In the Federal Republic of Germany, approximately 10 million people move each year. In 2013 alone, almost six million households relocated. Nowadays, more and more people are seeking professional help when moving. They hire a moving company – either for their entire move or for parts of it. Specialized moving companies, for example, handle packing and the safe transport to the new home. Sometimes, the furniture is also professionally set up in the new place, and all household goods are neatly arranged. Additionally, moving companies can provide valuable moving tips on what should definitely be considered during a move. Whether you hire a moving company or not, a moving checklist helps you complete important tasks on time and ensures you don't forget anything.

Why a Moving Checklist is Extremely Helpful

The fact is, a move doesn't just start on the moving day itself, when the moving truck is parked outside your door, but usually several weeks in advance. To ensure your move goes smoothly, you should start planning your move in good time. We have compiled a moving checklist to help you with your planning.

A moving checklist is excellent for keeping everything in view during the move, as anyone who moves knows they are in a personal state of emergency. A moving phase can extend over several weeks. Given this fact, organizing a move is a challenge for everyone. Therefore, it is good and especially reassuring if you can check off the things you have already completed on your moving checklist.

A Suitable Moving Checklist for Every Contingency

We have compiled moving checklists for various contingencies below. Each moving checklist supports you in your personal moving planning. If you want to avoid stress during your move, you should start planning early. It is advisable to turn to organizing your move as soon as you terminate your existing rental agreement. It doesn't matter whether you carry out the move on your own or hire a moving company. Thanks to a moving checklist, you always have an overview.

Moving Checklist 1: The First Preparations for the Move

• Create a budget plan
• Request your deposit back to place a deposit on the new apartment
• Check your old rental agreement for any agreed repairs and maintenance
• Carry out repairs in your old apartment
• Measure the stairwell in your new apartment
• Thoroughly declutter your apartment, basement, and attic
• Sell unwanted items at a flea market, online, or dispose of them as bulky waste
• Arrange a date for the handover of your old apartment with your landlord
• Inquire about your heating and utility bills with your old landlord
• Apply for leave for the moving period
• Organize moving helpers
• Get quotes from moving companies
• Hire a moving company if desired
• Reserve a moving truck
• Store unnecessary furniture if needed

Moving Checklist 2: Four Weeks Before the Move

• Set up a mail forwarding order with the post office
• Change your address: with your bank, your electricity provider (if you are changing providers, the change should be made eight weeks before the move), kindergarten, school
• Notify employers, doctors, health insurance companies, and insurers of your new address
• Change newspaper or magazine subscriptions
• Change radio and TV connection, telephone, and internet connection
• Check if you have all the keys listed in the rental agreement for your old apartment – don't forget the basement, attic, and mailbox keys
• Hire craftsmen to fix major apartment damages
• Create a furniture layout plan

Moving Checklist 3: Two Weeks Before the Move

• Organize enough moving boxes
• Get blankets, ropes, tape, and labels
• Inform both new and old neighbors about your move
• Apply for a parking space in front of the new apartment with the traffic authority
• Start using up your food supplies
• Arrange a date for the handover of your old apartment
• Get the keys for your new apartment
• Start packing the first moving boxes, label the boxes, and make sure they are not too heavy
• Disassemble furniture you no longer need
• Water your plants moderately so they are not too heavy
• Photograph damages in your old apartment

Moving Checklist 4: One Week Before the Move

• Defrost your freezer or ice compartment completely
• Start emptying the refrigerator
• Organize drinks and food for your moving helpers
• Pack an extra box with toilet paper and soap, as well as cleaning agents, cleaning supplies, rags, garbage bags, string, tape, box cutter, fuses and light bulbs, flashlight, extension cord, and band-aids
• Assemble a toolbox
• Have the lamps ready for your new apartment
• Paint the old and/or new apartment; check the rental agreement for any agreed maintenance if necessary
• Get cash

Moving Checklist 5: A Few Days Before the Move

• Put up the parking reservation sign
• Have cleaning materials ready in the old apartment
• Don't forget to bring your ID and driver's license to pick up the truck/moving van
• Transport valuables, cash, and fragile items yourself
• Cover the floors in your new apartment with blankets, foil, or cardboard
• Hang a furniture layout plan in the new apartment
• Explain to the moving helpers what should be placed in which room
• Inform your moving helpers which boxes contain fragile items
• Install the lamps first and insert light bulbs
• Have toilet paper, soap, and towels ready in the bathroom
• Return all keys to the landlord or new tenant
• Document any existing or new damages in the new apartment
• Fill out a handover protocol with your new landlord
• Have the key handover – both in the new and old apartment – confirmed in writing
• Remove nameplates from the door and mailbox of the old apartment

Moving Checklist 6: On the Day of the Move

• Put nameplates on the door and mailbox of the new apartment
• Note the electricity meter reading
• Send the list of defects in the new apartment to your new landlord by registered mail within ten working days
• If a renovation is necessary, contact your new landlord beforehand and in good time
• Contact the landlord before any potential renovation
• Change your address: tax office, residents' registration office, car insurance, GEZ, road traffic office
• Update printed materials, stamps, and email signatures with your new address
• Sort the cost receipts for your tax return and keep them safe

Have you checked off all the points on the moving checklist? Then you should not hesitate to celebrate a small housewarming party with your family and friends. We are sure you have earned it!