At Moving, we understand that moving to an apartment is an important step in your life. Perhaps you want to move from a spacious house to a smaller flat or ground floor apartment. Or you may opt for a modern new apartment because you want to live closer to the city. In this guide, you will find practical tips and insights to make this move to an apartment go smoothly. We will show you what to look out for and how you can quickly furnish your new home.
Moving from a house to an apartment
When you decide to move from a house to an apartment, you will soon discover that the living space is often smaller. This means less storage space and less room for large furniture. You can see this as an opportunity to get rid of things that you no longer use or that do not fit in your new apartment. This way you only keep what is really important. You can donate these things to a charity or sell them online. This way you make others happy and save space.
Example
Let’s say you’ve been living in a single-family home for years. Your kids have moved out and you notice that you never use many rooms anymore. Moving to a new apartment means you have fewer rooms to clean and more time for fun things. It feels like you’re lifting a burden off your shoulders.
Reasons to move to an apartment
People choose to live in an apartment for all kinds of reasons:
Less maintenance when moving from a house to an apartment
Your VvE (Association of Owners) or landlord arranges the maintenance of the building. This saves you time because you do not repair the roof or paint the facade yourself. These are of course things that you have to take into account.
Less space needed in your new apartment
When your children have left home, a large house is often unnecessary. A flat or ground floor apartment can be very suitable because you have less cleaning tasks. This can be a big step for some people.
Living in an apartment and a convenient location
An apartment complex is often close to shops, public transport and recreation. You can enjoy all the facilities without having to travel far. Take this into consideration when making your decision.
Your new home is financially attractive
In many cases, your monthly costs are lower when you have a smaller floor area. You save on energy and sometimes on rent or mortgage. These are of course things to take into account.
What should you pay attention to when moving to an apartment?
Before you finally decide to move to an apartment, it is good to have a checklist. This way you avoid surprises. Take the time and effort for this, because this will save you a lot of headaches.
VvE rules and living in an apartment
In many apartments, the VvE determines what you are allowed to adjust in your home. For example, pets may sometimes not be allowed. Always check in advance which rules have been established so that your floors and furnishings are aligned with this.
Common areas in an apartment complex
You often share hallways and entrances with fellow residents. Keep this in mind if you want a lot of privacy or if you are afraid of noise pollution. Do you live on the ground floor? Then it may be important to think about noise pollution yourself because fellow residents often walk past your home and this can cause noise pollution. Of course, this is not the case in all apartments.
Parking in your apartment building
Not every apartment or flat complex has its own parking spaces. Sometimes you have to park outside, which is inconvenient when it rains or when you have to carry heavy items. Are you going to live in a penthouse with a high asking price? Then you will probably get your own parking space here!
Elevator or no elevator? Keep this in mind
If you live on a high floor, check if there is an elevator. If not, you can use an elevator when you move. moving elevator consider renting. You don't have to carry every piece of furniture up the stairs. A light can be very handy. Especially when you want to take large items and don't have to carry them on moving day.
Real estate agency or own search
You can look around on sites where apartments are offered yourself. Or you can hire a real estate agent if you need guidance and advice. Do you have questions about the apartment or neighborhood? Contact the real estate agent so that they can help you further. They know exactly where everything is and what everything is like. Make sure that you are also well prepared and use our moving checklist for example.
The Benefits of Moving to an Apartment
Moving to an apartment has many advantages. You often live in a place where you have everything around the corner. In addition, you have less space to clean, so you have more time for hobbies, work or family.
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Less maintenance | The VvE or landlord will take many jobs off your hands. |
| Favorable location | Apartment buildings are usually located in or near a city, so shops are often just around the corner. |
| Higher social interaction | You are more likely to meet your neighbors in shared spaces such as the hallway or stairwell. |
| Lower energy costs | With fewer square meters and shared walls, you use less fuel than in a single-family home. |
| Ground floor living space | With a ground floor apartment you have fewer stairs to climb, which is useful if you have difficulty walking. |
The Cons of Moving to an Apartment
Of course, there are also disadvantages. You live together with others in the same building, which means that sounds can disturb each other. You often have less space for things that you have collected for years, so you may have to make choices. The VvE also determines when maintenance takes place. This means that you cannot arrange everything yourself.
More dependency you can enjoy
You are dependent on the VvE. This association consists of all the owners of all the apartments in the complex. They usually make decisions together. You can chat a bit with them and see how and what.
Less outdoor space within reach
You don't have a big garden with an apartment. Sometimes there is only a balcony or a shared roof terrace.
Not complete freedom is a big change
You are not always allowed to change the exterior of your home or drill into shared walls. After all, the building belongs to everyone.
Helpful tips for a smooth move to an apartment
Start on time when you are moving
Make a checklist and start clearing things out early. This will prevent you from panicking and putting everything in boxes in the last week. Good planning prevents stress.
Arrange a moving van
A moving van is essential if you want to transport large pieces of furniture. Also check if you can park it easily on the moving day. If you choose a moving company, ask if they have a moving lift or transport roller. That will save you a lot of lugging. Do take into account additional expenses.
Report your change of address
Remember to report your new address to authorities and the Personal Records Database (BRP). This way you ensure that your mail goes to the right place.
Consider professional help
Sometimes it is nice to get help. Ask friends or family to come and help or hire a moving team. This will save you time and effort because you do not have to do everything by yourself. Clients know exactly what to do.
Moving to the city
Why move to the city? City homes are often closer to shops, cafes and theatres. This allows you to go shopping spontaneously or quickly grab a drink at a terrace. On the other hand, life in the city can sometimes be more expensive and crowded. Decide what suits your lifestyle better and make a list of pros and cons.
Anecdote
My aunt wanted to move to the city because she found little to do in her quiet village. She sold her old house and moved to a ground floor apartment in the center. Now she easily takes her bike to her favorite boutiques and restaurants. She doesn't miss her big garden because she now has a park around the corner.
Leave it to the professionals
If you have little time or simply find it too heavy to carry yourself, you can always hire an experienced hire a moving company. They know exactly what to look for and have the right materials. They sometimes use a moving lift so that the moving process goes a lot faster. This makes furnishing your new home a piece of cake, because they lift the furniture upstairs while you point out where everything should go.
Request free quotes from moving
We at Moving recommend that you compare multiple quotes. This way you can see what the moving companies charge and what services they offer. It is wise to request these quotes without obligation. You can then compare all the options and determine what suits you best. budget fits.
How does that work?
- You briefly tell us what you need and what date you have in mind.
- You will receive several price proposals from us.
- You choose the proposal that best suits your situation. That saves costs and hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special permit to move into an apartment?
This varies per municipality. Sometimes you need a temporary parking permit if you want to park the moving van in front of the door.
Can you bring your pets to your new apartment?
This depends on the VvE rules or the rental contract. Sometimes the terms and conditions state that pets are prohibited.
How do I avoid noise pollution for my fellow residents?
Pay attention to the layout of the house and ask your neighbours if the walls are noisy. This way you know where to place the bedroom or study.
Does an apartment also have disadvantages for families with children?
Children have less space to run and play. However, there are enough city parks or indoor playgrounds nearby that this problem is manageable.
What should I do if my furniture doesn't fit in the elevator?
Then renting a moving lift is a great solution. With this you can bring things like sofas and cabinets in through the window.
Moving is happy to help you
Moving to an apartment can sound daunting, but with the right preparation, you can make it a success. You choose a home with less maintenance and often a favorable location. That can open a whole new phase in your life. We at Moving hope that these tips will help you make everything go smoothly. Whether you are moving to a new home in the city or a ground floor apartment in a quiet neighborhood, there are plenty of ways to make your move stress-free. Compare quotes, talk to professionals and think about which items you really want to keep. That way, you can enjoy your new apartment without a care in the world.
