The checklist for moving and what you should consider
The move: What you should consider
Before you get down to the practicalities, you need to make some preparations. It’s best to start at least three months before the actual move.
If the move suddenly comes upon you, our moving checklist can still help you stay on top of things. Take each step one at a time and avoid unnecessary moving stress.
So, how early should you start planning your move?
It’s advisable to start planning at least three to six months before the move. This gives you enough time to organize everything important, compare all possible providers, and find the right moving helpers or moving company.
The sooner you start, the less stress you’ll have shortly before the move.
3 months before the move
Anyone wondering: What to consider when moving? The first thing that probably comes to mind is the rental agreement. The first step should be to review the rental agreement and submit a notice of termination within the agreed timeframe.
This notice period is often three months. Of course, you could move earlier, but you would still have to pay rent. You submit the notice of termination in writing to the landlord.
The notice period can often be shortened if you suggest a replacement tenant. It can be worthwhile to ask friends and acquaintances for a possible candidate. Apartments are in high demand, which means a new tenant can be found faster than many people expect. And the landlord is happy, too.
Owners of privately owned properties should be aware that selling can take several months. However, you shouldn’t wait too long when planning your move. Don’t budget more than two months’ net rent for the agent’s commission.
Afterward, you should consider whether to handle the move yourself or hire a professional.
You should weigh the effort involved against the help available to you. If you’re moving on your own, you should inform friends and relatives well in advance and communicate the date clearly. Also, arrange a transport vehicle.
You can save yourself a lot of work by hiring a moving company like MTF-Service.
We have the right information and to-do lists for all moving needs. This will make your move as pleasant as possible. Our services include parcel delivery, transport, disassembly in the old apartment, assembly of furniture in the new one, and more.
Professionals therefore work through the entire moving checklist on the day of the move
Even with a professional company on your side, you’ll need time. Therefore, if necessary, you should request special leave for official business. Check beforehand whether government agencies, doctors, or banks only have appointments for you during your regular working hours.
Changes of address include bank and insurance policies, as well as subscriptions and memberships. If you’re moving with children, you may also need to register with other schools and kindergartens. Don’t forget to inform friends and family members of your new address.
You can set up a forwarding order with the Austrian Post Office. For a small additional fee, this will redirect letters and packages to your new home.
Book a moving company in advance
Moving companies are often fully booked, especially during the summer months and at the end of the month. If you want to hire a professional company, you should inquire at least three to four months in advance to secure your preferred date.
Create a furnishing plan for the new apartment
Before you move, it’s a good idea to think about how the furniture will be arranged in your new home. A simple plan showing the room layout and furniture placement will help movers place the boxes and furniture in the right place.
Organize the disposal of bulky waste and old items
A move is the perfect opportunity to get rid of old furniture and unwanted items. Plan ahead for the disposal of bulky waste or unwanted items and, if necessary, request an appointment with the municipal waste disposal company.
Cover delicate floors like parquet or tile with protective materials to prevent scratches and damage during the move. Use protective films or blankets to protect furniture and appliances from potential bumps and scratches.
3 weeks before the move
Moving is the ideal opportunity to properly declutter your apartment or house. Think carefully about what you really need. This will save you from lugging around extra heavy boxes. You can throw old things in the trash, give them away, or try to sell them at a flea market. Don’t start decluttering too late.
The project can take longer than you think.
Private helpers, friends, and relatives can save you a lot of work during these steps. The same applies to packing and labeling. Make sure you have the right packing materials in advance.
Moving boxes can be purchased or rented. Stores may have boxes lying around. It’s free to ask.
It’s best to start packing a few weeks before your move. The items you need least go into the box first. Don’t underestimate how time-consuming this step can be. Fragile and delicate items should be packed carefully and securely.
Make sure you have digital copies of all important documents, such as rental agreements, insurance documents, and official letters, so you can access them quickly during the move while the papers are still packed in boxes.
Don’t forget to label the boxes
During this period, you should also complete any necessary renovations and repairs. When terminating your lease, you should discuss with your landlord what work needs to be done. You only need to do what’s actually stipulated in the lease.
You may need a no-parking zone. You’ll need to apply for this with the local authorities. Professional moving companies can take care of this for you.
Don't forget to re-register with all relevant service providers, such as electricity, gas, internet, and telephone, in a timely manner. It's especially important to keep an eye on the cancellation periods for your current contracts. Moving often also provides an opportunity to search for cheaper providers and take advantage of new offers.
1 week before the move
Make arrangements for pets and children, if necessary and possible. Moving is stressful for children, dogs, cats, and other pets. Just getting used to a new home can be very demanding for little ones. Then they don’t have to be there for the move itself.
Start using up perishable foods during this period. Buy food that’s easy to prepare before, during, and after the move, or that can be eaten without cooking. Your moving checklist should also include toiletries, necessary tools, and clothes for a few days.
Once everything is packed and stored in boxes and bags, you can cover delicate floors with cardboard or plastic wrap.
You should transport jewelry, important documents, and other valuable items separately during the move, preferably in person. This minimizes the risk of loss or damage.
On the day of the move what you need to consider
Now read all the meter readings in the old apartment. This includes the electricity, water, and gas meters. Turn off the main connections as well. This also applies to the meters in the new apartment. Helpers and moving companies will then load everything and prepare to leave.
This means the apartment is “broom clean,” and the key can be handed over. You may also need to clean the stairwell.
Do a record of any damages and defects when handing over the apartment and record them in the handover report. Also clean the stairwell of the new apartment after the move. Then you can start unpacking.
Also remember to deal with the local authorities. Some of them won’t be necessary until after the move. But this will put the most stressful part behind you and allow you to focus on making your new apartment comfortable and livable.
Step-by-step move
- Frühzeitig Planen: Mindestens 3 Monate vor dem Umzug sollten Sie den alten Mietvertrag kündigen, Angebote von Umzugsunternehmen einholen und die Ummeldungen (Einwohnermeldeamt, Versorger) planen.
- Umzugsunternehmen beauftragen: Ein professionelles Unternehmen wie MT Facility Service kümmert sich um die Bereitstellung von Umzugskartons, den Ab- und Aufbau von Möbeln, den Transport und vieles mehr. Vereinbaren Sie ein kostenloses Erstgespräch, um alle Details zu klären.
- Nachsendeauftrag: Richten Sie einen Nachsendeauftrag bei der Post ein, um Post an Ihre neue Adresse weiterzuleiten.
- Wohnungsprotokoll erstellen: Bei Mietobjekten ist es wichtig, den Zustand der alten und neuen Wohnung mit einem Protokoll festzuhalten. Das schützt Sie vor späteren Haftungsfragen.
- Packen und Möbel abbauen: Beginnen Sie rechtzeitig mit dem Packen und organisiere die Demontage von großen Möbeln. Das Umzugsunternehmen kann den Abbau und Aufbau der Möbel für dich übernehmen.
- Umzugstag organisieren: Stellen Sie sicher, dass alle Umzugskartons beschriftet und bereit sind. Koordinieren Sie die Helfer und sorge für Verpflegung während des Umzugs.
- Nachbereitung: Melden Sie sich nach dem Umzug beim Einwohnermeldeamt an, beantrage neue Telefonanschlüsse und informieren Sie alle wichtigen Stellen (Bank, Arbeitgeber, Versicherungen) über Ihre neue Adresse.