Expert movers have compiled this checklist. It is a very helpful list to make sure you do not forget anything. You could print this page, and check each box when finished!

After purchasing your new house:

• Put your old house up for sale and cancel the rent of your old house/garage;
• Disconnect telephone;
• Negotiate with new inhabitants on matter of purchase of redundant carpets, drapes, aerials, etc.;
• Take measurements in your new house (for furniture, refrigerator, gas cooker, drapes, curtains, and sunblinds…;
• Cancel or change automatic payments;
• Request free quotes from specialized move companies early. Easily done here;
• Get your mover to deliver boxes well in advance, so that you can start packing early (see packing tips);
• Gather information about your new place of residence. (School, work, shops, medical care, rates & taxes, garbage, etc.);
• Make sure you have the right visa for the country in which you will live;
• Buy a map of the town so that you can inform family, friends and your move company of the exact location of your new home.

Before moving into your new home:

• Pay attention to the amount and location of power outlets;
• Find out about regulations of proprietor of house you are moving into;
• Find out about the local regulations regarding placement of satellite receivers;
• Find out about the local garbage collection schedule;
• Find out if the house is connected to the gas/electricity mains;
• Find out if the house is connected to a town heating system;
• If there is a chimney, check to see if it’s swept;
• Is there a special connection for electrical cooking?
• Is an elevator/hoisting installation accessible for the movers?

Make sure everybody knows about the upcoming move:

• Give notice to cleaning lady/chimney sweeper; terminate rent of postbox (mind the keys!);
• Inform doctors, dentist, specialist, pharmacy, city council, and school;
• Inform insurance company/companies, banks;
• Terminate contract with electricity/gas company;
• Terminate subscriptions;
• Change addresses in passports and driving licenses.

A few weeks before the move:

• Make arrangements for daycare of small children and pets;
• Arrange transfer of keys of old house and new house (extra keys!);
• Cash in coupons of local shops;
• Return library books;
• Clean out house of things you won’t need in new home;
• Give away/sell what you won’t be taking with you;
• Disassemble any lamps, curtains and furniture that you wish to take with you.

A couple of days before the move:

• Clean your new house;
• Remove wall-to-wall carpeting;
• Pack everything you will not need on the day of your move;
• Use last day of garbage collection to dispose of everything you no longer need;
• Make sure you have cash at hand. (Coffee and pastries are appreciated on moving day);
• Make sure the parking space around your house is accessible.

The day of the move:

• Keep a couple of boxes empty to fill at the last moment;
• Remove last curtains;
• Keep important items such as keys, money, and medical papers, spare fuses apart;
• Check every room for forgotten items;
• Write down current gas/electricity meter readings; disconnect gas and electricity;
• Drain water pipes in winter (even in the absence of frost);
• Close windows and doors carefully;
• Give keys to caretaker or new owner.

In your new house:

• Mark rooms;
• Try to put everything in its correct place right away;
• Check all items for possible damage as soon as they have been unpacked;
• Do not switch on refrigerator and freezer for 24 hours to allow appliances to settle;
• Release safety on (tumbler) washing machine.

After the move:

• Attach nameplate to door;
• Notify mover of any damage to your household goods;
• Settle any damage to your house with owner;
• Notify town council of your arrival and change address in passport and driving license;
• Pick up key to new post box;
• Introduce yourself to new school, neighbors, suppliers, etc.;
• Check if mail is being forwarded.