Imagine yourself standing in your new home with all the furniture in its right place. You enjoy a fresh start while thinking: Didn't forget anything? We at Moving are happy to help you answer this question no to answer. This blog shows you step by step how to approach your move smoothly. We show you what you need to arrange, which practical matters you don't want to skip and why a good moving checklist crucial. Read on if you want to move quickly and stress-free. With us as your moving help, everything will be fine! We have even added a moving checklist to make it all a little bit easier for you.
Step 1: What do you need to arrange before you move?
Set a realistic budget and determine your moving date
You will save yourself a lot of worries if you know in advance how much money you can spend. For example, look at the costs for a moving company or a moving van. Add the costs of moving boxes, tape and other supplies. Then you determine your moving date. Some people prefer to move on a weekday because that is often cheaper with recognized companies. movers. Others prefer a weekend because friends can help more easily. Make the choice that works best for you. Also use our moving checklist during your move, because good preparation is half the battle.
Ask around, compare quotes and check certified movers
Maybe you are still hesitating between moving yourself with friends or hiring a professional mover. In both cases, we advise you to compare quotes. Ask different moving companies for a quote. Pay attention to reviews and insurances and see if they have a moving elevator offer if you live high up. That way you can quickly discover which party suits your situation. Are you moving soon? Then you can perhaps prepare yourself for the move. Use our handy checklist so that you do not forget anything important.
Check your insurance and important papers
Are you moving? Then take a close look at your insurance. Check whether your home contents insurance still applies to your new home and whether your liability insurance remains valid after your change of address. Also keep all your important documents together. Think of your passport, driver's license, identity card and papers for your new mortgage. That way you know for sure that you won't lose anything in the chaos of moving. Yes, packing boxes at the old address is important, but there is a lot more to a move! Are you moving soon? Inform yourself well, because you have to think about a lot of things. For example, think about reporting your change of address. But more about that later..
Don't forget your energy supplier, municipality and other authorities
Some people think they have arranged all the practical matters, but then they realise too late that they still need to inform their energy supplier. Inform them of your move. It can sometimes take up to 4 weeks before your energy contract is converted. Also report your move to your new municipality. You should do this no later than 5 days after the moving date. In addition, don't forget to inform official bodies such as your bank, insurer or magazines of your new address. With our moving tips, you'll get there!
Step 2: report your move on time
To report a change of address
As soon as you know for sure when you are going to move, you should report this immediately. Enter this online with your municipality or arrange it by telephone if you find this more convenient. If you temporarily do not have a fixed computer at your disposal, you can visit a municipal counter. Many people also use the PostNL moving service. Your mail will then be automatically forwarded to your new address and you do not have to worry about letters being delivered incorrectly. A move is a stressful affair, but with our checklist you will know exactly when you need to do what and what you need to take into account! We cannot make it any easier for you.
Moving communication with friends and family
Are you expecting friends to help you move? Let them know early on what day you need them. You can also send a nice moving card so that everyone has your new address. Some people prefer to post a message on social media. Do what feels right. Keep in mind that personal cards often evoke extra appreciation. This way you can make your move as smooth as possible.
Step 3: Prepare your old and new home
Preparing an old home: clearing and sorting
Take a good look at what you still need. This is the ideal moment to take a critical look at your belongings. Do you still need that old couch or can it go to the thrift store? Sort your belongings into categories so that you only take what you really use. Large items such as cabinets and beds are best dismantled in time. Put the screws and small parts in a bag that you stick to the furniture. That way you won't lose anything on moving day. Are you moving to a smaller home? 'Little space simply forces you to move less stuff.
Example: Lisa still had boxes of textbooks under her bed. She donated a few to the library because she knew she would never read them again. This action meant she had to take three fewer moving boxes with her.
So make sure you have sorted your belongings in time so that you will not run into such problems later. Of course, you do not have to start months in advance, but a few weeks would be useful!
Preparing your new home: DIY and a clean start
A new home feels even better if you can start decorating right away. Sometimes you have to do some chores: paint the walls in your favorite color or replace the window coverings. If you arrange this before you move the furniture, you will have a clean start. Also check the smoke detectors and make sure the scented sticks are ready when you come in. That makes it just that little bit cozier. Are you moving to a place where the internet provider needs longer for the connection? Then let us know in time so that you are not without internet.
Practical matters such as planning the handover of keys
Please contact the seller or agent to arrange the date of key transfer to confirm. Sometimes this is done at the notary. Make sure you know exactly where and when you will receive the keys. Also check when you have to leave your old home so that you have enough time to transfer everything.
Step 4: Final checks before moving
Practical matters: preparing and sorting your belongings
Separate moving boxes with items you need right away (such as towels or toiletries). Label these boxes in large letters. Also bring a bag with important papers, keys and any medications. You don't want to lose these things in the chaos. Dismantle your cabinets or tables in advance. Keep the parts together in a bag. That way you don't have to search for screws in the mountain of boxes.
Recording meter readings and your new energy contract
Note the meter readings of your old home on the date of moving. Take photos of this immediately. This prevents discussions about the final bill with your energy supplier. Do the same at your new address. This way you start with a clean slate.
Provide address to PostNL and subscriptions
We already mentioned PostNL's moving service, but there are other things to think about. Do you have a vtwonen collection at home or other magazines that you no longer want to read? Then cancel them or change your address with the publisher. Do the same for sports clubs, charities and streaming services. That way everyone knows where to reach you. In the past, this sometimes took a few months, but nowadays with social media, everyone will be aware of your new home very quickly.
Step 5: Important matters on your moving day
Moving with coordination and task division
Make a clear plan. Have someone divide the boxes and have the rest load the van. Indicate which boxes contain fragile items. Avoid confusion by labeling each box with the room it needs to go to. Are you moving to an upper floor? Consider a moving lift. It will save you a lot of trudging up the stairs. Perhaps there are items you can borrow from friends, family or neighbours. Making your move as smooth as possible doesn’t have to be difficult.
Checking loading and unloading areas
Some city centres have special parking policies. Check in advance whether you need to apply for a permit. This will prevent fines and delays on your moving day. You want to be able to load and unload your belongings quickly. Also take into account any neighbours who want to park their car in front of your door. Now is the time to sort out the last practical matters.
The emotional side of moving
Of course, a move is also a chapter in your life that you close. Take a moment to reflect on beautiful memories. Look at your empty living room and think of the nice moments you experienced there. Then you look forward to your new home and everything you will experience there.
Step 6: What do you need to arrange after you have moved?
Unpacking moving boxes and setting up
Start with the most important rooms. You will sleep better if your bed is up and your belongings are largely unpacked. You can then calmly arrange everything. Put the clothes in the closets and put your favorite things in their new place. Use a logical order again: stack boxes per room so that you do not mix everything up.
Check if everything has been implemented
Check if your new address is officially registered with the municipality. Check if all mail arrives. Is your internet working as expected or do you need to contact the internet provider? It can take a few days before you receive an installation package. Report your new address in time so that you can prevent this. By arranging these points immediately after the move, you will save yourself a lot of stress. You are obliged to report the move 4 weeks before or at the latest 5 days after the moving date.
Evaluating Last Things
Do you go move to another municipality? Then register with a new GP and dentist in time. Don't forget to adjust your car or motorcycle insurance if you use a different parking space. Also check whether you have brought too many things with you. You can sell or give away what you have left. Moving is now very easy with Moving.
Need help with your move? Moving is happy to help
At Moving, we know how much is involved in a move. Our team understands that sometimes you can't see the living room for the moving boxes. Maybe you're still unsure about which moving service suits you best. We offer you handy checklists, tips and a network of experienced movers. This way, you don't have to search for certified companies yourself and you can make your move a lot more carefree. Moving can feel hh, but it doesn't have to!
Free quotes at Moving
Time to put the finishing touches on things. Do you want to know exactly what your move will cost? We are happy to help you with free moving quotes. Request free quotes via our site and quickly compare different moving companies. This makes it easy to choose the service that suits you. Start planning your move today. Go for a smooth transition to your new address. We are ready to guide you, so that you can proudly furnish your new home.
