There is usually a lot to consider when moving. It is a busy and intensive period in which you have to take care of many things. will to make the transition to your new home go smoothly. To ensure the move goes smoothly, it is useful to have a checklist to make. What are the most important things to think about? We have listed everything below and have also processed it into a handy infographic!
Avoid double housing costs
The first preparations start the moment you know that a move is coming. First of all, it is of course important to cancel the rent of your old home (and possibly also a garage) to prevent you from being saddled with double housing costs. No rental property? Then put the old house up for sale early to avoid the double-charge scenario. You can also start arranging the mortgage (or at least doing some research) if you plan to move into a home you own.
Phase 1: The first preparations
To make the move go smoothly, it is important to start planning and arranging the most important administrative and practical matters early. Read the most important ones below points of interest preparing for moving.
Are you hiring a professional moving team?
Moving costs money, even if you arrange a lot yourself. Make sure you have a large budget, also check out our saving tips when moving. Request quotes from different moving companies and compare what it means to move yourself or to have a professional moving team to enable. Look at the differences in costs if you move yourself and the costs of a moving team.
Moving is something you can often do yourself, but make sure you have good transportation. There are different types of moving vans that you can use, but first investigate what size moving van you need. You can also use a rent a van during the move.
Inform various parties
It is important to have various to inform persons and institutions. Think of the provider(s) of telephone, internet and television. This prevents automatic debits from being written off in the future. Another important party is your insurer, find out what you home contents insurance covers during the move. Also, do not forget to inform doctors, specialists, pharmacists, and banks.
In addition, inform your employer in advance that you are moving so that you can apply for a moving leave. Finally, you must make agreements with the new residents about whether or not to take over things such as the floor, curtains or antennas.
Inform yourself
If you move to another municipality, it is important that you have more information about the new place of residence. If you move to a rental property, it is useful to inquire about possible housing allowance.
Moving checklist:
- Inquire about moving companies
- Arrange transportation for the move
- Inform various people and institutions
- Make arrangements with the new residents
- Arrange moving leave
- Inquire about rent allowance
- Stop or change automatic transfers
- Find information about the new place of residence
- Inform doctors, specialists, pharmacists, insurers and the bank
- Clear away items that you are not taking with you to the new home
- Place the filled freezer on the coldest setting
Phase 2: Just before the move
Moving day is almost here: time for the very last preparations to make the supreme moment go smoothly and to exclude unpleasant surprises. Let your friends and family know what your new address is and return any items you have borrowed from them. It is important that the handover of keys is well arranged and that you have arranged childcare for your children during the move itself.
Moving material
Although the number of moving boxes you need depends on the size of your belongings, an average family of four will need thirty to forty moving boxes necessary to transport all the stuff. Moving boxes with a high load capacity are the best and safest option. Depending on the size, a moving box costs one to two euros.
Besides the moving boxes, you most likely have other things as well moving materials such as wrapping paper and foam or bubble wrap are needed to provide extra protection for the objects being transported. Special storage and moving blankets can provide a solution for protecting furniture. For a large move, you will need fifteen to twenty moving blankets.
Preparing to move various devices
A household has many devices, make sure you prepare them for moving in the right way. Disconnect small electronic devices such as a kettle.
Washing machine
When moving a washing machine there are several points you should pay attention to. For example, have the drum secured to prevent damage to the appliance during the move.
Refrigerator
The refrigerator also has its own instructions. Start by emptying and cleaning the refrigerator, and read our tips to make a refrigerator to move safely and securely.
Computers and laptops
You also need to be careful when moving your computer, laptop or tablet, make sure you always make a backup of your hard drive beforehand. That way you don't run the risk of losing files in an accident during the move.
Preparation of other properties
Start packing all your belongings in boxes, but make sure you label them well so that you don’t lose anything. Make sure that you store valuables well to prevent them from getting lost during the move. It is wise to disassemble furniture, because it takes up less space and is easier to move and transport. Cover the furniture with moving blankets during the move for extra protection during transport. Also take down the fixed lamps and curtains now, so that you don’t have to do this later.
Administrative business:
- Send address changes
- Arrange childcare and pet care
- Arrange the key transfer
- Cancel your old PO box
- Return borrowed items
- Reserve a parking space for the moving van
Practical issues:
- Buy moving supplies
- Store valuables
- Disassemble furniture
- Remove the fixed lamps and curtains
- Disconnect electrical appliances
- Prepare the washing machine for moving
- Prepare the refrigerator for moving
- Prepare the computer for moving
- Label all boxes
Checklist for moving day itself
After all the preparatory work and arrangements, you are finally ready for the moving day. Getting up on time ensures peace and ensures that you can perform all actions in a relaxed manner. Although most of your belongings will have been packed by now, it is important to first fill the last boxes so that everything is ready for departure.
Hand luggage during the move
In addition, there are a number of practical matters that you should definitely take into account during the move. Put keys, important papers and cash together in your hand luggage. You can tie everything together with a wire, for example. Also put the spare fuses for electrical devices in your hand luggage.
Moving furniture
Use a hand truck and/or furniture dolly to move heavy items such as the refrigerator, washing machine, or crates. Don't forget to also bring a toolbox for (dis)assembling furniture, among other things. When everything is in the moving van, it is important to secure the items with tension straps to prevent them from sliding while driving.
Check everything
Check the entire house to make sure you haven't forgotten anything, including the forgotten corners such as the attic and the shed. Then turn off the gas and water and take the meter readings. This way you can be sure that you are not paying too much or too little on the final bill. In the winter, don't forget to drain the water as well. Also make sure that all windows and doors are closed when you leave.
Checklist during the move:
- Put important items in your hand luggage
- Pack the spare fuses in your hand luggage
- Use a hand truck
- Bring a toolbox
- Use tension straps in the van
- Check forgotten corners
- Turn off the gas and water
- Drain the water pipe in winter
- Take the meter readings
- Close doors and windows
Infographic moving checklist
To make sure you have all this useful information easily at hand during your move and the process leading up to it, we have developed this infographic. Step by step you will not forget anything and you can calmly start your move!
