Many people get tense when they think about moving. Maybe you have concerns about your new home, or you wonder how you will pack all your belongings in time. At Moving, we understand that you have all kinds of questions. That is why we share our best moving tips, useful examples and personal experiences in this guide. This way, you can turn your pleasant move into a moment that you will look back on with a smile.
To move or not to move: where do your doubts come from?
Maybe you're wondering if you want to stay where you are now. If the neighborhood still suits you. Or if you're ready for something new. Are you not sure if you should move? You're not alone.
Moving to a new home
Karin, one of our clients, hesitated for months. She loved her old neighborhood but wanted a bigger yard for her dog. “It felt like I was giving up something when I really wanted something new,” she said. Eventually, she weighed her options and decided to sell. That step gave her peace of mind because she knew what she was getting into. Are you having similar thoughts? Then follow Karin’s example: take a critical look at what is really important to you.
How do you make the decision about whether or not to move?
Think about why you fantasize about another house.
Do you want less travel time to work or are you looking for more space for a growing family? Look at the bigger picture and map out all aspects for yourself. Is another home really the new place where you want to build your life?
Map out your financial situation.
Ask a financial expert for advice or talk to local real estate agents. They can tell you whether you can borrow more or whether temporary renting is a better fit for you. Look carefully at the options and take the costs into account. A move can be expensive and also involve a considerable expense. Of course, we do not know what costs you will have to deal with and it is important to find this out for yourself. There are all kinds of tools online that can help you with this and don't forget... at Moving we are always there for you! Send an email for questions 🙂
List the pros and cons.
Make a list in which you write down what you miss in your current home and what your new home must definitely have. Then compare everything to make your final choice. Make a small text or table with all the pros and cons. Then read it carefully to be able to make a correct decision.
Preparing for a smooth move
Starting a nice move sometimes feels like a big adventure. You are going to furnish a new house and deal with passing on the move to authorities. Take the time for it, because that saves hassle.
- Say one budget on: Note all potential expenses. Think moving boxes, bubble wrap and sometimes renting a van. Don't be surprised by extra costs.
- Keep track of your administration: Don't forget to inform your bank, insurer and subscriptions of your change of address. Write a clear checklist right away, so you don't miss anything.
- Search for inspiration: Sometimes you find great handy ideas online or in your own circle. For example, compare what friends did when they moved.
We have noticed that people often get moving tips from acquaintances who have just moved. They know exactly which pitfalls you should avoid.
5 tips for a successful move
Tip 1 – pack your things in time
Work in stages when packing. Start with rooms that you rarely use and notice that tidying up gradually makes you feel better. For example, put all your summer or winter clothes in a box if you don't wear them every day. Don't wait until the last day, because then you will panic if everything is still mixed up.
Tip 2 – collect your subscriptions
Make sure you know what contracts you have. Think about internet, gas and magazines. Report your move to these parties, so that you do not pay unnecessarily for a service that you no longer use. Some companies will automatically arrange your change of address if you simply report it.
Tip 3 – Time to save money
Think about selling furniture that you no longer need. Maybe your old table doesn't fit in your new home. Place such a table on a sales site and earn a little extra. You can also order and moving costs compare with different providers. Pay attention to promotional rates, because sometimes you will find a number of tips that will save you euros immediately.
Tip 4 – a critical look during your move
Try to label each box. Otherwise you will spend hours looking for that one pan or your favorite jacket. You can stick a personal card on each box with a short description of the contents. That will save you a lot of stress when you arrive at your new address.
Tip 5 – Make a 'moving plan' for less stress
Plan what you do per week. In week one, you clean up the shed. In week two, you pack all the books. That way, you don't have to do everything in one day. Our colleague Jeroen found it useful to clean up a small corner every evening. He enjoyed his new overview afterwards and he never drowned in chaos.
Practical tips for a carefree and pleasant move
Let’s say your move is getting closer. You may feel a little tense, but with a few handy additional tips you can stay calm:
- Hire a moving company on time: Popular weekends in summer are quickly booked up.
- Compare quotes: Request multiple free quotes from Moving. This way you don't have to pay too much.
- Think about what you can temporarily store: Sometimes you don't take all your stuff with you right away. A storage unit can be the solution.
For example, we once helped a family who had to bridge three weeks between their old and new home. They temporarily stored some boxes of winter clothing. This way they didn't have to unpack everything again during their short stay elsewhere.
A pleasant move on the day itself
The big day is here. Your fireplace needs to be carefully moved outside and someone needs to keep the kids occupied. Try to see this day as a fun challenge.
- Make sure you have enough help: Get family and friends involved. This way the job will be done quickly.
- Set up a table with snacks and drinks: That sounds simple, but it really lifts the mood.
- Keep paths clear: Make sure that no one trips over boxes lying around.
Aftercare for a pleasant move
You have moved but there is still aftercare to be done. For example, you need to check your new address to make sure nothing has been damaged. You may want to have a housewarming party to show your family and friends how beautiful your new home has become.
- Unpack rooms in order: Start with the bedroom and bathroom. Then you will feel right at home.
- Have excess boxes collected: That saves space.
- Don't forget to report your move to the municipality. Then you will be registered on time.
Frequently asked questions about a pleasant move
1. How much time does it take to pack everything into moving boxes?
It depends on how much stuff you have. On average, it takes 2-7 days to pack an entire house. Start with items you don’t use every day and work room by room. An efficient approach and help from friends or professional packers can save a lot of time.
2. Will I have any problems with my internet subscription?
That can be easy if you arrange it in time. Contact your internet provider at least 2 weeks in advance. You can often take your subscription with you to your new address. Check whether the same coverage is available there.
3. Which authorities should I report the move to?
Important aspects include:
- Municipality (within 5 days after moving). This is useful for important mail.
- tax authorities
- Employer
- Bank and insurance
- General practitioner, dentist and pharmacy
- School or childcare
- Subscriptions/donations (e.g. magazines, gym)
4. How do I celebrate my new home (happy new home) with a housewarming party?
Keep it cozy and personal! Invite friends/family, serve something tasty and give a tour if necessary. You can also choose a theme (e.g. drinks, brunch or garden party). A housewarming does not have to be big, as long as it is fun for you. Are you moving and do you like a party? Then you can easily throw a party! This way you can inform everyone about your move. You will probably also receive a nice gift from everyone. Nice, right?
5. Can real estate agents help find temporary storage?
Yes, many real estate agents have connections with storage companies or can offer temporary storage as an additional service. This is especially useful if your home has already been sold but your new home is not yet ready.
6. Where can I order moving cards or a moving notice?
Websites like Kaartje2go, Greetz, or Hallmark offer moving cards starting at around €1.50 each (sometimes cheaper for larger quantities). You can also send free digital moving messages via WhatsApp or email, for example. You will be able to find a lot of fun things online. Order these on time so that everyone receives them on time.
7. How do I prevent damage to expensive furniture?
- Use protective covers and moving blankets
- Dismantle furniture if possible
- Wrap fragile parts in bubble wrap
- Label boxes with “fragile”
- If necessary, hire a professional moving service with insurance
8. What if I have extra furniture that doesn't fit?
You can:
- Temporarily rent a storage space
- Sell, give away or donate items
- Asking family to temporarily keep something
- Or hire a cleaning coach to help you make choices
9. Can you also move in a few days if you have few belongings?
Definitely! If you live lightly (for example in a studio or apartment), a move in one weekend is doable. With good planning or help from friends or a small moving team, you will be done quickly. Are you moving? Then start decluttering in time. It has been proven that you often have more happiness with less stuff.
10. Are there services available for seniors who are moving?
Yes. There are special moving services for seniors that provide additional support, such as:
- Packing and unpacking
- Assembling furniture
- Administrative assistance
- Attention to comfort and tranquility
Search for “senior moving” in your area for options.
Extra tips for a carefree and pleasant move
- Use digital tools: With an app you can print your cards and box labels so everything looks neat.
- Don't plan your move too tightly: Give yourself a few days of leeway. That prevents stress.
- Look forward to your new surroundings: Take a walk around and get to know the local shops.
Moving is happy to help you
At Moving, we are here to make your adventure run smoothly. Our team offers a variety of services that can relieve you of your worries. We arrange the truck. We carefully pack fragile items. We contact real estate agents and storage companies if you need them. Congratulations, you are moving!
We are happy to provide you with free advice
When moving in Nijmegen or elsewhere, we are here for you. You can order items from us online, such as moving boxes, packing materials and handy checklists. Are you still weighing up the pros and cons? We are happy to advise you on every step in your moving plans, whether you are moving to a studio or a villa. You don't have to do it alone.
Enjoy a pleasant move
Whether you are moving to a larger home soon or are downsizing, we want you to look forward to your move with joy. Keep it clear with good planning. Write a clear to-do list. Don't forget moving cards or a card to let everyone know you are moving. And enjoy your housewarming party when your move notification is completely done.
Moving to a new home doesn't have to be difficult
At Moving we believe that moving doesn't have to be chaotic. With a personal approach and the right inspiration, you too can furnish your new home smoothly and cozily. We wish you a happy new home, many memories in prospect and a pleasant move. Good luck!