Move Checklist

Irritated friends, torn cardboard boxes or even lumbago: moving is more than a logistical challenge. Good planning is necessary if your move into your new home is going to go as smoothly as possible. We have compiled the most important points in a checklist for you.

As long as possible before the move

• Tasks for your old home: 
  Cancel tenancy agreement within the specified time 
  Find new tenant 
  Request return of rent deposit 
  Agree renovation measures with the landlord
  Prepare record of handing over 
  Agree sale/handing over diverse furniture (kitchen, cupboards, floor covering etc.)
• Tasks for your new home: 
  Inspect the apartment, make a note of necessary repairs and
  problems in the apartment 
  Settle payment of the deposit with the landlord 
  Agree renovation measures with the landlord
  Conclude tenancy agreement 
  Record meter readings in writing 
  Agree purchase/takeover (kitchen, cupboards, floor covering etc.) 
• Agreements on dates: 
  Fix exact date of moving 
  Apply for time off for moving 
  Organise helpers for the move and removal firm
  Possibly hire heavy goods vehicle
  Reserve parking space for moving out and moving in 
  Order new furniture (take account of delivery dates) 
  Agree bulky refuse date with the municipal administration 
  Agree tradesmen dates
  Organise babysitter
• Changes in address: 
  Employer 
  Tax Office 
  Employment Office, Family Bank 
  Motor Vehicle Licensing Office 
  District Recruiting Office 
  Federal Law concerning the Promotion of Education 
  Insurance (partly possibly dealt with by employer) 
  Associations
  Subscriptions
• Applications, notifications of change, cancellation notices: 
  Residents' registration office 
  Motor Vehicle Licensing Office 
  Town department of works (electricity, gas, water) 
  GEZ (radio, television) 
  Telephone connection 
  Post (application for post to be forwarded) 
  Banks and savings banks 
  Associations
• Notifications: 
  Relatives 
  Friends 
  Acquaintances 
  Neighbours
  Magazine subscriptions 

Shortly before the move

• Purchases: 
  Cardboard boxes in different sizes 
  Marking pens to identify the cardboard boxes 
  Protective gloves for loading and unloading the furniture 
  Tension straps for holding the load tight 
  Cleaning products 
  Air cushion foil to protect furniture and crockery
  Towels/old blankets to wrap round the furniture 
  Newspaper to protect glasses and crockery
  Snacks and drinks for the helpers with the move
• The right toolbox: 
  Drill 
  Battery operated screwdriver 
  Screwdriver 
  Nails 
  Hammer 
  Pliers 
  Scissors
  Adhesive tape 

On the day of the move

• In the old apartment: 
  Get up early and have breakfast in peace 
  Pack your personal needs in a suitcase (washing things, medication etc.)
  Empty letterbox 
  Make a written note of meter readings 
  Turn off gas and water taps, switch off main safety fuse 
  Remove name signs 
  Last check with the landlord; record in the handing over record
  Hand over apartment keys to the landlord
• Tips for animal owners: 
  Keep telephone number of the vet handy 
  Keep sufficient food available 
  Keep feeding and drinking bowls handy 
  Pack favourite toy/utensils
• In the new apartment: 
  Provide the helpers with the move with exact instructions of position plan 
  First position the furniture, then cardboard boxes!
  Install name signs 
  Give the move helpers refreshments
  Give tips
  Collect receipts of the costs of the move