At Moving, we know how exciting and sometimes stressful a move can be. You pack your belongings, look for a moving van or would you rather rent a moving company, and don't want to forget anything on your checklist. At the same time, you're thinking about your new address and new home. In this guide, you'll find useful moving tips that will help you with a move. You'll discover how to pack for a and what's involved in packing for a move, without getting any worries.
“The following tips can help anyone who wants to move efficiently,” we always say at Moving. Your move doesn't have to be difficult at all!
Moving: what to arrange for your new home?
There are many things to arrange before you move. Perhaps you want a new GP or you need to arrange internet at your new home. Pay attention to these points before you plan moving day:
- Transferring contracts: Inform suppliers of your new address in a timely manner.
- Change of address: Check which authorities you need to inform (municipality, bank, employer, sports club). During the move you have so much on your mind that you can unfortunately forget these kinds of things.
- Important documents: Keep your important papers safe in a folder or digital safe. Use our checklist so you don't forget anything!
- Get help: Ask friends, family or a moving company to help out. Also use our moving boxes calculator so you know exactly how many boxes you need for your move.
Many people underestimate these things. They run around like a headless chicken on the big day. Not you, because you are well prepared when you go.
12 Essential Moving Tips for Efficient Relocation
Here you will find our best moving tips. They will save you a lot of time and stress, because we at Moving speak from experience.
Step 1: Make a plan just like a moving company
Start by setting the moving date. Also, make a schedule that you draw up at least six weeks in advance. Plan it in small steps so that you can finish each task calmly. If you wait until the last minute, you run the risk of panic and chaos. After all, good planning is half the battle!
Step 2: Use a checklist or better: our checklist
A moving checklist will help you with every step. We recommend downloading or printing our checklist (or another moving checklist) as a PDF. Check off each task as you complete it. This way you can quickly see what you still need to do and what you have already done. This simple method gives you peace of mind and overview.
Step 3: Start packing early and pay attention to important papers
When it comes to packing, almost never. It is wise to start early. First pack things that you do not need on a daily basis, such as dishes that you rarely use or seasonal clothing. This way you prevent crazy scenes at the last minute. Do not pack everything because there are certain things that are important and that should not be packed. Think of valuable documents, for example. You obviously do not want to lose these valuable things and this is perhaps our most important tip!
Tip 4: Move efficiently. Write on the boxes what is in them.
Use a permanent marker and mark each moving box in which room it should go. Briefly note the contents (for example: "cookbooks" or "winter coats"). So that the contents are immediately clear upon arrival at your new home. This way you keep order in the chaos. Buying boxes for the move? Use our free moving box calculator now so that you know exactly how many boxes you need to order.
Tip 5: Conclude contracts on time
You often forget contracts for energy, water or internet provider. Arrange these in time and prevent yourself from being without hot water or internet in your new home. Also indicate to a moving company exactly which day you are moving and ask for multiple quotes. That way you know for sure that you get the best deal.
Tip 6: Report your change of address
Don't be mistaken in the list of parties that you need to be able to find at your new address. Think of a bank, insurance, dentist or any subscriptions. Make sure that your checklist indicates this on time. Make an overview that you can update every time, because then you don't have to stress about whether you have forgotten something. The municipality is not liable for the late implementation of your move if you do not report this on time. To protect yourself and so that you do not get a fine, it is therefore wise to do all this neatly on time. This way, all important mail is also sent directly to the new and correct address instead of to the old address.
Tip 7: also consider other healthcare facilities
A new GP may not be at the top of your list. However, it is wise to arrange this in advance. If something happens, you will have immediate access to good care in your new place of residence.
Tip 8: Make sure you arrange enough help for moving day
Ask friends or family well in advance if they can help. If necessary, hire a moving company, especially if you are taking a large household. Hire a moving elevator if you have to lift a lot of heavy furniture or stuff to an upstairs apartment. That saves your back and time.
Tip 9: Buy or borrow enough moving boxes
You can buy moving boxes at the hardware store or ask at the supermarket. Calculate how many boxes you need approximately. Also check whether you want wardrobe boxes, because they keep clothes neatly on the hanger.
Tip 10: Pack fragile items with suitable packing material
Such items need extra protection. Think of glassware and dishes. Use bubble wrap or towels to absorb shocks. Some people want to store flammable goods among all their belongings, but that is not allowed. It is better to separate hazardous products or throw them away when you no longer need them.
Tip 11: Do not pack moving boxes with materials that are too heavy
Don’t put everything in one box. If you overload boxes, you risk tearing them and hurting yourself. Keep it light, for example by distributing books over multiple boxes. This way you stay in control while lifting. Use a roll of tape so that you can easily tape everything.
Tip 12: Take photos of electrical connections
You don't want to spend hours puzzling over cables later. Turn on your camera on your phone and take pictures of the cables behind your TV, computer or coffee maker. Then you will know exactly how everything fits together in your new home. This is our last tip.
In-depth knowledge: from packing to transport
How to work with flammable and hazardous materials?
Many moving companies refuse aerosols, flammable or highly flammable products during moves. They fear leakage or even explosion due to changes in temperature and pressure. Make sure you keep such items separate. This will prevent accidents. At Moving, we want you to enjoy your new place safely.
Furniture assembly and 'for protection' approach
Furniture can be dismantled in parts. Take photos of all the steps, so that you can put each screw back in its right place afterwards. Keep nuts and bolts together in plastic bags and note which room they will go in later. For example: "bedroom closet" or "living room office." If you are moving furniture with glassware, pack it with sufficient filling material. This prevents cracks from forming along the way.
Case study – Jan and Marie's efficient move
Jan and Marie moved with the help of two movers and a moving van. They had put on our checklist that they wanted to move on a Saturday, because then they had enough hands available. They started by packing attic items that they rarely used. They also took pictures of all the electrical appliances. When moving day arrived, Marie told each helper which room the box had to go in. Their belongings were quickly in the right place. Jan and Marie felt hardly stressed and found the whole undertaking more fun than expected.
Moving checklist and useful tips from Moving
Here you see a practical scheme. We recommend to put this checklist in a pdf and print it.
| Period | Action |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks before the move | – Request quotes from moving companies – Arrange rental or purchase contract – Make a schedule |
| 4 weeks before the move | – Find a new GP – Collect important documents – Report your moves |
| 2 weeks before the move | – Start packing room by room – Create your furniture assembly plan – Purchase plastic bags and labels |
| 1 week before the move | – Separate flammable goods and aerosol cans – Check paperwork – Check that all boxes are properly closed |
| The moving day itself | – Have the mover load furniture and fragile items carefully – Unpack each room separately – Make sure you know where the coffee maker and toaster are located |
| After the move | – Send remaining address changes – Connect your internet provider – Think about which items go to which room |
Additional advice and frequently asked questions
1. How long does an average move take?
That depends on the size of your belongings and how much help you hire. A small move can be done in one day. A large home can sometimes take several days.
2. Can I pack all my belongings together for the moving van?
Valuables and breakables are best protected. Flammable products belong separately or can be thrown away when you no longer need them.
3. What if I don't have enough space for all my stuff?
Sometimes storage space is needed. Ask your moving company if they offer this service. Also ask about insurance if you are temporarily moving your belongings somewhere else.
4. Can I like using blankets and utilize kitchen towels to protect items?
Sure, towels and blankets are a great way to absorb shocks. You'll save money on bubble wrap.
5. Do I always need a moving lift?
That depends on how much large furniture you have and whether you live high up. With a moving lift you can quickly and safely move heavy objects up or down.
Efficient moving is a matter of good preparation
Efficient moving is possible if you make a plan and execute it on time. Use our checklist and our tips to not miss a single detail. Take fragile items and highly flammable products into account. Pack everything per room. Ask for help from a moving company in time or rent a lift if you have heavy furniture. Then you don't have to run through the house in panic. We at Moving look forward to helping you, because we like a move that goes smoothly and without worries. Enjoy your new home!
