What to do when moving — Your step-by-step checklist

Moving to a new place is an exhilarating journey, filled with endless possibilities and new beginnings. But amidst the excitement, the moving process brings its fair share of stress and challenges, whether you’re moving up the block or crossing continents. From packing up your belongings to settling into your new home, there’s a lot to consider and prepare for.

Proper planning is half the battle, so you’re in luck! Our comprehensive checklist will guide you through your move, step by step. Armed with our expert tips, you’ll get from point A to B without a hitch — with not so much as a sock left behind!

What to do when moving houses

Moving houses requires weeks and weeks of preparation ahead of move day. Go through these steps carefully to avoid rushing at the last minute.

Before the move 

Step 1: Admin

Well ahead of packing and preparing your home for the move, make sure to check off the following:

• Gather all necessary identity documents, file them, and place them in a safe spot
• Arrange a date to handover the keys to your current home and collect the keys to your new place 
• Organise movers to help you on the day that you’re leaving
• Look up the details of essential services in your new area and write down numbers for the nearest hospital, police station, etc.  

Step 2: Declutter

• Go through your entire home and collect all the items you don’t use so there’s less to pack for the move 
• Sort the items into four piles: dump, donate, sell, and store
• Slowly get rid of these items in the weeks to come

Step 3: Pack up 

• Create a list of everything you need to pack and tick off items as you go
• Make sure you have high-quality packaging materials, including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and tape
• Start packing well in advance. Non-essential belongings like décor and seasonal items can be put away first. Leave frequently used items like kitchen utensils and toiletries for last
• Group similar items together and sort them into categories. Each category should get its own box (or multiple). Pack heavier items in smaller boxes, so they’re easier to carry, and make sure not to overload your boxes so they don’t break
• Make sure to label your boxes for easy unpacking later
• Disassemble bigger pieces like couches and tables where possible so they’re easier to pack for transit and/or storage 
• Place all your packed items in one spot so they’re ready for the movers 

Step 4: Deep Clean 

• Deep clean each room at least a week ahead, giving special attention to bathrooms and the kitchen as these rooms take the longest to clean
• Do any necessary maintenance; check for spots you need to paint over and holes that need to be filled 
• Look out for items you might have forgotten to pack
• Do an inspection of the outside of your home too, checking that the walls are unmarked and outside areas are tidy

A day before the move

• Sweep, mop, and dust every room
• Pack a carry-on bag for move day, with essentials like phone chargers, ID documents, and toiletries which you’ll need on the day
• Contact the movers and confirm the time they will arrive on the following day

On move day

• With the help of the movers, pack all your things into the moving van or truck
• Check that all boxes are secure and stack the heaviest at the bottom of each pile
• Grab your carry-on bag and check that everything you need throughout the day is packed for the journey to your new place
• Do a final inspection of your home to check that all rooms are spotless and nothing has been left behind
• Take a moment to say goodbye to your home and welcome a fresh start!
• Handover the keys to the new tenant or owner
• If you haven’t already, collect the keys for your new home
• Before unpacking, dust and wipe all surfaces at your new place
• Unpack things you’ll need immediately, like bedding, toiletries, and cutlery
• Don’t feel rushed to unpack everything on the first day, but place boxes and items in the appropriate rooms so they’re ready for unpacking later on

After the move 

• Arrange utilities like electricity, water, heating, and internet
• Register your new address (we explain this in greater detail below!)
• Finish unpacking and see how your furniture and other belongings fit into your new home. If it’s a tight squeeze, do some more decluttering or consider renting a storage unit
• Familiarise yourself with the area and figure out routes to work, schools, etc.

Change of address 

Be sure to notify the Civil Affairs Office of your new address within eight working days (whether you’re moving within the same municipality or not). You can do this online through your (new) municipality’s digital portal or drop by the Civil Affairs Office in person for a more hands-on approach. Just remember to take along a valid identity document with your national registration number. 

Once you’ve notified the authorities of your address change, a police officer or civil servant will swing by to ensure that your new residence is indeed your main one. Once everything checks out, you'll be officially registered at your new address, and you’ll receive an invitation to visit the town hall to update your identity card. You’ll need to take along your electronic identity card and PIN for this important step.

Once your identity card reflects your new address, you can start notifying agencies and companies of your move. The good news is that government agencies will be automatically updated, taking a load off your shoulders!

Make moving stress-free with Storo 

Moving houses is a massive undertaking, so you’ll need all the help you can get. Here’s how self storage can come in handy:

• If you’re downsizing with your new home, self storage provides a secure environment where you can store excess furniture and belongings long term
• Often, there’s a transition period between moving out of your old home and into your new place. If you’re crashing with a friend or staying at a B&B, you might need temporary space to store all your things — self storage is your go-to solution!
• Is the new place a fixer-upper? Store furniture and décor while you renovate so they’re safe from paint and debris 

We’d love to make your move easier, whether it’s temporary space or quality moving supplies you require. Whatever you need, we’re flexible, with a range of storage unit sizes available on a contract tailored to you, and moving boxes in small, medium, and large. Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more about our services or simply browse through our website.