With a move, a new and exciting time in life usually begins. To ensure that the move itself does not lead to excitement, a moving checklist is an ideal helper. Especially when you think you have thought of everything, many small things are often still missing. It's not just about dismantling furniture and packing boxes. Some thoughts should be made beforehand.

The perfect checklist for moving is well thought out, clearly divided, and truly considers everything. Therefore, it should include several points, all of which should be created calmly and a few weeks before the move. Only in this way can it be ensured that nothing is forgotten in the moving checklist:

1. The most important preparations
2. What do I need to do four weeks before the move?
3. What do I need to do two weeks before the move?
4. What do I need to do one week before the move?
5. The most important things a few days before the move
6. The moving day
7. After the move

A good moving checklist also contains notes that refer to the time after the move. Because there is still a lot to do here as well.

The Most Important Preparations – This Must Not Be Missing:

The new apartment or house is bought or rented. Now there are only a few weeks left until the move, but there is plenty to do. Therefore, it is now important to include the following points in the moving checklist:

• The cost plan for the move must be established
• The reclaiming of the deposit is initiated
• Complete small and larger repairs in the old apartment
• Measure the new apartment correctly to plan better
• Declutter the apartment and basement and sell sorted-out items
• Clarifications with the old landlord – the date for the apartment handover should be set
• Ask moving companies for offers and hire them
• Organize moving helpers

Four Weeks Before the Move – Now It Starts:

Four weeks sound like a long time, but they actually pass particularly quickly in the context of a move. Therefore, some things should already be clarified here:

• Order forwarding request
• Re-register electricity, telephone, insurance, employer, and TV connection
• Collect keys for the old apartment
• Have larger damages in the old apartment repaired by craftsmen

Two Weeks Before the Move – Packing Begins:

To ensure that all items are safely packed on the moving day itself, packing begins two weeks before the move. Therefore, the following is important here:

• Buy enough sturdy moving boxes in the box shop
• Have tape and pens ready
• If needed, apply for a parking space at the traffic authority

One Week Before the Move – Almost Done:

There is just one week left until the move is supposed to take place. Once all the boxes are ready, the next steps of the moving checklist can be tackled:

• Hand over the old apartment, document any remaining defects
• Receive keys for the new apartment
• Use up perishable food
• Pack boxes – important: They should not be too heavy and should be well labeled
• Now dismantle and set up furniture pieces
• Make the parking reservation visible with a sign

Only a Few Days Left – Now It Gets Exciting:

The excitement is rising, you're sitting on packed boxes, and now it can hardly be awaited: The move is just around the corner. A few days before the move, it is important to pack the last little things together to avoid delays on the moving day:

• Now drinks and food for the helpers should be prepared
• Things like tape, toilet paper, tools, light bulbs, and first aid kits are packed in an extra box
• Cash should be ready just in case
• Lamps for the new apartment are placed within reach

The Move Itself – The Most Important Point on the Moving Checklist:

The day has come, everyone is excited and wants to get the move over with as quickly as possible. After a good breakfast, it can start:

• Cleaning supplies remain in the old apartment for cleaning
• The furniture layout plan for the moving helpers is posted in the new apartment
• All floors should be protected from dirt and damage with foil or blankets
• Moving helpers are briefed
• Keys for the old apartment are handed over
• The moving company is supervised
• The nameplate is placed on the door of the new apartment
• Furniture and boxes are placed in the designated rooms

Almost Done – The Moving Checklist for Afterwards:

The move is largely done, now only small things on the moving checklist need to be tackled. But these small things are also important and should not be missing:

• Note the status of the electricity meter in the new apartment
• Note defects and pass them on to the landlord
• Clean the old apartment
• Re-register
• Pay the moving company
• Unpack boxes

The Boxes – One of the Most Important Points of the Moving Checklist:

A particularly important point of the moving checklist is the moving boxes. The amount of things that need to be transported is often greatly underestimated. The result is too few boxes that are overpacked and cannot be transported well or may even break. A solid moving box from the box shop can withstand a lot. However, the helpers have to carry many boxes on the moving day, so they should not be too heavy. The rule of thumb is: Always buy at least five more boxes than planned.

The advantage of moving boxes is that they can still be used after the move. They can be stacked excellently and provide order in the basement. If they are not needed, they can also be folded and placed aside to save space.

Tip: A moving box should always contain only a few heavy items, which are packed at the bottom. The remaining space in the box is filled with light items, such as clothing, decorative items, or even stuffed animals and toys. This way, you can use the entire space of a box, and it will still not be too heavy. Then note on the box which rooms the items belong to, so you don't have to search for too long later, and the boxes are placed in the right rooms immediately.

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