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Ensure moving day goes smoothly with our checklist

Are you moving soon? There is a lot to consider when moving house and because of this you quickly lose sight of the wood for the trees. To ensure that your moving day goes as smoothly as possible, it is useful to have a guideline. This provides a basis for the tasks and the planning of your move. In this article you will find a handy moving checklist to ensure that your move goes smoothly. Follow the steps for a well-prepared move.

1. Arrange your important matters (address change, gas, water & light)

You must notify your new municipality of a change of address at least 5 days before you move permanently . In addition, it is wise to arrange important matters, such as gas, water and light, insurance and subscriptions. With  PostNL's relocation service  , you can easily arrange your postal affairs. This way you can be sure that all your mail will arrive at your new address.

2. Sort your things and think about the environment

Before you pack your things, it is useful to view your entire contents. What furniture do you want to take with you and what not? Do you want to throw things away? Then do this environmentally consciously. This includes, for example, white goods and electronic devices. Many municipalities have a recycling center where these devices can be handed in so that others can benefit later. Moreover , it helps you to limit moving costs . By throwing away a lot in advance, you need less space for transport and you therefore pay less for transport or possible storage.

3. Pack your belongings efficiently

By packing your belongings efficiently, you prevent stress and damage. Below you can read some tips about packing your moving goods:

  • Start well in time, this prevents any stressful situations
  • Rent reinforced moving boxes , think of plastic boxes that you can reuse later
  • Use soft material to protect your valuables
  • Label your equipment cables

4. Take a day off for your move

It may be unnecessary to mention, but due to the crowds it may not be possible to ask for time off for your  move . Sometimes you are entitled to a day off from your employer to arrange your move. Is the moving date known? Then request the moving day immediately, so that you do not miss out on that day off. Not all employers offer a special day to move, this depends on the contract conditions and agreements.

5. Arrange a babysitter

Children and pets also occasionally require attention during your move. If you want to work undisturbed, it might be nice to arrange a babysitter. It can also make a difference for the movers if they don't have to watch where the children are and whether a pet is in the way.

6. Call in auxiliary troops/extra movers

Have you already thought about how you want to arrange your move? For a moving van with a capacity of 21 m3 and a mover you pay an average of € 59 per hour. A professional mover or Recognized Movers is trained and knows exactly what he is doing. If you want to save costs, you can involve friends and family. Make sure you give everyone a task so that the move goes smoothly.

7. Defrost the freezer and refrigerator

Be sure to unplug the freezer 2 days in advance. Then the ice has melted and the freezer is completely dry inside. This makes it easier to move the freezer and  refrigerator and you also have less chance of damage to the device. It is also wise to do this if you hand over the old house for sale, you can then easily clean it (or have it cleaned).

8. Measure all the dimensions of your new rooms

Before you move, it is useful to measure all the sizes of the windows, floors and doors of your new rooms. If there are no items in the room yet, it is easier to measure all sizes. You can then plan in advance where your furniture will be placed. This helps with giving instructions to the movers and so you can quickly and efficiently furnish your home later.

9. Make a planning for the moving day

A smooth moving day is good for everyone. To achieve this, a relocation planning must of course not be missing. Make a clear schedule for the morning, afternoon and possibly evening. This way you know exactly from hour to hour what needs to be done. This gives stability and peace of mind. If you use a moving company, they will have already largely determined the daily schedule. Usually they have already made a reasonable estimate of how much time the move of your size will take, how long it will take to drive to the new place of residence and how long they will need to unload. In that case, during the moving day you will mainly be busy supervising where everything should be placed. The rough work is taken off your hands.  

10. Hand over the old keys

A checklist is not complete without key transfer. A key transfer will take place for both a rented house and a house for sale. In the case of a rental property, this will be arranged with the landlord, who will also immediately do a check-up. At the transfer of an owner-occupied home, the estate agent will in any case be present and in most cases it is expected that the home will be delivered clean and empty.

Compare and save on your moving costs

Are you moving soon and don't want to pay too much? You can save a lot on costs by comparing prices of moving companies. How? Request free and non-binding quotes from moving companies in your area. Compare the quotes and choose the mover that suits you best. You will receive the quotes within 2 working days and you will immediately see how much you save on moving costs.

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Frequently asked questions

Ask your question
What does a move cost?

Moving can be a time-consuming and effort-intensive task. By doing your move yourself with a few friends or relatives, you can move for little money. This way you only spend money on the rental of a van. However, outsourcing your entire move does not have to be expensive either. The costs depend on various factors. For example, the amount of furniture and how far your new home is. With Shift Out's smart relocation calculator, you can calculate the cost of your move within 5 minutes, and get an accurate estimate of what to expect. Whether you choose to rent a van or let us handle your entire move, we offer affordable solutions that fit your needs. Contact Shift Out today for a stress-free and budget-friendly move.

What to arrange when moving house?

Moving house involves a lot of things to consider, beyond just the move itself. It's important to say goodbye to items you no longer need before packing everything smartly to ensure nothing is damaged. Smart unpacking, such as using labels to identify items that belong in each room, can also save time and effort. Don't forget about important tasks like transferring your energy contract and updating your address for subscriptions.

At Shift Out, we understand the challenges of moving, which is why we offer a free moving checklist to help you stay organized and not overlook anything. Our comprehensive checklist covers everything from decluttering to energy contracts and subscription updates, ensuring a smooth and stress-free move. Contact Shift Out today for all your moving needs.

When to report a move?

At Shift Out, we know that timely communication of address changes is crucial for a successful move. We recommend starting the process at least 2 to 4 weeks before your move to ensure that everything is moved on time. With our assistance, you can easily update your address with all relevant parties, including utilities, subscriptions, and other important contacts.

Contact Shift Out today to learn more about our moving services.

When to deregister from the municipality after moving?

We understand that registering with your new municipality is an important part of the moving process. It's crucial to deregister from your old municipality in a timely manner and register with your new one within 5 days of your move. However, did you know that you can register up to 4 weeks in advance? This means you can avoid last-minute stress by taking care of the registration process early.

If you're moving within the same municipality, you only need to report a change of address. In most cases, you can easily register and deregister online through your municipality's website, saving you valuable time. At Shift Out, we're here to support you every step of the way during your move. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive moving services.

How long to keep a cat indoors after moving?

At Shift Out, we understand that moving can be a stressful experience for pets, especially for cats. It's important to take extra care when moving with your furry friend to ensure their comfort and well-being.

To help your cat adjust to their new surroundings, it's best to keep their familiar belongings, such as their basket and litter box, during the move. Introducing new items right away may cause your cat to feel even more stressed and disoriented in their new home.

Take the time to observe your cat's behavior and comfort level as they settle into their new surroundings. With patience and care, your cat will soon feel comfortable and at home in their new environment. Contact Shift Out today to learn more about how we can assist you in your next move, including our pet-friendly moving services.

Do you offer packing and unpacking services?

Yes, we offer both packing and unpacking services. Our team can pack your belongings for you or provide you with the necessary materials to do it yourself. We also offer unpacking services to help you settle into your new home.

How do you protect my belongings during the move?

We take great care to protect your belongings during the move. We use high-quality packing materials and employ professional packing techniques to ensure that your belongings are protected during transportation. We also use furniture pads and shrink wrap to protect your furniture.

How do I prepare for my move?

We recommend that you start preparing for your move well in advance. This includes decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need, creating a detailed inventory of your belongings, and labeling your boxes. Our team can also provide you with a moving checklist to help you stay organized.

Can you move fragile items?

Yes, we have experience moving fragile items such as china, glassware, and artwork. We use special packing materials and techniques to ensure that these items are protected during transportation.