On behalf of the Moving team, I will take you through every part of your move. You will receive concrete examples, short anecdotes and simple tables so that you know exactly what to do and when - without stress.
Why organizing a move pays off
Every day, around 4,700 Dutch people pack a moving box. In total, 1.71 million people moved to a new address in 2024. That is comparable to the entire population of Amsterdam and Rotterdam together changing addresses in a year.
Moving? Good planning pays off:
- Money: by comparing quotes you can save up to 30 % on work movers.
- Time: A smart moving plan keeps you on track and gives you peace of mind.
- Security: You know exactly where your fragile items and important documents are.
“With a clear moving plan, the move was less chaotic than a Saturday morning errand.” – Ravi (customer from Den Bosch)
Moving planning starts with you
Determine the basis with a moving plan
Step 1. Choose a moving date
Midweek removals are cheaper than weekends. When you are moving, this is of course wise. Make sure you use our checklist so you will not forget this quickly.
Step 2. Set a budget
Count on the big items: moving company, moving boxes, permits. Also think about all the stuff you want to move. During your move, you don't want to spend too much money. With good planning, you can prevent this.
Step 3. Determine assistance
Are you moving with friends or are you hiring full service? This is very nice during the move. You might think 'you can move yourself' but it is always nice when you get help during the move.
Step 4. Make an inventory
Measure large furniture such as the couch and the cupboard. Are you not that handy? Then you can fortunately outsource this. A moving company can not only move your belongings, but during this stressful period they can also help you with other things. For this, hire a handyman.
Practical example
| Family A | Family B | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 60 km | 5 km (within city) |
| Staff | Moving company + friends | Moving company only |
| Cost | € 1 450 | € 950 |
| Savings | Off-peak Wednesday | Pack it yourself |
Moral: Combine professional movers with help from friends and you will save a lot.
What to think about when? The 12-week timeline
| Week | Actions | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 12-8 | Set moving date, book storage space | Early birds get lower prices |
| 8-6 | Request quotes, check moving insurance | Considerable price differences among moving companies |
| 6-4 | Big clean-up session, order moving boxes | Fewer boxes means less carrying |
| 4-2 | Arrange utility and internet contracts, inform school and GP | No service gap in your new home |
| 2-0 | Packing room by room, labeling boxes | You can find everything quickly |
| Day 0 | Keep parking space free, record meter readings | Smooth moving day without fines |
| +1 week | Municipal registration (BRP), reclaiming deposit | Legal obligation and cash back |
Keep the timeline in Google Sheets. Share the document with anyone who helps so that no one has to guess. For this, it is best to also read the website of the municipality you are moving to. On the website you can often find important things that you need to take into account.
Budget & costs – the differences can be this big
| Cost item | Average | Saving tip |
|---|---|---|
| Moving company (25 m³) | €950 – €1,450 | Plan in low season |
| Moving lift | €75 – €120 per hour | Share the elevator with your neighbors |
| Packing material | €120 – €250 | Ask for banana boxes at the supermarket |
| Parking or moving permit | €30 – €145 | Apply well in advance and avoid fines |
| Storage 9 m² 1 month | €90 – €160 | Well before you save |
A quick calculation
Couple: You hire a moving company for €1,100, lift small boxes yourself, and borrow a trailer for the garden furniture. The total bill remains under €1,400. Without planning, you would easily have spent €1,800. You would rather spend that money on your new sofa. These are administrative matters that you should think about carefully. Are you on welfare? Then you may be entitled to a moving allowance.
Packing & moving boxes – avoid the 6 classic mistakes
You probably recognize it: halfway through packing you lose stuff and the tape runs out. Prevent that with this list:
1. Box too heavy
Keep 20 kg as a maximum. Packing boxes well is very important and makes the move a lot easier. Do you want to hire an expert? Then you can now request free quotes at Moving. We match you with the best moving companies in your area. This prevents a lot of stress and in this way you can compare the professionals with each other at your old address and choose the moving company that best suits your needs.
2. Soft bottom
Double adhesive tape on the bottom. Use our sturdy moving boxes for your old and new stuff. Always measure large items because they often do not fit in a moving box. Are there items that you do not want to move? Then you can also choose to store them in a storage space for an indefinite period.
3. Fragile without filling
Wrap glassware in towels. Pack everything properly. Large objects such as a sofa do not need to be filled, but it is also important to pack them well. If you do not do this, you run the risk that your sofa can get damaged during the move.
4. Mix of rooms
Pack room by room. Moving is stressful and all you really want is to make it easier for everyone. So be efficient. For example, pack valuables together and keep a moving box separate for the last things.
5. No label
Write and paste colors for each room. This is quite handy for loose items and heavy objects. This is of course very handy. Are you not sure? When you contact the moving company in question, they can help you with any questions.
6. Wet boxes
Never put cardboard outside in the rain. You want your stuff to be well protected, right? Then it is of course very wise to take the weather into account and put the moving boxes outside the door. Packing dishes properly is also very important.
Anecdote: Lotte from Zwolle forgot labels. In the new house she only found the coffee mugs after a week. With color stickers the coffee would have been gone on day 1.
Coordinating the big moving day
07:00 Receiving the movers. Give everyone a task.
08:00 Load moving van. Start with furniture, then lighter items.
11:00 Snack break. Bananas and granola bars keep energy high.
15:00 Meter readings of old house, handing over keys.
18:00 First evening in the new house. Beds are made, pizza is ordered.
Safety first: wear work gloves and lift with your knees, not your back.
Arrival in your new home & administration
- Set up beds so you don't end up on an air mattress.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. A connected family is a happy family.
- Give you address change by. Think of bank, insurance, homeowners association.
- Check your energy contract. Note meter readings.
- Hand in unnecessary boxes at the thrift store immediately. This way your floor stays free.
Sustainable moving without extra stress
- Electric moving van. Less CO₂, same service.
- Reusable crates. No cardboard waste mountain.
- Compensation. Moving companies plant a tree for every trip.
This way you keep the planet and your wallet happy.
Downloadable moving checklist
Download our free moving checklist PDF. Check off everything – from moving planning to unpackThis way you can be sure that you don't forget anything, not even the new GP.
☐ Moving date confirmed ☐ Quotes Moving compared ☐ Moving company booked ☐ Packing material ordered
☐ Address changes prepared ☐ Basic registration People arranged ☐ Emergency kit ready ☐ Meter readings noted
Special situations
| Situation | Additional steps | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| International | Customs forms, visa | Take an air cargo suitcase with basic necessities |
| Office | IT migration, occupational health and safety | Plan to move during the weekend |
| Seniors | Adapted home, Wmo | Ask for volunteer help |
| Pets | Bench, trusted blanket | Spray 'scent of tranquility' in the new room |
Frequently asked questions during the move
When do I start planning for good preparation?
Twelve weeks before your moving date. Don't forget to report your move no later than 5 days after your move. Reporting changes of address is also important so that agencies can forward your mail.
How many moving boxes do I need when moving to an apartment?
One box per m², plus 10%.
Can I take paint in the moving van?
Yes, provided it is properly closed and reported to the moving company.
What if I move too late?
Report to the municipality within five days or you risk a fine. Also look carefully at your insurance and reporting your move is very important. Report your move on time!
Moving is happy to help you
You now know how to arrange your move smartly and smoothly. Remember: good preparation is half the battle. Request free quotes from Moving today and download our moving checklist. This way you prevent mess, save money and enjoy your new home faster.
