Moving: Organize it yourself or use a moving company?

A thoroughly planned move can save you and your family a lot of money, time and nerves. Once the lease is signed, it’s time to plan the move. Most people plan their move themselves because it is usually cheaper than using a moving company.

However, the more stress-free and safe way to get your move over the line is with a moving company. If you lack time and support, it is advisable to leave the move to a moving service. If you wish, they will take care of the move from A to Z and also provide packing materials. They can also help with unpacking and assembling furniture. A moving company is insured in the event of damage, which is not the case when moving on your own. If you want to use a moving company, you can find suitable moving companies nearby through platforms like Listando.

If the cost of a moving company is above your budget, or if you want to do your move on your own, we recommend organizing an overlap of rental times so that you have enough time for your change of residence. To make your move as uncomplicated and stress-free as possible, we’ve created a guide here that will help you plan and execute it, because “Good planning is half the battle!”. By the way, some of these tips are also relevant despite moving companies.

4 weeks before the move

You should set the moving date and take care of all the re-registrations and paperwork. You can also use this time to start making interior plans for your new home. During this time you should also find your helpers and inform them of the moving date and packing date. Notify your registration office, telephone and Internet provider, tax office, electricity provider, kindergarten, school, employer and anyone else they need of your new address. Don’t forget to arrange a forwarding order with the post office. At this stage you should check your old apartment for damage and do or organize any renovation work.

2 weeks before the move

Now, at the latest, you should organize a moving truck for the planned date. This is also the ideal time to make a budget for your move. Make sure you have enough moving boxes, which you can either rent or buy. Also get any other packing supplies, such as bubble wrap, newspaper, duct tape, etc. If necessary, you should also apply for a no-stopping order for the move at the latest 2 to 3 weeks at the road traffic office. Declutter your apartment and get rid of everything you no longer need. Use the move as a fresh start and don’t drag unnecessary junk with you. You can dispose of the items, give them away or sell them.

1 week before the move

It’s almost time to start dismantling furniture and packing your belongings. You can get help to pack, but don’t forget culinary supplies and drinks for your helpers. Dismantle large furniture and pack fragile items carefully. Pick up your new key from the landlord and settle all outstanding issues with him. Now you can have your new apartment cleaned by a cleaner or do it yourself. Use up the food in the fridge so you don’t have to throw it away at the end. Request special leave for moving day if necessary.

2 days before the move

Shortly before your move, you should really only have the essentials handy. For example, your cell phone, your wallet, and the keys to both apartments. Cleaning supplies and tool boxes should be ready for moving day. Finish packing the last boxes now and make sure the contents of all boxes and which room they belong in are marked on the box with a marker. Empty the refrigerator and freezer and defrost the latter. Make sure there is toilet paper, soap and towels in your new residence. Reconfirm the availability of your helpers for moving day. Arrange food for helpers for moving day. Light fixtures can be removed now and also placed in the new home in advance. Create a moving checklist for the day so nothing can go wrong.

On the day of the move

Each helper should know their tasks for the day and you should brief your team beforehand. If anything, leave a little earlier with the moving truck, because you’ll have to drive it slowly around corners and brake lightly, plus there might be traffic. Once everything has arrived at the new apartment, it’s time for refreshments. After that, you and your helpers can split up and set up the respective rooms and assemble furniture.

After the change of domicile

Log all the defects of your new residence and share them with the landlord. Now you should also do the rest of the renovation work on your old apartment, such as painting or filling in drill holes. Once all the work has been completed, the apartment must be thoroughly cleaned. After that, keys to the old apartment are handed over and it is inspected together with the landlord. You will receive the handover protocol for your new apartment and you can put on a new name plate. If you have moved to another place, you have to re-register at the Residents’ Registration Office, the Road Traffic Office and the Tax Office.