So that everything goes well during the move

As soon as the new rental agreement has been signed, you'll be be thinking about how you want to organize your move: Do you want to move the things yourself, to save money, or hire a professional removal company? But that's not all of course, as you'll also soon need to think about things like the right moving boxes or the final cleaning of the old apartment. Our moving checklist will help you keep track of all the important tasks: from the apartment inspection to the helpers' party for the moving team. Because it's the little things that are easily forgotten during a move. Have you already thought about reserving a parking space for the removal van? And have you already applied for special leave for the move with your employer? 

By the way, a move offers the perfect opportunity to get rid of unnecessary things. Check with your local authority to see if you will have to dispose of your waste yourself or if you can leave some out for bulk waste collection. You can find further information on clearing out or "decluttering" in our FAQs. And don't forget to inform the most important institutions and companies about your new address four weeks before the deadline, and to apply for a forwarding order at the post office. You can find more tips on changing your address on the page "Change address: This checklist ensures no-one is forgotten".

Use your head when packing. What items do you need during the move? Which ones can you unpack later in the new apartment? Label moving boxes on the side instead of on top. This way, the information is also legible when the boxes are stacked. what's more, label the rooms in the new flat the same as the boxes and furniture. This way, the removal helpers will know right away what belongs in which room. Carefully pack framed pictures and fragile objects in bubble wrap for transport. With pictures you should also stick masking tape across the glass. This ensures the picture remains intact even if the glass breaks.

Was the furniture too heavy after all? Has the moving box with the china slipped out of your helper's hands? Does the parquet flooring in the old apartment have a monster scratch? Damage to your rented apartment is covered by personal liability insurance. If your valuable vase is broken during transport or the sofa bursts open, the situation is more complicated: According to the law, your private moving helper, who is helping out as a favor to you, is possibly not or only partly liable for the damage incurred. This also applies to the removal company. It may also limit its liability. 

For valuable household effects, we recommend that you take out special transport insurance for the moving day. You can often do that directly through the moving company. If thieves steal a moving box or individual items, this is covered – depending on where the item was stolen – by the basic coverage or by the additional module "simple theft outside of the home" for your household contents insurance.

Moving home means stress. Not only because there's a whole lot to do, but also because your life is often undergoing a profound change, be that your job or your family situation. In spite of all the pressure, you should take time to adapt to this new situation at your new place of residence. Include some spare time in your schedule. That way you will remain calm, even if something unforeseen happens on moving day.

You will hopefully be living in peace with your new neighbors for the next few years. So don't antagonize them on the first day. Announce your move by putting a note in the letterbox of all residents. This allows you to introduce yourself right away – and, for example, invite the new neighbors over for a welcome drink after moving in.