Moving checklist: everything sorted in time

Lay the groundwork — time for the big decisions.

• Give notice on your rental or arrange the transfer with the notary; set a moving date
• Request special leave + arrange help (friends or a moving company — book 4-6 weeks ahead)
• Start [decluttering] — less to bring = cheaper and easier
• Arrange care for kids and pets on the day itself

Sort the paperwork and packing materials.

• Register with your new municipality (allowed from 4 weeks ahead)
• Set up mail forwarding + start your change-of-address notifications (see the list below)
• Order or borrow moving boxes and packing materials
• Request a parking permit or a furniture lift (for upper-floor flat)

Start packing — room by room works best.

• Label every box with contents + destination (see our packing guide)
• Keep a 'first-aid' box apart (charger, toiletries, coffee)
• Disassemble what you can + store screws in labelled bags
• Clean old home; plan handover; eat down fridge/freezer

The last days and moving day — work carefully.

• Defrost fridge/freezer 1 day ahead; fit washing machine transit bolts
• Note meter readings + take photo (both old and new home)
• Gather important documents + some cash
• Protect floors and door frames; check every room/cupboard after loading

After the move — wrap up calmly.

• Leave the fridge off for ~1 day (to settle) before switching on
• Finish change-of-address notifications; check utilities at the new address
• Return borrowed items or rental van; check mail forwarding
• Introduce yourself to the neighbours — and don't rush: a house becomes a home step by step

Government and municipality — with deadlines.

• Register with new municipality: from 4 weeks before to 5 days after
• Request a waste pass (varies per municipality)
• Update tax office + driving licence and vehicle records
• Different municipality? Reclaim prepaid local taxes (dog tax) — property tax (OZB) is not refunded

Tip: the Dutch Rijksoverheid (national government) has a complete overview of legal deadlines and what to arrange when moving.

Finances and insurance — the basics that legally cover your housing.

• Notify bank, employer, tax office of address change
• Update insurance: health, contents, buildings, liability, car
• Check: rent allowance or employer moving allowance?
• Adjust commuting allowance if needed

Home and utilities — things with waiting times.

• Gas, water, electricity: close old address (with meter readings) + register new
• Arrange internet and TV early — often a waiting period
• Rental: reclaim deposit + record handover with landlord or owners' association

Services and subscriptions — easily forgotten because they're small. See our dedicated guide on changing your address for the complete list of who to notify.

• Streaming services, delivery apps, magazines
• Gym, library, music schools
• GP, dentist, pharmacy
• Mail forwarding for whatever you forget

Start six to eight weeks ahead with the big things (giving notice, setting a date, arranging help). A moving company is best booked four to six weeks ahead. The earlier you start, the calmer the final week.

You may register from 4 weeks before the move and are required to do so within 5 days after the moving date. Do it on time; it's linked to allowances, mail and local taxes (see also the Dutch Rijksoverheid).

With the meter readings + a photo of both your old and new home, you avoid paying for usage that isn't yours. Record them on the day of the handover.

Defrost the fridge and freezer a day ahead and empty and clean them. Fit the washing machine's transit bolts for transport. Read more in our guide on moving appliances.

Then bridge the gap between two homes with temporary storage: your belongings are picked up at home, kept dry and secured, and brought back once your new place is ready. No need to park everything at a relative's or haul it twice.