Welcome from the Moving team. We are happy to help you furnish your new home and make your move go smoothly. In this blog post you can read what you need when you move to a new place, and how to make a handy checklist to arrange all the practical matters. We answer all your questions about the dowry list, moving boxes, insurance, storage space and more. By reading this article you will find out what items you need when you move in on your own, live alone or when you move in for the first time. living on your own goes. We show you that good preparation gives peace of mind, so that you can be sure that you do not forget anything.
What do you need when you start living on your own?
Moving is a big undertaking, but the feeling of having your own place is priceless. Beforehand, you often ask yourself the question: "What do I need for my new home?" You don't want to discover in the middle of the night that you don't have a kettle or coffee maker. The emotional side also plays a role when you leave home for the first time or move to a larger house.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find our checklist full of practical matters. You will read how to make your packing list, when you need to report your new address on time and what you need to arrange on moving day. We will also explain how long a move takes on average and when you may need professional help to move large furniture or small products professionally. Are you moving? Then read on quickly to find out which items are needed. That way, you will know for sure what is really necessary for your move and what is not.
What do you need to arrange before you move?
1. Make a plan and draw up a checklist for your home
Create a schedule to keep your move manageable. Think about your moving date and consider hiring a moving company or asking friends to help if you need to transport large items (like a coffee table, dining set or hob). Good preparation will keep you in control and you can check everything off step by step. Are you moving for the first time? Then a schedule like this is really nice! Make sure you can print it out because it is often much more pleasant to read.
This is a handy checklist of practical matters
Also make a checklist for your home. Write down exactly what items you need. Include a list of essentials, such as plates, pans, glasses and that pouffe you like to put next to the sofa. Do you need blackout curtains or do you prefer light inbetweens? What do you find useful for the bathroom? Use this handy checklist and add your personal preferences. You can print everything and hang it above your desk, for example, so you don't forget anything. Use our handy list.
2. Official bodies and change of address
Example: We once received a call from someone who had forgotten to report his change of address to the insurance company. He only discovered it when he wanted to forward his first mail. We like to prevent such problems by having these tasks listed in advance.
- Local authority: Report to the new municipality that you are moving. You register via the basic registration of persons (brp), usually within 5 days after the moving date.
- Official bodies: Don't forget your bank, employer and doctor. You don't want important documents to go to your old address.
- Please provide new address in time: Don't wait until the last minute. It can take 4 weeks to update everything. This is especially good to arrange so that you don't run into problems later.
3. You need insurance and an energy contract if you are going to live on your own
Take out home contents insurance or building insurance in time. Do you live in an apartment? Check the rules of the homeowners' association for your new home. You want to be sure that you can live with peace of mind.
Check if your energy contract starts on time. Contact your energy supplier to arrange water and electricity. Sometimes it takes 4 weeks before or at the latest 5 days before the actual moving date before your new contract is active.
Report your move on time
1. Change of address and new address
By registering your move on time, you avoid unnecessary hassle. The municipality will register you as a resident of the new building. This is necessary to be officially registered and to receive mail at the correct address.
Make sure you also inform your insurers, bank and internet providers. Let them know your new address, because it can take up to 4 weeks before you receive an installation package for internet or television. By arranging these practical matters in time, you will save yourself stress.
2. 4 weeks before or at least 5 days before
- Please contact your internet provider at least 5 days before the move
- If possible, please report your change of address 4 weeks before the move
- Don't forget to update your BRP with the municipality as soon as you move
A good rule of thumb is to start well in advance, so you don't have to make last minute phone calls or fill out forms.
Prepare your old and new home
1. Clean up old home and meter readings
Do you want to leave your old home without any worries? Then first clear out your loose items and check carefully which items need to go where. Take the meter readings so that you get a correct final bill. By doing this properly, you close everything properly and you keep a fresh feeling about your old home.
2. New home completely to your style
Key transfer
Once you get the key, you start checking all the rooms. Maybe you want to give a new place a thorough cleaning or a quick lick of paint.
Large furniture and other items you need
Place your sofa, coffee table and dining area in the right place, where you can relax later. Maybe you already know exactly how you want everything and you can start right away when you can move in.
Living style and layout
Do you want to decorate it minimalist or cozy? A kettle or coffee maker are ready for your first cup of coffee in your new home. Also have a look around on Pinterest for some inspiration.
3. Storage and practical matters in your new home
Create sufficient storage space for your belongings. Baskets, cabinets or shelves make life easier. This way you keep all small products in order. If you want to hang a blackout curtain, make sure you measure the right sizes. It is a small intervention that provides a lot of comfort.
Final checks before moving
1. moving checklist and moving boxes
Do you have your moving checklist ready? Check off everything that is needed. Buy good moving boxes, tape and possibly bubble wrap for fragile items. Put a label on each box with the relevant room. That will save you some searching in your new home.
2. things you need to arrange to avoid stress
- Things you need for the first night: Think of bedding, pajamas and toiletries.
- Large furniture and electronic appliances are already planned? Reserve a van or rent a trailer.
- Personal assistance: Can you call on friends, or would you rather hire a professional company?
Important matters during your moving day
1. Emotional side and quick bite
Moving is not just lugging things around. It can feel quite intense sometimes because you are closing a chapter and starting a new one. Take a break and have a cup of tea together from your kettle. Or try to use the coffee maker right away, so that everyone gets energy.
2. Quick fix for hunger
Have some snacks ready for your helpers. No one likes to work with a growling stomach. When you are moving, food is often the last thing on your mind. Keep sandwiches, fruit and soft drinks on hand.
3. lined up
Tip: Make a list of tasks per person. Who carries the boxes, who drives to the dump and who organizes lunch? That may sound strict but it really works.
What do you need to arrange after you have moved?
1. Register at your new address and BRP
After you have moved, you still have a few things to arrange. Visit the municipality or register online with your new municipality. You want to be officially registered at your new address. This often has to be done within 5 days after the moving date.
2. Energy contract and subscriptions
- Energy contract: Sign a contract for water and electricity if you haven't already. Provide the meter readings for your new home.
- Subscriptions: If necessary, adjust your sports club or magazine subscription so that nothing goes to your old address.
3. Furnish your home completely and include the essentials
Hang your paintings. Place your hob and neatly place your coffee table. Make it cosy and create your own place. Because there is nothing better than furnishing a home completely to your taste.
How long does a move take on average?
The duration of your move depends on your belongings, the number of helpers and the distance. Sometimes it is done in a weekend. However, it can also take 4 weeks before everything really runs smoothly. Especially connecting internet or TV can take longer. That is why we recommend that you arrange everything 4 weeks before or at least 5 days before your moving date.
Seek professional help
Some people prefer to do everything themselves. Others have the job done by professionals. movers. These experts take care of large items or heavy cabinet parts. It saves a lot of money if you do not face unexpected damage. Plus you have more time to enjoy the nice new interior.
Need help with your move? Choose moving
At Moving, we are here to help you when you are moving. We know that your moving checklist can be long. Our team is specialized in moving large furniture, fragile items and even connecting certain appliances. We make sure that you go to your new place without stress.
Please feel free to contact us. Our goal is to get you and your belongings to the right place safely and quickly.
When you live on your own everything will be fine
Moving feels like a great adventure. You leave an old place and take steps towards your new future. Whether you are going to live in a starter apartment or take the next step in your housing career, it helps if you know what you need. That is why a handy checklist is indispensable and it gives you peace of mind if you start on time.
Extra help with our checklist
Think about things you need to arrange, such as energy contracts, home contents insurance, and cancelling or changing subscriptions. By reporting your move in time, you avoid hassle with official mail and packages. Don't forget the emotional side of the story. Give yourself the space to get used to your new address.
Living alone? Ask for help!
Need some extra help getting everything in order? The Moving team is here to help. We’ll make your moving day a relaxing event, so you can be sure you have everything you need. Enjoy your own space with a good feeling and look back on a smooth transition to your new home.