Moving isn’t just about changing your address. It marks a new beginning – whether it’s personal, professional, or family-related. To make sure your relocation doesn’t become overwhelming, we’ve compiled a comprehensive moving checklist to guide you every step of the way. You’ll find practical tips and reminders from the initial planning phase all the way to your housewarming party. And if you run out of space during the move: SaveSpace offers secure and flexible self-storage solutions – without the hassle.
1. Three Months Before the Move: Laying the Foundation
Check Your Lease Notice Period
Before diving into the planning, double-check the termination notice for your current lease. In most cases, that’s three months. Make sure to cancel in writing and ask for confirmation.
Request Time Off Work
Relocations take time. Apply for moving leave in advance – or coordinate availability if you’re self-employed.
Search for a New Tenant
If you’re moving out early, check if you can propose a replacement tenant. Discuss with your landlord and, if allowed, start searching now.
Plan Renovations
Read your lease agreement to see if you’re responsible for cosmetic repairs. If so, plan early, especially if you’re hiring professionals.
Book Movers or Moving Company
Decide whether to rely on friends or hire a moving company. Compare quotes and book your preferred option early.
2. Two Months Before the Move: Time to Act
Organize Child and Pet Care
Make arrangements for children and pets on moving day so you can stay focused and stress-free.
Declutter and Dispose of Bulk Trash
Take this opportunity to declutter. Donate or dispose of old furniture and broken appliances responsibly.
Rent a Storage Unit
If you can’t take everything with you right away, consider renting a storage unit. Look for secure, dry, and flexible options. With SaveSpace, you can book self-storage online, and we’ll pick up your items directly from your doorstep.
Prepare Address Change Notifications
List all institutions that need your new address (employer, insurance, bank, memberships, etc.) for a smooth transition.
Begin Renovation Work
If you haven’t started yet: now’s the time to tackle repair or paint jobs in your current place.
3. One Month Before: Organize and Pack
Get Packing Materials
Gather enough moving boxes, packing tape, padding material, and markers. Old newspapers work great for wrapping fragile items.
Label Moving Boxes
Clearly mark each box with its contents and destination room. It will save time and reduce confusion.
Prepare Your Storage Unit
If you’re using self-storage, now is the time to plan what goes in. SaveSpace offers digital inventory, video-monitored storage, and contactless pickup.
Set Up Mail Forwarding
Submit a mail forwarding request to make sure you don’t miss any important correspondence.
Cancel or Transfer Subscriptions and Services
Notify your utility providers, gym, internet, or newspaper services about your move.
Notify Utility Companies
Let your electricity, water, and gas providers know about your move to cancel or transfer your accounts.
Apply for a Parking Permit
If you’re moving in the city, apply for a no-parking zone permit to secure loading space on moving day.
4. One Week Before: Final Touches
Pack a Moving Day Essentials Bag
Prepare a bag with the essentials for the first few days: clothes, toothbrush, phone chargers, medication.
Pack Remaining Household Items
Now’s the time to pack everything else you don’t use daily.
Defrost the Fridge
Defrost the fridge and freezer in advance to avoid leaks.
Position Boxes
Group your boxes by room and place them near the entrance for quick loading.
Disassemble Furniture
Take apart large furniture pieces like beds and wardrobes. Label screws and small parts to keep them organized.
Remind Your Helpers
Send a reminder message to your helpers. Clear communication avoids confusion.
Inform Your Neighbors
Let your neighbors know you’ll be moving out. This builds goodwill and understanding about any temporary inconvenience.
5. Moving Day: Let’s Do This
Place Furniture Properly
In your new place, mark where furniture should go to make unloading easier.
Take Meter Readings
Record electricity, gas, and water meter readings in both your old and new apartments. Photos help.
Hand Over Keys
Don’t forget to return all keys to your old landlord.
6. After the Move: Settle In
Register Your New Address
You usually have two weeks to register your new address with the local authorities. Book an appointment early.
Meet Your New Neighbors
Introduce yourself personally to your new neighbors. It helps create a friendly atmosphere.
Enjoy Your New Home
Now comes the fun part: decorate, relax, and enjoy your new space at your own pace.
Bonus Tip: Store Items with SaveSpace
You don’t have to move everything at once. Especially for smaller apartments or temporary relocations, it often makes sense to rent storage space or use self-storage units. That’s where SaveSpace comes in:
We pick up your items directly at your door, store them securely, and deliver them back whenever you need.
Whether you’re looking to rent a storage unit, store furniture, or need short-term or long-term storage space – SaveSpace makes it all digital, easy, and transparent.
Our storage facilities are climate-controlled, dry, and video-monitored, and you can manage everything with a digital inventory in the app. No hauling, no hassle.
Rent a Storage Unit and Move Stress-Free
Find the perfect solution to store your furniture or rent a storage unit near you. Save time, space, and stress with self-storage from SaveSpace.