Moving Made Simple

Your complete guide to stress-free moving. From planning to packing, transport to storage - we've got you covered with expert tips and trusted partners.

Your Moving Journey Starts Here

Moving doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, our comprehensive guide provides everything you need for a smooth transition to your new home.

Planning & Checklists

Detailed timelines and tasks to keep your move organized

Transport Solutions

Find the right vehicle and moving services for your needs

Packing & Storage

Expert tips and quality materials for safe transportation

Trusted Partners

Vetted professionals for cleaning, storage, and specialized services

Why Choose Our Moving Guide?

  • Comprehensive 8-week planning timeline
  • Cost-effective DIY and professional options
  • Vetted partner network for all services
  • Expert tips from industry professionals
organized moving supplies and boxes with checklist, clean and professional setup

Your Complete Moving Checklist

Stay organized with our comprehensive timeline. From 8 weeks before to moving day, we'll guide you through every essential task.

8

8 Weeks Before

Cancel Current Lease

Give proper notice to your landlord

Start Decluttering

Donate, sell, or dispose of unwanted items

Request Moving Quotes

Compare prices from multiple companies

Research New Area

Schools, healthcare, local services

4

4 Weeks Before

Arrange Childcare

Plan for moving day supervision

Order Moving Boxes

Calculate quantity based on room size

Plan Transport

Book van or moving truck

Update Address

Bank, insurance, subscriptions

1

1 Week Before

Pack Systematically

One room at a time, heaviest items first

Label Everything

Room destination and contents

Inform Neighbors

About moving truck and potential disruption

Confirm Services

Movers, utilities, internet installation

Moving Day

Keep Essentials Handy

Documents, medications, phone charger

Final Room Check

Cabinets, closets, storage areas

Take Meter Readings

Gas, electricity, water for final bills

Hand Over Keys

Complete handover documentation

Track Your Progress

8 weeks4 weeks1 weekMoving day

DIY vs Professional Movers

Choosing the right approach depends on your budget, timeline, and specific needs. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide.

DIY Moving

Pros

  • Lower overall cost
  • Complete control over timeline
  • Handle fragile items personally
  • Flexible scheduling

Cons

  • Physically demanding
  • Time-intensive
  • Risk of injury or damage
  • Need friends/family help

Professional Movers

Pros

  • Professional expertise
  • Faster completion
  • Insurance coverage
  • Heavy lifting handled

Cons

  • Higher cost
  • Less control over schedule
  • Trust strangers with belongings
  • Booking availability issues

Detailed Comparison

FactorDIY MovingProfessional Movers
Cost Range€200 - €800€800 - €2500
Time Required2-3 days4-8 hours
Physical EffortHighMinimal
InsuranceLimitedComprehensive
FlexibilityHighMedium

Choose DIY If:

  • Budget is your primary concern
  • You have plenty of time
  • Moving locally (short distance)
  • You have reliable help available

Choose Professionals If:

  • You value convenience over cost
  • Moving long distance
  • You have valuable/fragile items
  • Time constraints are tight

Transport Solutions

Choosing the right vehicle is crucial for a successful move. Our expert guidance helps you select the perfect transport option for your specific needs.

Vehicle Size Calculator

Studio/1BR

Up to 10-15 m³

Small Van

Perfect for apartments

2-3BR House

20-30 m³

Medium Truck

Ideal for family homes

4+BR House

40+ m³

Large Truck

For big family moves

Pro Tip: Calculate Your Space

Use our rule of thumb: approximately 10 m³ per room. Include basement, attic, and garage storage. Add 20% buffer for unexpected items and easier loading.

Vehicle Rental

Cost Considerations

Daily rates: €50-150 + fuel + mileage (€0.25-0.35/km)

Insurance Options

Basic coverage included, comprehensive available for €15-25/day

License Requirements

Standard license for vans up to 3.5t, special license for larger trucks

Popular Rental Companies

Hertz
Budget
Enterprise
Europcar

Partner Moving Services

Vetted Professionals

Pre-screened companies with verified insurance and licenses

Transparent Pricing

Fixed quotes with no hidden fees, compare multiple offers

Flexible Scheduling

Weekend and evening availability, last-minute bookings possible

Essential Transport Tips

Parking Permits

Check if you need permits for loading zones. Apply 2-3 days in advance.

Route Planning

Avoid rush hours and check for road works. Plan fuel stops for long distances.

Loading Equipment

Bring straps, dollies, and blankets. Many rental companies offer equipment packages.

Storage Solutions

Sometimes you need extra space during your move. Whether temporary or long-term, we'll help you find the perfect storage solution for your needs.

When You Need Storage

Timing Gaps

Moving out before your new place is ready

Downsizing

New home is smaller than current one

Renovations

Protecting items during home improvements

Temporary Relocation

Work assignments or extended travel

Storage Criteria

Security Features

24/7 surveillance, access control, individual locks

Climate Control

Temperature and humidity regulation for sensitive items

Accessibility

Convenient location and flexible access hours

Pricing Structure

Transparent rates, no hidden fees, flexible terms

Storage Options Comparison

Self Storage

24/7 access
Various sizes available
Drive-up access
You handle transport

€50-200

per month

Full Service

POPULAR
Pickup & delivery
Professional packing
Digital inventory
Climate controlled

€100-400

per month

Container Storage

Delivered to your door
Load at your pace
Limited access when stored
Weather exposure risk

€150-300

per month

Storage Size Guide

5m²

Small Unit

Studio apartment contents, seasonal items, documents

10m²

Medium Unit

1-2 bedroom apartment, furniture, appliances

20m²

Large Unit

3-4 bedroom house, multiple furniture sets

30m²+

Extra Large

Large family home, business inventory, vehicles

Packing & Materials

Proper packing is essential for protecting your belongings during the move. Learn professional techniques and get the right materials for a safe transition.

Essential Packing Materials

Moving Boxes

Various sizes for different items

  • Small: books, documents
  • Medium: clothes, kitchenware
  • Large: bedding, light items

Bubble Wrap

Protection for fragile items

  • Small bubbles for delicate items
  • Large bubbles for furniture
  • Anti-static for electronics

Packing Tape

Heavy-duty sealing tape

  • 2-3 inches wide minimum
  • Clear or brown options
  • Dispenser for efficiency

Markers & Labels

Clear identification system

  • Permanent markers
  • Color-coded labels
  • Fragile stickers

Packing Paper

Wrapping and cushioning

  • Newsprint paper
  • Tissue paper for delicates
  • Kraft paper for wrapping

Tools & Accessories

Additional helpful items

  • Box cutter/scissors
  • Stretch wrap
  • Furniture pads

Recommended Products from Bol.com

professional moving boxes set, cardboard boxes in various sizes, clean product photography

Moving Box Set (20 pieces)

Mixed sizes: 5 small, 10 medium, 5 large boxes. Double-wall construction for extra strength.

€34.99 View on Bol.com
bubble wrap roll, protective packaging material, professional product shot

Bubble Wrap Roll (50m)

Premium quality bubble wrap, 50cm width. Perfect for protecting fragile items and glassware.

€19.99 View on Bol.com
professional tape dispenser with packing tape, moving supplies, clean product photography

Heavy Duty Tape Dispenser

Professional tape dispenser with 6 rolls of heavy-duty packing tape. Makes sealing boxes quick and easy.

€24.99 View on Bol.com

Professional Packing Tips

1

Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes

Books, tools, and canned goods should go in small boxes to prevent them from becoming too heavy to lift.

2

Fill Empty Spaces

Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels to fill gaps and prevent items from shifting during transport.

3

Label Everything Clearly

Write contents and destination room on at least two sides of each box. Use color-coded labels for different rooms.

4

Pack an Essentials Box

Include items you'll need immediately: toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.

Room-by-Room Guide

Kitchen

Wrap dishes individually, pack plates vertically, and use dish dividers. Pack appliances in original boxes if available.

Bedroom

Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, vacuum-seal bags for bedding, and wrap mirrors/artwork in blankets.

Bathroom

Seal liquid containers, use plastic bags for toiletries, and pack medications separately with clear labels.

Living Room

Disassemble furniture when possible, wrap electronics in anti-static bubble wrap, and photograph cable setups.

Cleaning & Handover

A thorough cleaning is essential for getting your security deposit back and leaving a good impression. Here's your complete cleaning checklist and professional service options.

Complete Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen Deep Clean

Descale all appliances (kettle, coffee machine)
Clean oven inside and out
Defrost and clean refrigerator
Scrub countertops and backsplash
Clean inside cabinets and drawers

Bathroom Sanitize

Remove limescale from shower/tub
Deep clean toilet inside and out
Clean mirrors and fixtures
Scrub tiles and grout
Clean ventilation fan

General Areas

Wash all windows inside and out
Vacuum and mop all floors
Wipe down all surfaces