CHECKLIST: Organising my move!

Moving home is always complicated: it is tiring, expensive and time-consuming, and you worry about forgetting lots of things, etc. 

This very comprehensive checklist will guide you towards a stress-free move, so that you can fully enjoy your new home! 

Four months before:

• Are you a tenant? Check that you are entitled to terminate your tenancy agreement and that you comply with the required notice period. Then notify the landlord that you are leaving. The notice period is usually three months and begins on the first day of the month following the date on which the registered letter was sent.

One to two months before

• Start thinking about the minor repairs you will need to carry out
  to avoid any unpleasant surprises during the check-out inspection!
• If you are unfamiliar with your new neighbourhood, find out about it too: GP, pharmacy, schools, supermarkets, etc. Moving home disrupts our routines somewhat, so it is important to settle into your new neighbourhood quickly. If you are changing doctor, have your medical records transferred to your new healthcare providers. Do you need advice? See whether your new neighbourhood has a Facebook page where you can ask local residents for information or recommendations.
• If you would like to use professional movers, do not hesitate to request quotes from several companies so that you can compare their offers. Also check that they are insured against any property damage during the move.
• Are you moving everything yourself? Let your friends or family know now so that they can keep the moving date free and come and help you! If you are considering hiring a vehicle or furniture lift, now is also the time to arrange it.

One month before

• Order your moving boxes now so that you can get started without wasting any time!
• Start packing anything you do not use every day, such as your books or decorative items. Make sure everything is labelled correctly. This will save you time when you move in, and if you are looking for an item, you will know where to find it. A little professional tip: write on the label which room the box should be placed in! This will help the movers and make it easier for you to supervise the move.
• If you are concerned about damaging your furniture or belongings during the move, insurance policies are available to cover this. It is up to you to specify what you would like covered: personal injury, property damage, etc.
• Arrange your transfers! Start with your home insurance. Do not panic if your move is spread over a longer or shorter period: your insurance will cover both properties for 90 days.
• For internet, cable television and your landline, also contact your provider so that the services can be transferred in good time.
• Also inform the water, gas and electricity companies. If no one will be moving into your former home, make sure the meters are closed. If your new home has been unoccupied for some time, arrange for the meters to be opened. If a new tenant is moving in after you, complete a joint meter reading. This can sometimes be done online, so check with your provider.
• Also remember your post. Let your friends and family know about your change of address now. Alternatively, Bpost provides a service for this called Domymove. It costs approximately €25 per four-month period.
• Finally, ask your employer whether you are entitled to a day’s leave! Some companies do indeed have arrangements for this type of event.
• If you would like to get rid of certain items, bulky waste collection is organised by local councils. Submit your request well in advance, as their schedules are very busy. If you are parting with furniture that is in good condition, Les Petits Riens can also collect it from your home.

Two weeks before

• Ask your local council to reserve parking spaces in front of your home. This is essential if you are using a furniture lift, for example!
• If you have any subscriptions (newspapers, subscription boxes, magazines, etc.), notify the providers of your change of address.
• Take the opportunity to sort through your cupboards, and take unwanted items to the recycling centre or place them in Les Petits Riens collection containers if they are in good condition.
• Sort through your freezer and plan to eat the remaining food over the following weeks.
• If you have any dismantlable furniture that you do not absolutely need, start taking it apart now!

One week before

• Remove the items attached to the wall, such as curtain rods, wall lights, picture frames, etc.
• If you have a pet with a microchip, also notify the relevant organisation so that it can update the address.
• Also arrange for someone to look after your children and pets so that they do not get in your way on moving day.
• Contact the people who have offered to come and help you again to confirm that they will be there!
• Remember to register at your new address. In some municipalities, this can be done online.
• Do you have an alarm system? Notify the alarm company that you are moving!

The day before

• Make sure you have food for the people coming to help you; they will be all the more efficient!
• Make sure you have enough blankets or sheets to protect your more fragile furniture.
• Unplug your electrical appliances, especially the fridge and freezer. Drain the wastewater from your appliances and clean them.
• Check that your reserved parking space is clear; otherwise, vehicles will have to be moved and you will lose valuable time. Be vigilant: drivers often remember to leave their phone number visible on the windscreen, and it is always more courteous to call them before contacting the police!
• Pack a small overnight bag with everything you need for the day and your first night, so that you do not have to search everywhere for your toothbrush.
• If you are moving in the middle of winter, remember to turn on the heating in your new home.

Moving day

• Over a hearty breakfast, review the how the day will unfold.
• If people are coming to help you, take the time to brief them properly; this will save you valuable time on the day. Assign everyone a task so that you do not have to chase after each person to explain how they can help.
• Take meter readings (at both your old and new homes).
• Turn off the water supply.
• Turn off the heating.
• Check that all the windows are properly closed.
• Once your home is empty, do one final walk-through to make sure that everything has been removed.
• Remember to gather all your keys together so that you can hand them over to the new occupants.
• Remember to remove your name from the letterbox and the doorbell.
• Once the move is complete, check that your furniture has not been damaged. Removal companies are often insured against any damage caused.

After the move

• • Once the property is empty, you still need to clean it and carry out minor repairs before the check-out inspection. Find out which repairs are your responsibility and which are the landlord’s.

• • Also remember to update your address for bills paid by direct debit.

• • If you have already submitted your address registration request, visit the Population Service in your new municipality to update the address on your identity card and driving licence.
  • While you are at the municipal offices, also apply for a resident’s parking permit so that you can park free of charge, where applicable.