20 moving tips: How to make your move stress-free

Before the move

• Plan early: Start at least 4–6 weeks before moving day.
• Book a moving company: Good companies fill up quickly — especially Saturdays.
• Don't forget to re-register: At the residents' registration office within 2 weeks of moving in.
• Set up mail forwarding: Letters will automatically follow you to your new address.
• Declutter beforehand: Sort out or dispose of anything you don't want to take with you.
• Apply for a no-parking zone: If needed, at least 3 working days in advance.
• Create an inventory list: Which furniture comes along, which is coming new?

When packing

• Label boxes: Room + contents + priority (e.g. 'Kitchen – Pots – medium').
• Heavy at the bottom, light at the top: Books in small boxes, cushions in large ones.
• Pad fragile items well: Newspaper, bubble wrap or old towels.
• Electronics in original packaging: If original boxes are still available.
• First-aid box: Coffee, toilet paper, charger — pack separately.
• Clothes stay in the wardrobe: Secure drawers with tape, transport the wardrobe.

On moving day

• Get up early: Build in a buffer — things rarely go exactly to plan.
• Keep the parking space free: No-parking zone or ask neighbours.
• Children and pets: Best left with friends or family.
• Protect door frames: Attach blankets or foam to door frames.
• Photograph furniture: Before transport — for damage documentation if needed.
• Hand over the apartment broom-clean: Take photos before handover.
• Read meter readings: Electricity, gas, water — in both old and new apartment.

Further information on consumer rights when moving is available from the Verbraucherzentrale Bayern.