Are you moving soon? And you don't really know where to start? Then read our handy checklist and you'll be well on your way! A good start is half the battle.

Our checklist guides you through the move from the moment of purchasing/renting your new home, to the day after the move. The moving checklist clearly consists of different phases. This way you are well prepared and you know exactly where and when to start. So take a quick look at our handy checklist!

Moving Checklist Phase 1:

After purchasing/renting the house

• Are there construction drawings and floor plans (incl. height, length and width measurements)?
• Take measurements of windows and doors.
• Check the location and operation of the meter cupboard.
• Where are the power outlets located? (number and locations)
• Is there a connection to the gas network?
• Is there enough space for the equipment? (refrigerator, freezer, oven, washing machine, dryer, etc.)
• What CV installation is present?
• Is there a cable/fiber connection?
• Where are these connections located? Are the cables long enough?
• When was the chimney last swept?
• What are the regulations/house rules (VVE, housing association, rental agreement, etc.). For example, are you allowed to keep pets?
• Which grid operator do you have access to (gas, electricity and water)?

Moving Checklist Phase 2:

What do you need to know about your new municipality?

• How do I register with my new municipality?
• What rates apply to municipal taxes?
• Is waste collected separately? On which days is it collected?
• Where is the municipal yard located?
• Where are the emergency services located and what are their contact details?
• Where are schools, shopping centres, GP practices, pharmacies, childcare facilities and social services located?
• Do I need to apply for a parking permit?

Moving Checklist Phase 3:

2 months before the move

• Decide what you are going to move yourself and what you want to have done.
• Request quotes from several moving companies.
• Do you need a moving lift?
• Cancel your domestic help.
• Request moving leave from work, or take a day off.
• Cancel your rental contract in writing.
• Make agreements about the takeover of floor coverings, curtains, furniture, etc.
• Stop automatic transfers.
• Find out whether you are entitled to housing benefit.
• Are you asking? moving company for packing tips.
• Buy moving boxes and start packing things you won't need until after the move (attic, storage room, etc.). Read our blog about free moving boxes here!
• Do you have a lot of clothes? There are special wardrobe moving boxes where you can easily hang your things.
• There are also special moving boxes for heavy items such as books. Please take this into account.
• Sell items you don't want to take with you via Markplaats or take them to the municipal depot/thrift store.
• Decide whether you want to switch to a new supplier for energy, internet, TV, etc.
• Create a list of recipients of your change of address.
• Take the dimensions of the elevator in your new home/residential complex.
• Cancel your garage rental.

Moving Checklist Phase 4:

1 month before the move

• Register your children at their new school or daycare.
• Take out new home contents/building insurance.
• Notify your suppliers of the disconnection of gas, water and electricity.
• If you are moving yourself, rent or arrange a van (plus hand truck or cart).
• Order a new nameplate for the new house.
• Arrange for childcare for your children/pets on moving day.
• Rent additional storage space if needed.
• Redeem your savings stamps at local shops.
• Check your freezer. Are there things you can use up this month? Then you can move with an empty and clean freezer.
• Collect all (spare) keys to your current home.
• Have extra keys made for your new home.
• Ask some friends to help you on the day of your move.
• Plan a housewarming party.
• Provide blankets for heavy valuables.
• Please notify PostNL and similar delivery companies of your change of address.

Moving Checklist Phase 5:

One week before the move

• Get groceries for lunch and snacks for the move.
• Tidy up your new home and start cleaning.
• Give each room in your new home a number and hang it on the doors. Write this number on all the boxes when packing, so that everyone puts their things in the right place right away.
• Return borrowed books from the library.
• Have you borrowed things that you still need to return?
• Make an appointment with the municipal cleaning service to collect your last bulky waste/garbage.
• Empty your chemo/environmental box at the municipal depot.
• Make sure your waste container is empty so that you have enough space on the day before the move.
• Remove lamps and curtains where possible.
• Empty your freezer and let it defrost. This will make it lighter.
• Start disassembling and packing furniture.
• Pack as much as possible and write the room number of your new home on the box.
• Pack fragile items separately. Don't forget to write this on the boxes.
• Bring your belongings to your storage space in advance.
• Make sure you have enough garbage bags, you throw away more than you think.

Moving Checklist Phase 6:

One day before the move

• Empty and clean your refrigerator. It is good to let the refrigerator and freezer acclimatize to the new address before turning them on again. 
• Reserve a good parking spot for the moving van.
• Close all cabinets properly, possibly with tape. This prevents doors and drawers from being damaged during transport.
• Remove the pendulum from the clock.
• Secure the drum protection of the washing machine and dryer.
• Prepare empty boxes to pack your last curtains and lamps.
• Divide the tasks in advance among everyone present on moving day.
• Go to bed on time!

Moving Checklist Phase 7:

On moving day

• Pack the last curtains and lamps.
• Divide the tasks and start loading.
• Take the latest meter readings and write them down in your phone.
• Prepare lunch.
• Clean your house for the new resident.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Check the house for any items left behind.
• Check that you have turned off all lights and heating.
• Give your house keys to the new owner, real estate agent or landlord.

Moving Checklist Phase 8:

Day after the move

• Notify your new municipality of your change of address no later than five days after your move.
• Hang up the new nameplate.
• Return borrowed items
• Report any moving damage to your moving company

We hope this checklist will help you on your way! This way you won't forget any important things and the move can go as efficiently as possible. We wish you a quick, carefree move and of course lots of living pleasure!