Relocating: Make your move easy
Is your moving day coming up and you don’t know where to start? Don’t panic! With good preparation, a moving checklist and the right moving tips, you can organise your move more calmly, even without a moving company.
Take a deep breath iiin and ooout – then keep pushing, squeezing and hoping that everything holds and fits. This can go here – perfect. That can go there – done. Phew. Finished. By the end, everyone is a little exhausted, but also proud and happy that everything worked out. Yes, moving is a real feat of strength, but the effort is worth it and quickly forgotten.
No easy task. Depending on the household, dozens of moving boxes can quickly travel from A to B – and for some people, there are many more. Books, shoes, handbags, small items and all those things kept “just in case”. Then come dismantled wardrobe parts, various pieces of furniture, more belongings and plenty of odds and ends.
Sounds like work? It is. The better your helpers, transport, moving boxes and schedule are organised, the more stress-free the move will be for everyone involved. Unless, of course, you have invited the chatterboxes, professional bystanders and know-it-alls from your circle of friends. Then the plan can quickly backfire.
- Rule no. 1: Know-it-alls and company stay at home.
- Rule no. 2: With motivated helpers, moving boxes and good preparation, you can move more calmly.
- Rule no. 3: Look forward to your new home and neighbourhood – the relaxed feeling will almost come by itself.
Relocating with a plan: relaxed and easy
Popular moving dates, month-ends and busy periods are often booked up quickly. Planning early therefore gives you a real advantage. Once you know your moving date, reserve a van in good time, organise your moving boxes and check who will be able to drive.
Plan your move properly: Preparation is half the battle
Why do people leave their old apartment for a new one? Often because they want more space. Or because they are moving in with their partner.
But hardly anyone moves overnight. Between finding a new home, signing the new rental agreement, giving notice on the old apartment and moving day, you should allow enough time. Ideally, start one to two months before your moving date. That gives you time to organise boxes, reserve a vehicle, coordinate helpers and avoid last-minute decisions. Also think about the administrative tasks: report your change of address, arrange mail forwarding, update your phone, internet and TV contracts, inform your insurance providers and plan your registration with your new municipality. In many cases, some of these steps can be done online, for example via eUmzugCH. Depending on the municipality, a change of address often has to be reported within 14 days.
Even with good preparation, moving is still physical work and can put a few things to the test: full boxes, narrow staircases, heavy furniture – and sometimes friendships too. Moving boxes are easy to find. Reliable helpers are harder to organise at short notice. So let your friends and family know early that you have a big day planned. They can keep the date free. And after the hard work, there will definitely be something to celebrate. Cheers – to a well-organised move!
Declutter before moving and make more space
Souvenir mugs, trousers that are too tight, overflowing wardrobes, drawers stuffed full: over the years, every household collects a lot of things. When you move, all of it suddenly takes up space and raises the big question: does everything really need to come with you?
For Japanese best-selling author and tidying expert Marie Kondo, the answer is simple: things should spark joy. If they no longer do, it may be time to let them go. Let’s be honest: decluttering is often one of the hardest parts of moving. But not everything has to go in the bin or to bulky waste. Many things can be sold, donated, given away or stored temporarily.
You can sell some items online or at a flea market. You can also organise a small giveaway party with your neighbours or put usable items outside with a “FREE” sign. That makes someone else happy and gives you more space. Sharing also means gaining: more order, more room and more freedom in your new home. If you do not want to part with certain furniture, boxes or seasonal items, you can temporarily store them in a safe and dry storage unit. A few smart tips will also help you make the best use of your storage space. Mission moving complete! Moving really can be easier than expected. We wish you lots of joy in your new home.
