Moving house usually involves a lot. It's a busy and intensive period in which you have to deal with many things rules to ensure the move to your new home goes smoothly. To manage the move effectively, it's useful to have a Checklist to make. What are the main things to consider? We've listed everything below and have also processed it into a handy infographic!
Prevent double housing costs
The first preparations begin as soon as you know you'll be moving. First of all, it's important to give notice on your current rental property (and possibly a garage too) to prevent yourself from being landed with double mortgage costs. No rental property? Sell your current home early to avoid the scenario of double expenses. You can also start arranging your mortgage (or at least doing some research) if you plan to move into a property you will buy.
Phase 1: Initial preparations
To ensure a smooth move, it's important to start planning and arranging the key administrative and practical matters early on. Read below for the most important points to consider for the Moving preparations.
Do you hire a professional moving team?
Moving house costs money, even if you arrange a lot yourself. Make sure you have a generous budget; also take a look at our Money-saving tips when moving house. Request quotes from different moving companies and compare what it entails to move yourself or to Professional moving team to enable. Look at the differences in Costs if you move yourself and the the cost of a moving team.
You can often move house perfectly well yourself, but make sure you have suitable transport. There are various types of moving vans you can use, but first research Which removal van size you might need. You can also a delivery van hire during the move.
Inform various parties
It is important to diverse to inform people and bodies.Think of providers for your phone, internet, and television. This will prevent automatic payments from being debited in the future. Another important party is your insurer; find out what you contents insurance during the move. You also mustn't forget to inform doctors, specialists, pharmacists, and banks.
Additionally, inform your employer in advance of your move so that you can request moving leave. Finally, you must make arrangements with the new residents regarding the optional takeover of items such as flooring, curtains, or aerials.
Inform yourself
When you move to a different municipality, it's important to have more information about your new place of residence. If you're moving into a rental property, it's helpful to enquire about any potential housing benefit.
Moving Checklist:
- Enquire about removal companies
- Arrange transport for moving
- Inform various individuals and bodies
- Make appointments with the new residents
- Relocation leave rule
- Enquire about rent benefit
- Stop or change automatic transfers
- Find information about the new place of residence
- Light doctors, specialists, pharmacists, insurers and the bank in
- Clear out items you won't be taking to the new home
- Put the full freezer on the coldest setting
Phase 2: Just before the move
Moving day is fast approaching: time for the final preparations to ensure the big moment goes smoothly and to avoid unwelcome surprises. Let your friends and family know your new address and return any borrowed items they may have lent you. It's important that the key handover is properly arranged and that you have childcare organised for your children during the move itself.
Moving supplies
Although the number of moving boxes you need depends on the size of your belongings, the average family of four will soon need thirty to forty. Moving boxes It's necessary to be able to transport all the belongings. 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 removal boxes, you will most likely also need other moving supplies 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 be useful for protecting furniture. Especially for a large move, you will soon need fifteen to twenty moving blankets.
Preparing to move various appliances
A household has many appliances, make sure you pack them up properly for moving. Unplug small electrical appliances like a kettle.
Washing machine
At the Moving a washing machine There are various points to consider. For example, secure the drum to prevent damage to the appliance during moving.
Fridge
The refrigerator also has its own user manual. Start by emptying and cleaning the refrigerator, and read on for our tips to How to move a fridge well and safely.
Computers and laptops
When moving your computer, laptop, or tablet, you must also be careful. Always make a backup of your hard drive beforehand. That way, you won't risk losing your files in an accident during the move.
Preparation of other assets
Start packing all your belongings into boxes now, but make sure to label them properly so you don't lose anything. Ensure your valuables are stored safely to prevent them from going missing during the move. It is advisable to dismantle furniture, as this will take up less space and make them easier to move and transport. Cover the furniture with moving blankets during the move for extra protection during transport. Take down the fixed lights and curtains now, so you don't have to do it later.
Administrative matters
- Send address changes
- Arrange childcare and pet care
- Arrange the key handover
- Cancel your old PO box
- Return borrowed items.
- Book a parking space for the removal van
Practical matters
- Buy moving materials
- Store valuables
- Dismantle furniture
- Take down the fixed lights and curtains.
- Disconnect electrical appliances
- Get the washing machine ready for moving
- Make the fridge ready for moving
- Prepare the computer for moving
- Label all boxes
Moving day checklist
Na al het voorbereidende werk en geregel ben je eindelijk toe aan de Moving day. Getting up on time brings peace and allows you to carry out all actions in a relaxed way. Although most items will have been packed by now, the task is to first fill the last boxes so that everything is ready for departure.
Hand luggage during the move
Additionally, there are a number of practical matters you should definitely consider when moving. Keep keys, important papers, and cash together in your hand luggage. You could, for example, tie them together with a string. Also, place spare fuses for electrical appliances in your hand luggage.
Moving furniture
Use a hand truck and/or furniture dolly to move heavy items such as the fridge, washing machine, or crates. Don't forget to also bring a toolbox for dismantling furniture, among other things. Once everything is in the removal van, it's important to secure the items with lashing straps to prevent them from sliding during transit.
Check everything
Check the entire house to ensure nothing has been forgotten, including often overlooked areas such as the loft and shed. Then, turn off the gas and water supply and record the meter readings. This will ensure you don't pay too much or too little on the final bill. In winter, don't forget to also drain the water pipes. Also, make sure that all windows and doors are closed when you leave.
Moving out checklist:
- Keep important items in your hand luggage
- Carry the spare fuses in your hand luggage
- Use a hand truck
- Take a toolbox with you.
- Use ratchet straps in the van
- Check forgotten corners
- Turn off the gas and the water supply
- Drain the water pipes in winter
- Take the meter readings
- Close doors and windows
Moving infographic checklist
To ensure you have all this handy information easily at your fingertips during your house move and the process leading up to it, we've developed this infographic. Step by step, you won’t forget anything and can start your move with peace of mind!
