Lay the groundwork. Give notice on your rental or arrange the transfer of your bought home with the notary, and set a moving date. Request special leave from your employer and arrange help — friends or a moving company (book that 4-6 weeks ahead). Start decluttering early: the less you bring, the cheaper and easier the move. Arrange care for kids and pets on the day itself.

Sort the paperwork. Register with your new municipality (allowed from 4 weeks before to 5 days after), set up mail forwarding, and start your change-of-address notifications (see the list below). Order or borrow moving boxes and packing materials. If needed, request a parking permit or a spot for the van, and book a furniture lift for an upper-floor flat.

Start packing. Work room by room, label every box with contents and destination, and keep a 'first-aid' box apart (charger, toiletries, coffee). Disassemble what you can and store screws in labelled bags. Clean the old home and plan the handover. Eat down your fridge and freezer towards moving day.

Defrost the fridge and freezer a day ahead and fit the washing machine's transit bolts. On the day itself, note the meter readings (with a photo) in both homes, gather important documents and some cash, and protect floors and door frames. After loading, check every room and cupboard before you close the door.

Leave the fridge off for about a day before switching it on again (to settle). Finish your change-of-address notifications, check that mail is being forwarded, and return borrowed items or the rental van. Introduce yourself to the neighbours. And don't rush: a house becomes a home step by step.

Register with your new municipality (from 4 weeks before to 5 days after). Sort a waste pass, and remember the tax office and your driving licence and vehicle records. Moving to another municipality? Reclaim prepaid local taxes like dog tax — note: property tax (OZB) is not refunded.

Give your address to your bank, employer and the tax office. Update your insurance: health, contents, buildings, liability and car. Check whether you qualify for rent allowance or an employer moving allowance, and adjust your commuting allowance if needed.

Close gas, water and electricity at the old address (with meter readings) and register at the new one. Arrange internet and TV in time — there's often a waiting period. For a rental, reclaim your deposit and record the handover with the landlord or owners' association.

Update your subscriptions: streaming services, delivery apps, magazines, gym and library. Give your new address to your GP, dentist and pharmacy, and to regular at-home services. Set up 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 four weeks before the move and are required to do so within five days after the moving date. Do it on time; it's linked to allowances, mail and local taxes.

With the meter readings (and a photo as proof) 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 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.