21 moving tips

Useful tips for a smooth move

moving tipsA move involves a lot of work. For example: you need to let your utility companies know a little while in advance, and there are many other things to take into account, as well. We created this list to make a move a bit easier for you. Here are some useful tips which you can use to keep your move as stress-free as possible. Know what to look out for, don’t forget important things and ensure a smooth move!

*Tip: Save yourself time and stress and call in a moving company. But first, compare! Receive quotations from local movers immediately and without obligation.
  1. START ON TIME Start well on time. Begin packing as soon as you have moving boxes or storage space available. Pack a few boxes every day.
  2. ORGANISATION Pack each room separately. Use separate boxes for each room. This will be very useful when you are unpacking again. Make sure you can find common items quickly by writing on the boxes what they contain. Be as detailed as you can.
  3. MEASURING Know what can and cannot fit through the door. Measure large items such as a sofa and see if it can fit through the door. It is very frustrating if you find out about this mid-move!
  4. NOT IN THE SUMMER If you decide to move yourself, it is not wise to do so in the summer. It’s far too hot in summer to carry your stuff up and down the stairs, for example.
  5. NUMBERING Number each box. Indicate the room to which the box is to be taken. Make a list of the boxes per room and also note down the total number of boxes. It is a good idea to leave some space on the list for any comments, as well as a listing of valuable items.
  6. IMPORTANT DETAILS Only move the washing machine with the drum fixed in place. Put small plants together in a moving box. Keep important papers in your hand luggage.
  7. PADDING MATERIAL Fill half-empty boxes with padding material so that the contents of the box cannot shift. Make sure you have enough padding material available.
  8. ORDER IS IMPORTANT Close all boxes securely and seal them. Ensure that the boxes are capable of supporting the weight required. Put heavier stuff at the bottom of the box and lighter stuff at the top. Do not try to make the boxes too heavy (max. 20 kilos), this will make moving them easier. A rule of thumb: the heavier the objects, the smaller the box must be.
  9. DESK DRAWERS Do not put too much stuff in desk drawers, as this can cause damage. Remove fragile and leaking objects. Lock cupboards and keep the key in your hand luggage.
  10. GLASSWARE AND CROCKERY Wrap glassware, cups and plates separately in paper and put them in (small) boxes. Use clothes or towels to protect them further. The heavier objects (plates) must be in the bottom of the box. Roll silverware in sheets of kitchen roll. Always place bottles upright in moving boxes and do not pack sharp objects with fragile items. Mark the boxes for fragile items.
  11. FLAMMABLE GOODS Flammable liquids and aerosols may not be packed. It is best to keep these and other hazardous substances separate. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause leakage or even explosion. If you pack them anyway and they injure people, you are liable for this.
  12. LAMPS Remove bulb and bulb cover. Roll up the cord. Do not use newsprint, but instead use kitchen roll to wrap the lampshade. Place the lampshade upright in a box. Decorative buttons and the like can be attached to the inside of the box containing the lampshade.
  13. CARPETS AND CURTAINS Pack valuable carpets in neat boxes. Curtains, blankets and clothing can also be stored in plastic bags. Clothing can be also be stored neatly in wardrobe boxes.
  14. MEDICINE Seal the boxes with adhesive tape. Put them in small boxes. If you need medication regularly, you need to keep things separate for the day of the move.
  15. MIRRORS AND PAINTINGS Pack mirrors, frames and paintings and place them on their side in heavy, sturdy boxes. Carefully wrap mirrors, photo frames, paintings and other fragile objects.
  16. PC, VIDEO AND HIFI Pack valuable electronic devices in their original packaging if you still have it. Otherwise, use boxes and add protective padding. Wrap a blanket or sheet around the object and place it in the box. Put extra padding in the box so that the computer/other electronic device is fixed in place. Pack cords separately and specify what they are intended for. Put them in a plastic bag.
  17. ADDRESS CHANGE It is important to change your new address in time so that your mail is not sent to the old address.
  18. USE SPECIAL COMPENSATIONS In some cases, you may be eligible for a particular scheme. For example, if you receive benefits, you may be eligible for special assistance. It may also be possible to receive a reimbursement of moving costs from your employer, if you’re moving for a job.
  19. PLANNING, PLANNING, PLANNING The planning of a move is very important!
  20. DID YOU FORGET ANYTHING? CHECKLIST Nothing worse than discovering at the last minute that you have forgotten something. Use a checklist, print it out, check what you have already done and find out what you still have to do.
  21. LAST TIP Perhaps the most important tip we can give you is: take your time. You can move yourself or outsource the move. It is sensible to compare the two options properly. In many cases, outsourcing can be the most convenient option. In this case, make sure to compare several local movers. This way, you can be sure that you will not pay too much for your move, whether you outsource the move or move yourself. Moreover, you can receive free advice from an expert if you have any questions.