After a long search, the time has finally come. You have found your dream property, the contracts are signed and now it’s time to take the next step. For many, the move is a stressful act that involves a lot of physical work and nerve-racking mishaps. For most, this part is probably the most unpleasant on the way to the dream property. However, a move can also be much less stressful and even without an expensive moving company.
Move stress-free and enjoy the new property to the fullest
Most think of stress-free moving directly to moving companies and of course this is also a good method to keep the stress of moving as low as possible. However, this is usually associated with high costs and even with moving companies sometimes one or the other goes wrong. Especially if the new property, new furniture, the renovations, etc. have already devoured a lot of money, many would like to take the move into their own hands. To do everything right, to go well planned and thus save money, time and nerves, here are some tips & tricks for stress-free moving.
More tips? The 3-part special on the subject of moving:
Once the contracts are signed and the new property is officially yours, you should start packing & planning. First and foremost on your checklist, however, should be decluttering. Moving is the perfect opportunity to separate old from new and get rid of the stuff that is just lying around anyway. Start with the attic/basement so that in your new property, the same boxes don’t just disappear back into storage and never get touched again. But things like your wardrobe, storage cupboard, kitchen or even decorative items should also be thoroughly decluttered. Don’t be afraid to sort things out and maybe give them away, sell something at the flea market or donate something to charities or the Ark.
Packing boxes – organisation is the be-all and end-all
Many take packing boxes lightly, but it is a lot of work and requires good organization. This is where you lay the first building block for a stress-free move. Pack boxes systematically according to the rooms in the new property. For example, pack everything that belongs in the future bedroom – even if the items are not in the bedroom in your current property – into boxes and label them not only with ‘bedroom’ but also with the contents of the box. During the move itself, the helpers will then know exactly which box belongs in which room and you will know immediately what is in the box and where it belongs when you unpack. This way, no things get lost or you have to search for specific things. The better you pack the boxes, the easier it will be to unpack them later, too. Be especially careful not to pack the boxes too heavy. No more than 20 kilos should a box weigh, because such a weight will not only be hard to carry, but can also be too much for the box and it can crack. Pack heavy items down and distribute the weight evenly throughout the crate. Cushion fragile items well to prevent loss. Simple newspaper already helps keep glasses or dishes from breaking. You should also pack liquids that could leak well to avoid nasty surprises.
Get the moving boxes early enough and start packing as early as you can, because then you won’t get into any unnecessary stress later on. Moving boxes can be bought as well as rented, because if you’re honest, you probably won’t need that many boxes anytime soon. Removal companies hire out boxes, but there are also some deals online. How many boxes are needed depends on a wide variety of factors. There is a rule of thumb to approximate the number needed. Accordingly, you should plan for a WG room about 10-15 boxes, for a small 1-2 room apartment about 30 boxes and for a larger household with several people is calculated 20-25 boxes per person.
Once you have received the key to your new property, it is worth gradually moving boxes into the new property before you move in order to keep the moving effort to a minimum. Boxes for the basement or the attic, or simply things you don’t need in your day-to-day life. Not only will this reduce the amount of work you have to do on the move, but you’ll also avoid stress by getting a lot done in advance. Also, remember to put the most important everyday items in a separate box, as you might need them right away in the new property. So mark this particular box well so that you have tools, cleaning supplies or a torch immediately to hand.
Organize helpers – provide movers or friends
Of course, a moving company is definitely a good option to have the move done, however, it is very costly among other things. The other option is to hire helpers to carry out the move with you. Mostly friends, acquaintances or family members offer themselves here, to whom a pizza in the evening is enough as payment. Make sure you have enough helpers and also plan for some with a lot of strength. Boxes are one thing, but furniture can quickly become a challenge and require a few strong hands. It’s best to ask your friends and family directly once the moving date is set, as helpers may need to take a day off or request leave. To avoid as much stress as possible on moving day itself, make sure you schedule your movers well in advance. Who will drive the van? Who will carry boxes and cartons? Who will assemble the furniture? Who will look after the children and who will take care of the catering? Form teams and work as such. Organize enough drinking water for everyone in advance and also the catering should be right to keep your helpers happy.
Organize also the transporter early enough, so that you do not stand afterwards with empty hands. It is worthwhile to pick up the transporter one day before the move and to make some test rounds, because such transporters drive differently than normal cars. Also make sure that you have the necessary driving licence to be able to drive such a van. Often vans are cheaper during the week than at the weekend and many movers also offer special vans for rent, with packing blankets, straps or moving boxes.
Pre-organization – all the little things you need to think about during a move
One point that is often forgotten are the little things that need to be organized in advance. This includes, for example, organizing the no stopping sign for the moving day. A sufficiently large parking space in front of the old and the new property is essential. This way you avoid a lot of stress with the search for a parking space or possibly also with the public order office. You will need to apply for this at the relevant road traffic office, local authority or district council office. You may have to collect, put up and take away the signs yourself, so be sure to ask how the organisation works. You will usually need to apply for this 7-14 days before your moving date. There are also costs involved, which you should calculate and which vary from city to city. Other little things you need to think about are the dates for handing over the old apartment keys, applying for the post to be forwarded, making an appointment to re-register with the local authorities, taking the meter readings for electricity, gas and water in both properties, and so on. To make sure you don’t forget anything, here is a checklist of the most important things to organise before you move.
Moving checklist – so that you don’t forget anything during the move
Clear out and clean out apartment / house
Get moving boxes
Plan the interior of the new apartment
Buy new furniture early enough and pay attention to delivery times
Request leave for the move
Renovation work in the new and old apartment
Plan the moving date realistically
Organize removal helpers
Organize dates for the transfer of the old apartment
Inform the authorities, health insurance companies, banks, insurance companies, etc. of your new address.
Apply for mail forwarding ( 2-3 weeks before moving date)
Rent a van / moving company
Apply for no-stopping zones in front of the old and new home
Organize babysitter for children / pets
Get packing material, such as newspaper, bubble wrap, packing blankets, etc.
Assemble toolbox
Defrost freezers / refrigerators in good time
Organize catering for removal workers
Inform neighbours about the move ( new and old )
Cleaning the old and new apartment
Check the staircase for possible damage before the move and document this damage.
Request an appointment at the registration office
Car reregistration
Record meter readings for electricity, gas and water in the old and new apartment
More tips? The 3-part special on the subject of moving:
