want to apply for housing benefits, it is important to be aware of the rules. If you are moving away from home for the first time and need a housing allowance for your rental property, you must apply via your municipality's or other authorities’ website. Remember that the application requires documentation of income and rental agreement. Early action ensures that you get the necessary financial aid without delay.  

If you have already received housing benefits, you must remember to apply for housing benefits again so that the authorities can make new calculations. It is a good idea to apply for housing benefits only when your new address has been reported to the National Registry – that way the processing process will go faster.  

Check your insurance 

It may be necessary to adjust your home contents insurance if, for example, you move into a different type of home or move to a new area. Not all insurance policies cover all types of housing, and there are insurance companies that do not want to insure houses with thatched roofs, while others charge an additional premium for this type of housing. For that reason, it is important to contact your insurance company to ensure that your insurance is suitable for your new housing situation.  

Buy storage and organization products at Biltema 

Are you looking for solutions for an organized home? Biltema offers a wide range of storage solutions that are perfect for the new home. We have everything from efficient waste sorting systems to practical storage shelves and boxes. Also, take a look at our storage baskets that add style to storage. Make your home tidy and inviting with Biltema.  

Get much more inspiration for your move here