Step by step through your move with this handy checklist

Before you really start looking for a place, it’s worth pausing for a moment: what matters to you about your new home? Location, size, budget, surroundings, nearby public transport – figure out the requirements, wishes and priorities you want your new home to meet. Then comes the comparing, viewing and applying – if you’re well prepared, you’ll impress landlords by having the right documents. And don’t forget to give notice on your old flat once you have your rental agreement.

Our checklist (PDF, 4.3 MB) will help you keep track of everything – from your first thoughts of moving to applying for a place.

Now it’s really happening: the rental agreement is signed and the move is getting closer. There are plenty of things to coordinate, from making important appointments and planning the transport to packing up your stuff. Who is helping with the move: a moving company or friends and family? What do you need for the day of the move? Do you have a vehicle or do you need to organize a van? And what can you take care of now to help ensure that everything goes smoothly later? This is also the right time for clearing out, disposing of and donating things – and systematically packing everything else.

Our checklist (PDF, 4.3 MB) will help you keep track of everything, step by step.

The big day’s coming up – and the better prepared you are, the easier it will be for you. The day before or early in the morning, you’ll need to organize the last few things: meter readings, cleaning materials, saving your parking space, packing tools and an emergency kit. Also remember to prepare food and drinks for everyone helping.

And don’t forget: now’s the right time to register with your new municipality and make your change of address official.

Once you get started, teamwork is important: packing boxes and furniture safely, taking down lights, ideally transporting valuables yourself. After the move, it’s time to say goodbye to the old flat – with cleaning, minor repairs, the official handover including a record of any defects or damage, and lastly giving back the keys.

During this intense stage, the checklist (PDF, 4.3 MB) is there to help you – making sure you don’t forget anything and stay on top of things in the heat of it all.

You’ve managed the move – and now it’s time to start settling into your new home. Time to take care of the final administrative work, put your name on your letter box and front door, get to know your new neighbourhood and neighbours, and really settle in one step at a time. Maybe still some finishing touches to take care of, some formalities with the landlord, or just some time to make yourself at home. This stage is about getting your bearings, moving on and making a fresh start – at a pace that suits you. Our checklist (PDF, 4.3 MB) will support you until it’s all over.