Practical Moving Tips for a Stress-Free Move

One of the most common mistakes during a move is filling boxes randomly. This makes unpacking unnecessarily time-consuming.

Pack each room separately and clearly write on every box which room it belongs to. A short description of the contents also helps you quickly find what you need after the move. If you have many boxes, it can be useful to give each room its own colour or number.

For international moves, clear labelling is even more important. Because belongings are carefully loaded to make the best use of available space, boxes are not always unloaded in the same order they were packed. Clear labels prevent confusion and make unloading at the destination much more efficient.

Glassware, dishes, mirrors, paintings, and other delicate items require extra care. Wrap each item separately in packing paper and make sure there are no empty spaces inside the box. Filling gaps with paper, towels, or other soft materials prevents items from moving during transport.

Larger fragile objects such as mirrors, paintings, glass tabletops, or designer furniture are best protected with strong cardboard and bubble wrap. Place sturdy cardboard on both sides and pay special attention to corners and edges, as these areas are most likely to get damaged.

From our experience, most transport damage does not happen during long straight journeys but during loading, unloading, and moving furniture. That is why we always pay extra attention to proper corner protection.

For delicate electronics such as televisions and computers, use the original packaging whenever possible.

A common mistake is filling large boxes with heavy items such as books or paperwork. Although the box may still close, it often becomes too heavy to lift safely.

Use smaller boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for lighter belongings such as clothes, bedding, or toys. This keeps the weight better distributed and makes the boxes easier to move.

A well-packed box should feel solid without bulging or collapsing. This is easier for the movers and reduces the risk of damage during transport.

Furniture goes through a lot during a move. Damage can occur not only during transport but also while loading and unloading if furniture is not properly protected.

Use moving blankets, strong cardboard, and bubble wrap to protect vulnerable surfaces. Secure drawers and cupboard doors with painter’s tape or wrapping film so they do not open unexpectedly.

Avoid using strong tape directly on painted or wooden surfaces, as this can leave residue or cause damage.

If furniture needs to be dismantled, keep screws, bolts, and other small parts together in a sealed bag and attach it to the relevant piece of furniture. This prevents parts from getting lost and makes assembly at the new location much easier.

There are certain things you should not pack away in moving boxes. This includes passports, ID cards, insurance documents, property documents, bank cards, and other important paperwork. Keep these items in a bag or folder that stays with you.

This is especially important during an international move. You may need to show documents during your journey or upon arrival. Keeping them close prevents unnecessary searching through boxes.

Jewellery, cash, personal documents, laptops, medication, and other valuable possessions are best transported personally. Although a professional moving company handles your belongings carefully, many people feel more comfortable keeping these personal items with them.

Also check that no keys have been left inside cupboards, desks, or drawers. During the busy moving process, these are easier to lose than you might think.

Good preparation does not only start inside the house but also outside. Check in advance whether the moving truck can easily reach the property and whether there is enough space to safely load and unload.

Think about narrow streets, height restrictions, parking availability, stairs, elevators, or long walking distances. By sharing this information with your moving company beforehand, the move can be planned more efficiently and unexpected issues on moving day can be avoided.

Before moving day arrives, it is a good idea to measure large pieces of furniture. Check whether wardrobes, sofas, beds, and tables can easily fit through doors, hallways, staircases, and elevators.

If furniture needs to be dismantled, try to do this in advance. Keep screws, bolts, and other small parts together in a sealed bag and attach it to the correct piece of furniture. This prevents parts from getting lost and makes reassembly at your new home much easier.

Electrical appliances often require some preparation before they can be transported safely.

Defrost your fridge and freezer well in advance, clean both appliances, and make sure they are completely dry before closing the doors.

A washing machine also needs extra attention. Make sure any remaining water has been drained before transport.

For delicate electronics, such as televisions or computers, it is always best to use the original packaging whenever possible.

Plants are fragile during a move and therefore need careful preparation. Water them a few days before moving day so that the soil is not too wet during transport. This prevents leaks and makes the pots easier to handle.

For longer journeys, such as international moves, make sure plants are securely positioned and protected from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This increases the chance that they arrive healthy at their new home.

Check that bottles containing cleaning products, oil, shampoo, or other liquids are properly closed before packing them.

Preferably place them upright in a strong plastic container or pack them inside a sealable bag for extra protection.

Even a small leak can damage several moving boxes. A few simple precautions can prevent a lot of cleaning and possible damage to your belongings.

After a long moving day, the last thing you want is to open dozens of boxes just to find your toothbrush or phone charger.

Prepare a separate box or bag with everything you will need immediately after arriving.

Think about toiletries, medication, chargers, a clean set of clothes, coffee or tea, and important documents. This allows you to enjoy your first evening without having to unpack everything straight away.

Before disconnecting televisions, computers, or other electronic equipment, take a few photos of the connected cables.

This makes it much easier to see how everything should be connected again later.

Keep cables, remote controls, and accessories together with the device whenever possible. This saves time when setting everything up again in your new home.

Moving involves more than simply transporting your belongings.

Do not forget to update your address with the municipality, banks, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and other important organisations.

Arranging this well before your moving date prevents important mail from being sent to your old address and allows you to enjoy your new home without unnecessary worries.

Moving is the perfect opportunity to take a critical look at your belongings.

Items you have not used for years can often be sold, donated, or recycled.

Having fewer belongings means fewer moving boxes, less transport, and often a more efficient move. Especially with international moves, this can also affect the required loading space and therefore the total moving costs.

Moving does not have to be a stressful experience.

By starting early, carefully packing your belongings, and arranging practical matters in advance, moving day will run much more smoothly.

Final Tip: Leave the coffee machine until last

Moving day is often intense. By packing the coffee machine last, you can still provide yourself — and the movers — with a cup of coffee or tea throughout the day.

A small gesture that is always appreciated and makes moving day just that little bit more enjoyable.

We wish you lots of success with your preparations and, of course, lots of happiness in your new home!