Checklist

Checklist – The perfect move

• Giving notice for your current hom
  Remember to give your landlord timely and proper notice for leaving your current residence.
• DIY or moving company?
  Would you like to carry out the move on your own, or engage a moving company?
• Rent deposit
  Have you paid a rent deposit or bond to your landlord? If so, arrange for its repayment.
• Redecorating
  Which decorative repairs have to be carried out? Clarify this in good time with your landlord. Arrange for everything to be confirmed in writing in a handover protocol.
• Repair payments
  Have you installed new fixtures or carried out modifications on the property? Clarify with your landlord which alterations can remain as they are. Settle any repair payments.
• Time off work for the move
  Remember to request time off work in time for the moving date.
• Decluttering
  A lot of unnecessary junk builds up over the years. Clear out the attic, cellar and/or garage. We would be happy to take over this task for you!
• Craftsmen for modifications
  For some modifications or disassemblies it is necessary to engage the services of a craftsman. Make a timely appointment or feel free to contact us!
• Looking after the children
  Where can the children be looked after during the move? We would be happy to put you in touch with a competent and experienced babysitter!
• Looking after pets
  Who is going to look after any pets during the move? We would be happy to put you in touch with a competent and experienced dog- or catsitter!
• Reading the water, gas and electric meters
  Read the meters one last time on the day you move. Clarify the final payments with your suppliers.
• Inform the caretaker
  Inform your caretaker of your move beforehand. Clarify, if applicable, the use of the elevator for the day of the move.
• Reserve a loading and unloading zone
  Where can you park your moving van? If needed, it is possible to acquire no parking signs from the town/community authorities. Apply in good time – we would be happy to advise you on this!
• Procurement of packing materials
  New and used packing cartons can be bought through our company or via classified ads. You will need approximately one carton per square metre of your old home. For delicate items of clothing, you should buy special packing cases in which the items can be transported in a hanging position. Along with packing cartons you should make sure you have enough tissue paper and packing paper for wrapping breakables. We can supply you with everything you need to ensure a trouble-free move.
• Sensible and punctual packing
  You should start packing items which are not often needed approximately 2-3 weeks before the moving date.
  
  Beware: If you pack your belongings yourself, there is no insurance coverage. We would therefore be happy to take over this task for you!
  
  You should begin to disassemble furniture approximately 3-4 days before the moving date, unless you wish us to manage this for you. Small parts (e.g. screws) are best packed in small plastic bags and attached to the respective item of furniture with tape.
  
  Breakables should be carefully wrapped in packing or tissue paper. It is best not to use newspaper as the newsprint can rub off onto the packed items. Completed, packed cartons should be picked up and shaken gently. All gaps between items in the cartons should be filled to ensure that nothing is broken during transport.
  
  Heavy items should be placed at the bottom with lighter items on top. Do not overload cartons. Fill up any half-empty cartons with cushions or with light, soft items.
  
  Label the cartons distinctly and clearly. Alongside the contents, also note down in which room the carton will be needed. A list of contents makes unpacking easier.
• Room plan
  Make a room plan and sketch in the positions of the furniture. Hang a copy in each room in your new home. In this way the furniture will end up in the correct room immediately.
• Houseplants
  Stop watering houseplants 1-2 days before the move so that they are lighter to transport. Tie up twigs and shoots carefully to a stick or bamboo rod and wrap the plants in packing paper or plastic wrapping.
  
  If the move is taking place in winter: Wrap plants well to protect them from frost. Do not leave them standing out on the street or in a cold hallway for too long.
• Money, jewellery and watches
  It’s best to transport important documents and precious items personally.
• A suitcase for the first few days
  Each family member should have a suitcase and clothes for 2 to 3 days. Don’t forget the childrens‘ favourite toys!
• Residents’ registry office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
  IWithin 2 weeks after the move, at the latest, you must have registered the change of address at the residents’ registry office. In order to avoid unnecessary stress, you can also take care of this prior to your move.
• Change of address
  Arrange with the post office to have your mail sent on to your new address. Notify all important offices (e.g. insurance companies, banks etc.) of your new address. Don’t forget newspaper or magazine subscriptions.