My checklist for a successful move
Moving house conjures up images of new adventures, but it can also be a byword for stress and the unexpected. Whether you're moving out of your first flat into a larger space or a place with an outdoor area, or moving into your dream home, good preparation is the key to a successful move. Here you'll find all our tips on anticipating, preparing, sorting, organising... In short, the "moving for dummies" checklist.
2 months before the move: think ahead!
The countdown is on, never leave a move to the last minute! Find the best period for you, factoring in your professional and personal constraints (school holidays, availability of your friends, etc.).
Start by giving your notice, respecting the notice period stipulated in your lease contract, which is generally 3 months in Luxembourg.
Then draw up your budget. To do this, estimate all the expenses your move will entail (professional movers, vehicle hire, packing materials, etc.).
If you plan to enlist the help of your friends and family, let them know the date and suggest a "hot beer and cold pizza" concept that's guaranteed to be a hit!
Don't forget to place your order for boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, etc.
If you intend to call in the professionals, contact several removal companies to compare quotes and get the best price.
Finally, you can start sorting through your belongings, making the most of the opportunity to get rid of anything you no longer need. Think about donating clothes and objects that are still in good condition to local associations.
1 month before: administrative formalities
The date of your move is approaching, and now is the time to complete all the administrative formalities.
• Contact your insurance advisor to adapt your home insurance to your new home.
Home insurance: one thing you can’t do without
When moving house, home insurance often takes a back seat. But it's a crucial step to protect your new home. At AXA Luxembourg, we offer solutions tailored to your situation:
- Protection for your belongings during the move
- Full cover for your new home
- Your policy adapted to your new needs
Did you know? In Luxembourg, it is compulsory to inform your insurer of your change of address as soon as possible.
Don't wait until you're settled in to update your home insurance. Contact your AXA advisor as soon as you know the date of your move to get the best possible protection from the very first day in your new home.
🤓Our expert advice
For a worry-free move, consider taking out temporary insurance to cover your belongings during transport.
• Plan the transfer of your contracts: electricity, gas, internet, water, etc.
• Notify important organisations: your employer, bank, health insurance fund, school, etc.
Did you know? In Luxembourg, you get two "extraordinary" days off for your move... “on the house”! To qualify, you must provide your employer with an address certificate. Please note, however, that these two days can’t be postponed and must be taken at the same time as your move.
• Organise your change of address with the municipality (don't forget that you have 8 days to declare your new address in Luxembourg).
• And finally, if necessary, reserve a parking space in front of your new home so that you can park your van when you move in.
2 weeks before the big day: get packing
Everything must go... into your boxes!
Start by packing everything you won't be needing for the next two weeks. Make sure you label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in, as this will be a great help when you start getting settled.
Don't hesitate to take photos of your electrical installations before unplugging them so that you don't run the risk of forgetting everything when you plug them back in!
You can also pack a suitcase with the essentials for the first few days to avoid any "help, in which box did I pack..." moments and having to unpack in a panic.
And finally, if you've got family and friends coming to help, send a quick WhatsApp message to these movers and shakers to remind them that the date is approaching.
The day before the move
“Here today, gone tomorrow! ”
Prepare your first aid kit, medicines, important papers, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, etc.
This is also the perfect time to dismantle any furniture that still needs to be taken apart, to secure any fragile items with bubble wrap or blankets, and to do a final check of all the boxes to make sure that all the information is firmly in place.
You can also draw up a quick plan of your new home to make it easier for the movers or your friends.
The big day
It's the big day and everything's ready! You may be “moved” to leave your memories behind, excited to discover your new home sweet home and a little stressed about the day ahead.
So be pragmatic and follow these points:
◽Read the meters (water, electricity and gas in both homes);
◽Do the outgoing inventory of fixtures with your landlord;
◽Keep all important documents with you in a folder;
◽When you move into your new home, check that everything is working: water, electricity, heating, locks, etc.
Supervise the loading and unloading of your belongings - you're the orchestra conductor for the day! Don't spread yourself too thin and concentrate on the essentials in order of priority: bed, bathroom, kitchen. Connecting your games console can wait 😊!
After all those weeks of preparation, you're finally in your new cocoon. You picked it and now it’s yours!
Decorate and furnish it to your taste, put your stamp on it.
Get out and meet your new neighbours so you can build relationships in your new surroundings.
You can also contact your local authority to find out more about the cultural, sporting and community activities available to you.
Start writing a new page in the chapter of your life in Luxembourg!
