Relocating requires organizational talent and is often associated with a lot of work and stress for those involved. To help you efficiently navigate this new phase of your life, we’ve compiled the following list of moving tips: from planning to emergency relocation procedures.
Tip #1: Plan your move long-term
Probably the most important of all moving tips: The sooner you plan your move, the more organized it will be. Terminate your existing rental agreement three months before the planned move date to avoid unnecessary costs.
The statutory notice period is one month, but longer periods are common. If you terminate your rental agreement three months before the intended move, you’ll generally be on the safe side.
If you’re self-employed or freelance, inform your customers and business partners about your planned relocation well in advance. Also, create a checklist of upcoming tasks, sorted by urgency.
Contact a moving company as early as possible, as this increases the likelihood that the move will take place on your desired date. Keep in mind that companies are particularly busy during the summer months.
In most cases, it is also advisable to apply to the local council or city administration for a short-term no-parking zone so that you can load your moving goods without disruption.
Tip #2: Organize boxes, moving materials and helpers early
At least one month before your planned move, you should begin the practical phase: Gather moving boxes and packing materials to safely store your belongings over the next few days. Purchase special boxes for transporting fragile items such as plates, expensive electronics, and glassware. Many moving companies offer the option of purchasing or renting these boxes as part of a complete package.
If you want to move without the help of an external company, you should look for help among your family, friends, and acquaintances at this time.
If other people are helping you with the move, they can also give you some tips during the move: Have you thought about your attic, garage, or garden shed? And how do you transport a corner sofa set without suffering from back pain afterward?
If you intend to stay with your current provider, it’s usually sufficient to re-register. Otherwise, you risk having to do without essential amenities of modern living in your future home for a while.
Insider tip: Pack an emergency box in advance
Pack an emergency kit with the essentials you'll need immediately after the move. This includes chargers, toilet paper, toothbrushes, a first aid kit, snacks, and drinks. This way, you'll have everything you need on hand without having to search for it once you arrive at your new home.
How many moving boxes should you plan and pre-purchase?
The number of boxes depends on the size of the apartment and the personal belongings. As a rule of thumb, a one-bedroom apartment will need about 20-30 boxes, while a three-bedroom apartment will need about 60-80 boxes. It's always a good idea to keep a few extra boxes on hand.
Tip #3: Document the condition of your apartment
About two weeks before the planned moving date, most people’s stress levels rise. However, with our moving tips, you can stay relaxed.
In any move, sorting and packing small items is usually the most difficult part.
Label the boxes so that the moving company employees or other helping hands know which room to place them in. Also, mark any moving boxes containing particularly fragile items with a note. Also, prepare for the handover of your old apartment.
It has proven useful to create an apartment handover report. This will help avoid misunderstandings and disputes over liability issues.
Document the condition of the apartment and note any existing defects and wear and tear in the report. Also, take photos of your electricity, gas, and water meter readings.
If a piece of furniture is too large to fit through a door or up the stairs, it may be necessary to disassemble it. If this isn't possible, a professional moving service can usually help transport the piece over windows or balconies—possibly with special lifting equipment.
Tip #4: Use up perishable foods
When it comes to moving tips, the primary goal is to avoid stress and save money. So, consider smaller costs, such as the contents of your refrigerator and freezer.
Use existing and perishable food as early as possible to ensure the cold chain isn’t interrupted during the move.
Tip #5: How to start your moving day relaxed
Moving companies know: For most people, the move begins immediately before the deadline. The consequences are hecticness, late nights, arguments, and damaged furniture.
If you’ve followed these tips for your move, you’ll only have to take care of the bare essentials in the last few days before moving:
- Arrange the packed boxes and disassembled furniture in an orderly fashion. Ideally, use a single room near the apartment door. This will speed up the removal of your belongings and save your helpers a lot of work.
- Carry personal documents, valuables, chargers, and keys with you. Ideally, use a suitcase that you carry yourself.
- Early planning saves money:
The sooner you plan and organize your move, the more likely you are to get better rates from moving companies and transporters. - Purchase moving insurance:
If you’re transporting valuable or fragile items, it’s worth purchasing moving insurance. This protects you from financial loss if something gets damaged. - Read meter readings:
Don’t forget to read the meter readings (electricity, gas, and water) in both your old and new apartments on moving day and report them to your utility providers to avoid billing errors.
Tip #6: Last-minute move – what now?
Short-term relocations are a particular challenge and can cause even calm minds to become hectic.
But with our tips, such a move can also be overcome.
- Write down the things you absolutely need at your new place of residence.
- Dispose of irrelevant furnishings or store them with relatives or friends.
- Alternatively, you can temporarily store furniture and other belongings with a professional service provider.
- Find out if moving companies in your area have short-term capacity.
- Ask family and friends for support and explain the reasons for the unexpected relocation.
- Focus on the essentials, even when completing the necessary formalities.
- Despite the time pressure, don't neglect to prepare an apartment handover report and document the meter readings.
No time to move? Contact us!
Our moving tips will save you time and money – but relocations are still time-consuming and often emotionally stressful.
MT Facility Service GmbH offers you a complete moving service package: We take care of dismantling and reassembling your furniture, arrange transport, and dispose of unnecessary furnishings upon request.
You also have the option of storing your belongings with us, so even last-minute moves can be a hassle-free experience. See for yourself what we can offer or read more moving tips on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
#Lastly: Plan your move properly
| Preparing for the move | Period | Follow-up for the move |
| Set a moving date | 6 months before the move | Reading meter readings in the new apartment |
| Terminate old apartment | 4-6 months before the move | Claim the deposit for the old apartment |
| Looking for a new tenant | 4-6 months before the move | Re-registration with the registration office (at the latest 3 weeks after the move) |
| Arrange a new rental agreement and deposit | 4-6 months before the move | Report new address to employers, banks, insurance companies |
| Book a moving company or organize helpers | 2-3 months before the move | Clean and tidy |
| Get moving boxes | 2-3 months before the move | Clean and tidy |
| Start assembling furniture and packing | 1-2 weeks before the move | Check and update your mail forwarding order with the post office |