We always say: good preparation is half the battle. This is certainly true when it comes to moving. At Moova, we have tried to put together the ultimate checklist for you so that you know exactly what to do and when. First, a summary of our moving checklist and the list you can tick off follows below.

The moving checklist for a smooth move

When you move to a smaller place it is important to always look at the available space because in this case you might not be able to move everything. When you move to a larger place this is not necessarily necessary because you do not have to leave any stuff behind.

By the way, do you have a lot of valuable stuff? Then you could perhaps donate it to family members, friends or charities. Would you rather earn some pocket money with it? Then of course you can also donate the stuff to Marketplace to sell.

It is also important to put together a moving folder so that you have all the important papers at hand and can't lose anything. This is also extra nice on the moving day itself.

Practical matters

Don't forget to cancel your rental contract on time. This is also important for other things such as your gas, water and electricity. You can also report the move at work and at your children's school. This way you and the children can focus on the new school. It is also important to:

Inform everyone around you.
Research the utilities in your new neighborhood.
Do you possibly need additional storage?
If you are moving yourself, it is important not to forget moving materials such as moving boxes.
Do you need a parking permit in the new municipality? Then you can apply for the parking permit at the municipality.
Arranging childcare is very important. Arrange childcare in time so that you are not faced with unnecessary surprises on moving day.

Report your move

When you move to a new municipality, you must deregister from the old municipality. Also pay close attention to your municipal taxes. Think of automatic transfers that you must stop.

A few weeks before the move

Take a good look at all the last items in the old house. Do you really want to take everything with you? Also check the dimensions of your new house so that you can be sure that the new furniture will fit. It is also important to make an appointment with the municipal cleaning service so that they can collect waste from your old house. It is best to approach a move properly.

Moving day!

The movers will be there at the agreed time. So make sure you are ready and that you know exactly what everyone has to do. For example, think of packing things or loading the moving van. Did you rent a moving lift? Then make sure well in advance that the space where the moving lift has to be is ready.

The day after the move – new residents

You can finally relax! You are the new residents of your new home!

1. Once you have signed the purchase or rental contract

Collect construction drawings and floor plans
Make sure to include the height, length and width measurements so you can mentally furnish your home with your new furniture.
Measure windows and doors
Make sure you know what will fit through and what may not (i.e. what needs to be taken apart).
See where the meter cupboard is located
And determine whether that location is suitable for, for example, the Internet modem and router.
Draw the sockets on the floor plan
And determine whether you may need to have additional power outlets installed.
Check the connection to the gas network
Determine where the refrigerator, freezer, oven, washing machine, dryer, etc. should go
Check the central heating system
How old is the installation and does it need to be replaced?
Check the connection to the cable or fiber optic
So that you know how to use the internet, television and telephone. Also pay attention to where those connections are located.
Take into account the rules of the homeowners' association, housing association or in the rental agreement
For example, are you allowed to keep pets or have your own business from home?
Find out who the grid operator is
For gas, water and electricity.

2. Register in the new municipality

Register with the new municipality
Complete this moving checklist by registering (online).
Find out which rates apply to municipal taxes
Learn more about waste collection and separation
Do you have to separate waste? When is it collected (separated)?
Search for the municipal yard now
Find the nearest school, shopping centres, GPs, pharmacies, childcare
And make a list of these useful addresses.
Think about where you are going to park
And whether you need a parking permit for that

3. Two months before the move

Hire a moving company
Please book in advance to avoid the companies being fully booked.
Arrange a moving lift if necessary
Cancel services at your address
Think of the cleaner, the rental contract, automatic debits and, for example, a garage.
Request moving leave from work, or take a day off.
Make agreements about the floor covering, curtains, furniture, etc.
Inquire about rent subsidy
Buy moving boxes
Start packing in the attic and storage room.
Sell things you don't take with you
Sell them via Marktplaats or take them to the municipal yard or thrift store.
Compare internet, television and telephony
Sometimes a new subscription at the new address is cheaper.
Create a list of recipients of address changes

4. About a month before the move

Register children at their new school or daycare
Take out new home contents and building insurance
Notify suppliers of the disconnection of gas, water and electricity
Rent a van or moving truck if you are moving yourself
Arrange for childcare for your children and pets on moving day
Rent extra storage space if you need it
Check the freezer and empty it
A clean freezer is easier to move
Collect all (spare) keys of the current home
Have extra keys made for the new house
Ask some friends to help you move
Plan a housewarming
Arrange blankets for heavy valuables
Notify PostNL and Sandd of your change of address

5. One week before the move

Get groceries for the move
Tidy up the new house and start cleaning
Give each room in your new home a number
Hang the number on the doors and write the same number on the boxes intended for that room.
Make sure the waste container is empty
Then you can more easily throw something away on moving day if necessary.
Dismantle lamps and curtains in advance
Start disassembling and packing furniture
Make sure you have enough garbage bags
You throw away more than you think.

6. One day before the move

Empty and clean the refrigerator
Let the refrigerator and freezer recover at the new address and then switch them on. The manual states how long this should take.
Reserve a good parking spot for the moving van in advance
Close all cabinets, possibly with tape
This prevents doors and drawers from being damaged during the move.
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 for everyone present on moving day
Go to bed on time

7. On moving day

Pack the last curtains and lamps
Divide the tasks and start moving
Take the latest meter readings
For example, note them down in your phone.
Prepare lunch for everyone in advance
Clean the 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 the lights and heating
Hand over the house keys to the new owner, real estate agent or landlord

8. The day after the move

Report the change of address to the new municipality
Do this within a maximum of 5 days after the move.
Report any moving damage to the moving company

Download moving checklist as PDF

And do you want the download moving checklist as a PDF? That is easier to print. That way you always have a to do list for moving at hand. You know exactly what to do and what to arrange, both well before the move and when it gets closer.