Moving can be a time consuming and stressful process. There is a lot to think about, at the same time as you may have a full-time job and children to take care of. Then it helps to have a checklist of things to keep in mind when moving.
Are you moving home? Congratulations! It is always exciting to settle in a new place, with new people and new surroundings.
Earlier we wrote an article with packing tips when moving. In order for things to go as smoothly as possible, we have now set up a small to-do list that will make the actual moving process easier for you.
1. What should you take with you when you move, and what should you get rid of?
The first step is to find out what you need and what you do not need. Make a list of everything you own as you walk around the home, and then decide what things you can take with you to your new home, and what should be thrown away, sold, or given away.
We encourage you to bring everything you need can bring, and that you may need, as this helps reduce climate emissions. This applies to, for example:
- Old or worn furniture that can fit nicely into the basement living room or garage
- Clothes you never wear, whether they are old or new - maybe your child or another family member wants some of them?
- Tableware that can be used for many more years
You can also contribute to the environment by trying to sell or give away as much as possible, instead of throwing it away. Fretex and other second-hand shops are good places where you can get rid of the things you do not need, while others continue to enjoy them.
For more packing tips when moving, see our previous article that goes deeper into the topic.
When you have a list of everything to take with you, and what to get rid of, how much are you left with? Do you want to be able to pack and transport everything yourself, or…
2. Do you need a moving company?
If you have heavy items to carry, such as a sofa, dining table, or closet, then you will need help from family members or friends. This also applies to transport: here you will need a trailer, or help from someone who has one.
If this is not possible for various reasons, it may be best to call in a moving company. They can help with packing, transporting, and unpacking your belongings. And even though it costs extra money, it comes with several benefits:
- You save time and stress
- You avoid heavy lifting that can hurt your body
- You ensure that all the practicalities of packing, transport, and unpacking take place in a good way
A good moving company will have competitive prices, offer moving insurance, and provide a written estimate before they start packing your belongings.
This way, there will be no surprises when it's time for them to move your things from your old home to your new one.
Do you need a mini warehouse?
For some, it is possible to take their belongings directly to their new home. For others, it is necessary to store things elsewhere.
If you need a place to store your things in the moving process, then mini storage is a good option. In our app for booking self-storage unit you will find warehouses in both Oslo and other cities around Norway. Here you can also order help with transport and moving directly in the app - for example with the all-electric moving agency XFrakt, which offers sustainable solutions.
With integrated mini storage and moving assistance you only need to deal with one player. This way you get another way to simplify the move.
4. Report change of address
When you move, it is important to report a change of address (also called a move notification), as this is what lets others know that you have moved, whether it is your employer, friends or the Norwegian state. You are in fact obliged to report the move to the National Population Register no later than eight days after the move.
One of the most important reasons for sending a relocation notice is that you should get the mail to the right place. For example, if you do it 14 days before you move, you will want to ensure that you receive mail at your new address. If you report to Norway Post, you will also receive two months of free forwarding.
You can either report a change of address by showing up at your local tax office, report a move to the post office's website, or fill in an electronic form via Altinn.
When moving, it is wise to plan well!
Planning is perhaps the tool that will help you the most in making the relocation process easier for you. It allows you to get an overview that prevents you from encountering unexpected and awkward situations such as missing mail or lack of TV signal. (Imagine if this had happened during the Olympics!)
Therefore, we encourage you to write down the following questions on paper, along with your answers:
- What is it absolutely necessary that I take with me?
- What can I get rid of - things I rarely or never use, or will not need in the new home?
- Can I move on my own? Or do I need help from friends, family, or a moving company?
- Have I secured a broadband agreement in my new home, and in good time?
- Did I report a change of address before the move?
The answers to these questions will take you a long way to make a smooth move!
