Moving Checklist

Moving house checklist (Netherlands)

Moving home is simpler when you plan ahead. Use this step-by-step checklist tailored for the Netherlands to stay organised from eight weeks out to the day you settle in.

1. Two months to go

   • Book your movers early and compare quotes; ask about tight staircases and whether a moving lift (verhuislift) is needed.
   • Declutter and start packing non-essentials (seasonal items, books, spare linens).
   • Order furniture/appliances and check delivery lead times.
   • Measure doorways, stairwells and lifts in your new home; plan large-item access.
   • If street access is tight, check with the municipality about a parking exemption / road space permit for the moving van.
   • Arrange time off work; line up friends/family for help if needed.
   • Consider short-term storage with MijnSafestore for overflow or phased moves.

2. One month to go

   • Set up utilities (energy, water, internet) for your new address; schedule activation.
   • Arrange home contents insurance from move-in day.
   • Healthcare: register with a new huisarts (GP) and dentist if changing area.
   • Update addresses with your bank, insurer, subscriptions and employer.
   • Schools/childcare: confirm places and transfer records.
   • Vehicle: check parking permits for your new district; update details if required.
   • Continue packing; label boxes clearly by room and contents.

3. Two weeks to go

   • Set up PostNL mail forwarding (verhuisservice) to your new address.
   • Confirm moving-day timings and access with your movers and building management.
   • Use up food in the fridge/freezer; plan simple meals.
   • If needed, reserve a moving lift and on-street space through the municipality.
   • Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day.

4. One week to go

   • Finish packing most boxes; keep an “essentials” suitcase aside.
   • Disassemble large furniture; bag and label screws/fittings.
   • Defrost and drain fridge/freezer and washing machine (leave doors ajar).
   • Collect keys, fobs and any access codes for both properties.
   • Prepare an inventory/photos for insurance and reference.

5. The day before

   • Charge phones/power banks; keep documents, jewellery and medications with you.
   • Pack an essentials box: kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, snacks, cleaning kit, toilet paper, bin bags, basic tools, light bulbs, bedding and nightwear.
   • Stage boxes by room and priority near the exit.

6. Moving day

   • Start early; protect hallways and lifts where required.
   • Supervise loading; keep fragile/priority boxes separate.
   • Record final gas/electricity/water meter readings (take photos) and secure the property.
   • At the new home, check utilities are on; guide movers by room labels.
   • Build beds and unpack the essentials first.

7. After moving

   • Register your new address with the municipality (BRP) promptly.
   • Update any remaining accounts/subscriptions; apply for your new parking permit if needed.
   • Return any rented crates; recycle packing materials.
   • Plan a phased unpack — use temporary storage if rooms are still being set up.

Need flexible space at any stage? MijnSafestore has clean, dry units in a wide range of sizes across 15 locations in the Netherlands, with easy access and helpful teams ready to assist.

See more storage tips in our Help section