How to Prepare for a Move

Good preparation is what separates a calm move from a chaotic one most of all. Most problems on moving day — forgotten items, unpacked belongings at the last minute, an unarranged time with the building manager — arise not during the work itself, but because preparation started too late. The checklist below is broken down by time period, to make it easier to see what needs doing when.

3–4 weeks before the move

• ✓Decide whether you'll move yourself or with the help of a moving service — if using a service, request a quote early so you can agree on the most convenient date.
• ✓If you live in a multi-storey building, find out whether using the lift or stairwell on moving day requires notifying the building manager or neighbours.
• ✓Start sorting your belongings — separate what you're taking with you from what needs to be thrown away, given away, or sold. The fewer items, the simpler the move.

1–2 weeks before the move

• ✓Get packing materials — boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap for fragile items, tape, and markers for labelling boxes.
• ✓Start packing items you don't use daily — seasonal clothing, books, decorations. Label each box with the room it's going to.
• ✓If using a moving service, confirm all the details — addresses, floor, lift access, and approximate volume of belongings.
• ✓Notify your bank, employer, and other important contacts of the address change.

Final days before the move

• ✓Prepare a "first day box" with items you'll need right after the move — toiletries, snacks, documents, chargers.
• ✓Mark fragile and valuable items separately, so they can be handled with extra care.
• ✓Make sure the access route and building entrance will be clear on moving day — this considerably speeds up the process.
• ✓Charge your phone and prepare a list of key contacts — useful if anything unexpected needs to be arranged on moving day.

On moving day

It's a good idea to be present yourself, or to assign someone you trust who can direct where things should go in the new home. If you're using a moving service, briefly go over the plan again before work starts — what's being moved, in what order, and whether there are any special items that need extra attention.

If you haven't yet finalised a moving date or are still planning the process, you can start with our request form — note that the date isn't confirmed yet, and we'll help you plan it together.