A move is coming up? Congratulations! A new apartment, a new environment – that’s exciting. But before you can relax, a mountain of tasks often awaits you. With the right planning and organization, however, this mountain can be easily conquered, saving you valuable time and nerves. This moving checklist will help you keep track and make your move as stress-free as possible.
A successful move begins long before the actual packing. First, create a cost plan for your move. Think about all possible expenses, from moving helpers to boxes, to possible renovation costs in the old or new apartment. A clear financial overview prevents unpleasant surprises. With TIXPI, there are no unpleasant surprises here, because TIXPI transparently states the maximum price for your move. Unlike many other moving companies that only provide an estimate and later bill by the hour, with TIXPI you know exactly what to expect – without subsequent price adjustments.
Four Weeks Before the Move: Complete Administrative Tasks
This period is crucial for completing all necessary re-registrations and formalities. Be sure to submit a mail forwarding request to the Post Office so that important letters also reach you at your new address. The list of re-registrations is extensive: think of your bank, electricity provider, kindergarten/school, employer, doctors, health insurance, and other insurances. Subscriptions for magazines and newspapers, memberships in institutions and associations, home delivery services, Serafe (if applicable), and your phone and internet connection also need to be updated. Do you have ongoing financing or leasing contracts? Inform these entities of your new address as well.
Check early whether you have all the keys to the old apartment. If there are major damages in the old apartment that you still need to repair, now is the right time to hire the necessary craftsmen.
Two Weeks Before the Move: Practical Preparations
Now it’s time for practical preparations! Organize enough moving boxes, tape, and labels. It’s always better to have a few extra boxes on hand than to have to get some at the last minute.
Inform your new and old neighbors about your move. This not only creates a good basis for the future but can also generate understanding if it gets a bit noisy on moving day.
An important point, especially in urban areas: Request a parking space reservation from the responsible district or regional police station. This ensures that the moving truck can park directly in front of your door and does not impede traffic.
One Week Before the Move: Packing and Coordination
The move is approaching! Schedule the handover of the old apartment and ensure you receive the keys to the new apartment in good time.
Start packing the boxes. Make sure not to make the boxes too heavy, and clearly label them with the contents and the room they belong to in the new apartment. This way, the moving helpers will know exactly where everything goes. Water plants only moderately so they are easier to carry.
Take photos of defects in the old apartment before you move out. This can be very helpful during the apartment handover and protect you from later unfounded claims.
A Few Days Before the Move: The Last Details
Empty your refrigerator and completely defrost the freezer. This prevents an unpleasant flood during transport.
Pack an extra box with the most important things you will need immediately in the new apartment: soap, toilet paper, cleaning cloths, paper towels, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, tools, string, tape, box cutter, pencil, fuses, extension cord, flashlight, light bulbs, band-aids, and your mobile phone. This box should always be within reach.
Keep lamps ready for the new apartment so you don’t sit in the dark.
On Moving Day: Smooth Process
Hang a furniture layout plan in the new apartment and explain to your moving helpers exactly what should be placed where. Also show the helpers which boxes contain fragile items so that they are handled with particular care.
Have toilet paper, towels, and soap ready in the bathroom – this will certainly be gratefully received after the move!
Document any damage to furniture or the apartment directly on moving day.
After the Move: The Last Steps
Remove your nameplate from the door and mailbox of the old apartment and attach it to the new one.
Note down the electricity meter reading in both apartments.
Create an apartment defect list for the new apartment and send it by registered mail to the new landlord within ten days. This protects you from liability for existing damages.
Sort all cost receipts for tax purposes and request the return of your deposit from the old apartment.
With this comprehensive checklist, you are well prepared to make your move as stress-free and efficient as possible. Do you have any further questions or need additional support with your move?