Moving checklist: what to do 8 weeks, a month and a week before

• Set the moving date and check the notice period on your current tenancy agreement.
• Go through your belongings: what's coming with you, what you're selling, giving away or throwing out.
• Request a moving quote – you can work out the volume of your belongings with our calculator.
• Book time off for moving day and the day after.
• If you have children, arrange a change of nursery or school.
• Measure your new home and plan where the largest pieces of furniture will go.

• Confirm the date and sign the contract with the moving company.
• Order boxes and packing materials – we work out how many you need in our post on how many boxes you need for a move.
• Order internet for your new home – installation can sometimes take several weeks.
• Transfer or cancel your electricity, gas and subscription contracts.
• Start packing things you rarely use: the cellar, top cupboards, books, decorations.
• Check where to report your change of address – our post on moving formalities will help.

• Agree access, parking for the van and, if needed, a lift booking with the housing cooperative or building manager.
• Use up what's in your freezer and pantry.
• Gather documents, contracts and warranties in one folder.
• Take apart furniture you don't use every day, or book dismantling.
• Set up mail forwarding to your new address.

• Pack everything except everyday items, the kitchen and the bathroom.
• Label the boxes: the destination room and a short note on the contents.
• Defrost and dry the fridge at least a day before transport – we explain how to prepare appliances in our post on how to move a fridge and washing machine.
• Pack an essentials bag: documents, chargers, medication, a change of clothes, toiletries, toilet paper, a kettle and mugs.
• Confirm the arrival time and addresses with the crew.

1. Take photos of the electricity, water and gas meters in both your old and new home.
2. Keep documents, keys, cash, jewellery and medication with you.
3. Before you leave, check every cupboard, the top cupboards, the cellar and the balcony.
4. In your new home, show the crew which room is which – labelled boxes will go straight to the right place.
5. When handing back the keys to your old home, sign a handover report.

• Register your new address – online with a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) or at the municipal office.
• Update your address with your bank, employer, insurer and tax office.
• Report the change of address in your car's registration certificate – you have 30 days to do so.
• You don't need to replace your ID card – cards issued since 2015 don't show an address.
• Return the empty boxes or leave them for the crew to collect.

You'll find more tried-and-tested ways to a stress-free move in our post on organising a move – 10 proven tricks.