Moving Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Stress-Free Move into Your New Home

What Should You Consider for Different Types of Moves?

The basic timeline remains similar. However, depending on your living or work situation, there may be additional tasks to consider.

Moving Out of a Rental Property

Review your rental agreement, the notice period, as well as any renovation obligations and arrangements regarding a replacement tenant. Clarify which building regulations must be observed when moving out and how drill holes or other alterations should be handled. Document the condition of the property, the meter readings and all keys handed over in a written handover report. This also provides a clear basis for the subsequent settlement of the security deposit.

Moving into a House

Moving into a house often involves additional areas and tasks. Sort through the garage, basement, attic and garden well in advance. Plan for tools, bulky waste, work by tradespeople, as well as delivery and installation appointments for large pieces of furniture. Also check insurance policies, waste bins, heating systems and meter readings. Measure doors, staircases and access routes to ensure that bulky furniture can be moved safely into place.

Privately Organised Move

A privately organised move requires realistic scheduling and clearly assigned responsibilities. Decide who will drive, carry items, disassemble furniture, look after children or organise food and drinks. Reserve a van and moving equipment in good time, clearly label all boxes and check the insurance coverage for the vehicle, helpers and belongings being moved. It is better to arrange slightly more help than you think you will need so that last-minute cancellations do not disrupt the move.

Business Relocation

For a business relocation, minimising downtime and establishing clear responsibilities are key priorities. Plan the transport of sensitive documents, technical equipment and goods separately. Back up your data and inform employees, customers, suppliers and service providers of new contact details and ways to reach you well in advance. A detailed schedule helps ensure that essential areas of the business can resume operations quickly.

Temporary Storage During a Move: When Additional Storage Space Helps

Temporary storage provides additional space and time when your old and new living arrangements do not align seamlessly. It is particularly helpful when:

• handover dates do not coincide,
• the new home is still being renovated,
• two households are being combined,
• furniture does not immediately fit into the new home,
• the basement or attic needs to be sorted first,
• not all rooms are ready when moving into a house, or
• seasonal items will be moved at a later date.

With self-storage, you can store furniture, boxes and household belongings for the required transition period. At LAGERBOX, you can select storage space that matches the size of your household.

Our Space Calculator helps you estimate the right storage unit size. Transport equipment is available on site. Additional options such as vans or trailers may be available depending on the location and availability. Use our Location Finder to find a LAGERBOX location near you.

“Many customers underestimate just how helpful having some extra time can be during a move. If the new home is still being renovated, handover dates change or two households are being combined, a storage unit helps keep everything organised: furniture and boxes remain safely stored and can be moved into the new home step by step.”

(Volker Borner, CREO|Authorized Signatory, LAGERBOX, own translation)

➤ Find the right storage unit size with the Space Calculator

➤ Book storage for your move now!

Well Prepared for Moving Day: Your Moving-Day Bag

On moving day, one thing matters above all: important items need to be readily accessible. Pack a personal moving-day bag that you transport yourself and do not place in the moving van. This ensures that everything you need during the move and in the first few hours in your new home is close at hand.

This should include:

• Keys, documents and identification
• Wallet and some cash
• Mobile phone, charging cable and power bank
• Regularly required medication and a first-aid kit
• Toiletries, toilet paper and a towel
• A change of clothes and weatherproof clothing
• Snacks and sufficient water
• Basic tools, adhesive tape and a pen
• Cleaning supplies and bin bags
• Important items for children or pets

7 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with good preparation, small oversights can make a move unnecessarily difficult. Knowing the common pitfalls saves time, money and stress. These seven common moving mistakes can easily be avoided with the right planning.

Starting to Plan the Move Too Late

If you only start checking quotes, appointments and notice periods shortly before the move, you can quickly find yourself under time pressure. Start three to six months in advance wherever possible and establish the most important milestones.

Taking Too Many Things Without Sorting Them First

Unnecessary household belongings take up space, boxes and transport time. Sort through your belongings before packing and consciously decide what you will take with you, sell, donate or dispose of.

Underestimating the Amount of Storage Space Required

Basements, attics and garages in particular often contain more belongings than expected. Take stock of your entire household well in advance and, if necessary, plan for a suitable storage unit as a temporary solution.

Failing to Label Moving Boxes Clearly

Generic labels such as “Miscellaneous” make it difficult to identify where boxes belong. Write the destination room and contents on several sides and additionally mark important or fragile boxes.

Forgetting Important Changes of Address

Missed address changes can result in misdirected mail and unnecessary follow-up enquiries. Create a personal change-of-address checklist and work through the relevant organisations systematically.

Failing to Allow Extra Time for Renovation or Property Handover

Delays cannot always be avoided. Allow sufficient time and budget for additional work, rescheduled appointments or temporary storage.

Trying to Set Up the New Home Perfectly Straight Away

The best layout, lighting conditions and actual storage requirements often only become apparent once you are living in the space. The principle here is simple: settle in first, then finalise the layout. Start by arranging the most important furniture and optimise the rooms step by step.

Tips from the Community: 17 Practical Moving Tips from Real Life

Some moving tips may seem obvious at first. Their value becomes clear, however, when cutlery, screws or important everyday items cannot be found on moving day. These practical experiences can help save time, effort and stress.

• Declutter before you start packing: Use the move as an opportunity to reduce your belongings. Decide early what you genuinely still need and give away or sell items in good condition, while disposing of anything unnecessary in good time.
• Position labels so they remain visible when boxes are stacked: Write the room and contents not only on the top of the box but also on at least one side.
• Pack a suitcase for the first few days: Keep clothes, toiletries, medication and personal belongings separate, just as you would for a short trip.
• Prepare a kitchen essentials box: Pack crockery, cutlery, cups, washing-up liquid, cloths and basic food items so they are readily accessible.
• Arrange more helpers than you think you will need: Allow for last-minute cancellations and ensure that you have enough support for carrying, driving, assembling and coordinating.
• Do not forget food and drinks: Prepare enough drinks, snacks and simple meals for everyone involved.
• If possible, move some items in advance: Take smaller belongings or boxes you rarely need to the new home or a storage unit beforehand.
• Plan the wiring before assembling furniture: Keep lamps, light bulbs, multi-socket adapters and extension cables accessible before large pieces of furniture block the connections.
• Attach screws directly to the corresponding piece of furniture: Collect screws and small parts in labelled bags and securely attach them to the relevant piece of furniture.
• Do not make boxes too heavy: Distribute books and other heavy items among smaller boxes and combine them with lighter belongings.
• Use clothing as packing material: Use towels, T-shirts or bed linen to cushion sturdy items.
• Use a colour-coding system for rooms: Assign a colour to each room and label boxes and doors accordingly.
• Arrange parking and temporary no-parking zones early: Check in good time whether a temporary no-parking zone is required at your old or new address.
• Do not start packing too late: Pack seasonal items, decorations and rarely used belongings first. Everyday essentials can follow later.
• Avoid large grocery shops shortly before the move: Use up your food supplies systematically and buy only the essentials shortly before moving.
• Pack by function rather than by room: Group together items needed for the first night, cleaning or furniture assembly, regardless of which room they will eventually belong in.
• A moving company can help preserve friendships: If you have heavy furniture, difficult access conditions or limited time, consider whether a professional moving company may be the better solution.

Compact Moving Checklist to Tick Off

With this compact moving checklist, you can keep track of the most important tasks and tick off each item as soon as it is completed.

• Check contracts and notice periods
• Set the moving date, budget and helpers
• Book a van or moving company
• Sort, sell, donate and dispose of belongings
• Obtain moving supplies, pack boxes and label them
• Update contracts and arrange mail forwarding
• Prepare changes of address
• Organise childcare and refreshments
• Document handovers, meter readings and keys
• Pack a moving-day bag and first-night box
• Reserve temporary storage if required
• Update your registered residence and other addresses after the move

Plan Well for a More Relaxed Move

Start early and work through the tasks step by step. With a realistic timeline, clearly assigned responsibilities and the most important items close at hand, you create a solid foundation for a smooth start in your new home.

If you temporarily need additional space, you can determine the right storage unit size with the Space Calculator, explore moving supplies or find a LAGERBOX location near you.