Moving Checklist: What to Do Before and After Your Move

In short: a good move starts 4–6 weeks in advance. Below is a moving checklist week by week – what to do before the move, on moving day and afterwards. Save the page or print it out.

4–6 weeks before the move

• Choose the moving date – moving on a weekday is cheaper.
• Ask a moving company for a quote (see how to choose a moving company).
• Go through your things and decide what to take, sell, give away or throw out.
• If you rent, give your landlord notice as agreed in the contract.

2–3 weeks before

• Order boxes and packing material or the packing service.
• Start packing things you do not use every day – books, seasonal clothes, decorations.
• Arrange old furniture removal so you do not take unnecessary things to the new home.
• Inform your electricity, internet and insurance providers and arrange the transfer of contracts.

1 week before

• Pack most of your things and label the boxes with the room and contents.
• Dismantle large furniture that will not fit through the door and put the screws in a bag attached to the furniture.
• Arrange parking and, if needed, use of the lift at both addresses.
• Order mail forwarding to the new address.

The day before the move

• Defrost and dry the fridge.
• Pack a “first night box”: documents, chargers, medicines, toiletries, bed linen and a couple of changes of clothes.
• Set aside valuables and documents and carry them yourself.

On moving day

• Be there when the movers arrive and show them everything that goes.
• Photograph the meter readings in the old and new home.
• Before leaving, check all cupboards, the balcony, basement and storage room.

After the move

• Register your new address in the population register (via eesti.ee).
• Update your address with the bank, employer, e-shops and insurance.
• Assemble the furniture – furniture assembly can help if needed.
• Get rid of the boxes and packing material.

If you do not want to do it all yourself

We move apartments and houses in Tallinn and Harju County 7 days a week: two movers and a van cost 84 €/h on weekdays. More: apartment moving in Tallinn and how much does moving cost.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start planning a move?

We recommend starting 4–6 weeks before the move: choose the date, ask for a quote and go through your things.

What should go in the first night box?

Documents, chargers, medicines, toiletries, bed linen, a couple of changes of clothes and the kitchen basics.

What should I do after moving?

Register your new address in the population register, update your address with the bank and e-shops and assemble the furniture.

Can a moving company pack my things?

Yes. The packing service costs 40 €/h per packer; packing material is charged separately.