More questions about House clearance
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Costs
How much does a move with you cost?
That depends on how much needs to move, the distance and how easy both homes are to reach. Fill in the free moving check and you will get a fixed price within 24 hours. Want to know now what the price depends on? Read what a move costs.
Is the moving check really free?
Yes. You fill in what needs to be moved and we get back to you within 24 hours with a fixed price and a proposed schedule. You are not committed to anything.
What if the move takes longer than planned?
You pay the fixed price we agreed in advance. That is why, in the moving check, we look carefully at what needs to move, how easy the home is to reach and whether there is a lift. That way no extra bill comes afterwards.
How much does a removal company cost on average?
An average price says little, because every move is different. The price mainly depends on how many belongings need to move, the distance between the two addresses, how easy the homes are to reach and whether you want extra help with packing or dismantling.
A studio with a few pieces of furniture is done in a few hours, a family home with a loft and shed easily takes a whole day. Want to know what it will come to? Read what a move costs and what the price depends on.
How much does a removal company cost per hour?
That varies by removal company and depends on the number of movers and the size of the van. With an hourly rate, check carefully what is and is not included, such as call-out charges, materials and travel time.
With an hourly rate you do not know in advance exactly what you will spend: if it takes longer, you pay more. That is why we work with a fixed price that you get in advance through the free moving check.
How do I work out the cost of my move?
Start with a list of everything that needs to move, room by room, including the loft, shed and storage room. Then list the additional costs:
- moving boxes and packing materials
- a furniture lift or parking exemption, if needed
- double rent or mortgage during the overlap period
- cleaning and handing back your old home
For the move itself, it is best to ask for a quote based on your list. The more fully you describe what needs to move, the more accurate the price will be.
How much does a removal company cost for 1 day?
That depends on how many movers and vans are needed and everything that has to happen that day. A full day with two people and one van is different from a day with three people, a second van and a furniture lift.
Whether your move fits into one day depends on the amount of belongings, the distance and how easy both homes are to reach. Through the free moving check, you get a fixed price for your situation within 24 hours.
Are moving costs tax deductible?
No, as a private individual you generally cannot deduct moving costs from your income tax. That also applies to the cost of a removal company, boxes or a furniture lift.
If you move for work, your employer may reimburse part of the costs tax-free under certain conditions. If you are a business owner and your business moves, those costs can be business expenses. If you are unsure about your situation, check the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Administration) website.
Can my employer reimburse my moving costs?
Yes, if you move for work and meet the conditions of the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Administration), your employer may reimburse the costs tax-free. This covers the costs of moving your household contents plus a fixed amount of up to €7,750 for other moving costs.
Whether the move really is for work is assessed by your employer based on those conditions, for example a new job or a transfer. Ask your employer what has been arranged and keep the invoice for your move.
Can I deduct my moving costs as a freelancer (zzp'er)?
Only the costs that relate to your business. If you move your workshop, practice or business equipment, those costs are usually business expenses. Moving your own home and household contents is private and therefore generally not deductible, even if you work from home.
If you move both at the same time, make sure the invoice clearly shows which part is for the business. If in doubt, talk to your accountant or check the Belastingdienst website.
Are moving costs to a care home tax deductible?
Generally not. Moving costs do not count as deductible healthcare costs, not even if you move to a residential care home or nursing home. Check the current rules with the Belastingdienst if you are unsure.
If you have to move for medical reasons, ask your municipality whether a contribution is possible through the Wmo (Social Support Act). That varies by municipality. You can read more about this step in senior moves: downsizing without stress.
What makes a move more expensive?
Mainly the things that take extra time or manpower. Think of:
- lots of stairs or a narrow stairwell without a lift
- a long walk from the door to the van
- heavy or large items such as a piano or safe
- furniture that needs dismantling
- things that still need packing on the day itself
You can save a lot yourself by decluttering in advance and having everything ready. You can read what can go in decluttering before you move.
Planning
How soon will I hear back after the moving check?
Within 24 hours. We usually give you a quick call to check a few things, then you get the fixed price and a proposed date.
Do you also come to my town?
We work throughout Friesland, in the north of Noord-Holland and in the Noordoostpolder, including Sneek, Leeuwarden, Drachten, Heerenveen, Dokkum, Den Helder, Alkmaar, Heerhugowaard and Emmeloord. Live just outside that area? Feel free to ask, more is often possible than you think.
When are removal companies busy?
Around the end and start of the month and in the summer. Many tenancies and key handovers fall around the first of the month, and lots of families move during the school holidays.
If you want to move on one of those dates, book it well in advance. If you are flexible, you will usually have more choice of days in the middle of the month.
When should I start preparing for my move?
As soon as you know the date, ideally six to eight weeks in advance. Then you have time to book a removal company, cancel your rent or energy and declutter at your own pace.
In the last two weeks you do most of the packing and sort out the last practical things, such as changing your address and the meter readings. You will find a week-by-week overview in the moving checklist.
What do I need to arrange when I move?
The main things are your rent or mortgage, the removal company, registering your new address with the municipality (gemeente) and regular costs such as energy, water and internet. On top of that come your bank, GP, insurance and subscriptions.
Many government bodies receive your new address automatically once you register it with the municipality, but companies and healthcare providers do not. You can read which ones in updating your address: who needs to know and when.
What goes on a moving checklist for a rented home?
With a rented home, it is mainly about giving notice in time and handing it back properly. Make sure your list includes:
- giving notice in writing within the notice period
- an appointment for the pre-inspection and final inspection
- agreements on what you need to remove or put back
- writing down the meter readings at the key handover
On top of that, you arrange the same things as for any move, such as changing your address and energy. The full list is in the moving checklist.
What goes on a moving checklist for a home you are buying?
With a home you are buying, a lot depends on the date of the transfer at the notary's office. Put on your list:
- mortgage and notary appointment sorted
- buildings insurance from the day of transfer
- final inspection just before the transfer
- writing down the meter readings at the key handover
- handing over your old home empty if you are selling or renting it out
Do not plan the move for the same hour as the notary appointment, so you have some leeway if something runs over.
Can I move on the day of the key handover?
Yes, you can, but it is tight. With a home you buy, you only get the key after the appointment at the notary's office, and that can run over. With a rented home, the key handover is often at a fixed time.
If you have room, plan the move for a day later. Then you can take a calm look first, clean or have something repaired before your things arrive.
How long does it take to move an average home?
An average family home can usually be moved in one day, a flat or studio often in half a day. It depends on how many belongings there are, the distance and how easy it is to get in and out of both homes.
If everything is packed and ready, it goes a lot faster. You can read how a day like that goes in moving day from start to finish.
What is the best day of the week to move?
A weekday is often the most convenient. Shops, the municipality and suppliers can be reached if you still need something, and removal companies usually have more availability midweek than around the weekend.
If you are moving on a weekday, request a day off from your employer in good time. If you can, also take the day after the move off to unpack.
Do I have to pay double rent when I move?
Often yes, for a short period, because the notice period for your old home and the start date of your new home rarely line up exactly. With a rented home, the notice period is usually the same as the payment period, so often one month.
That overlap is not just a cost: it gives you time to move calmly and hand back your old home properly. Give notice in good time and check your tenancy agreement to see which period applies to you.
Packing
Do I have to pack myself?
You can, but you do not have to. If you want to do it yourself, we drop off moving boxes at your home beforehand. If you do not have the time or do not feel like it, we will pack for you. Let us know in the free moving check and we will include it in the fixed price.
Do you bring moving boxes?
Yes, we bring the boxes to your home before the move. Afterwards, you hand them back to us.
What is the best way to pack fragile items?
Wrap plates individually in paper and stand them upright in the box, fill glasses with a ball of paper and fill empty spaces so nothing can shift. You can read more tips in packing smart. Rather not do it yourself? We can pack it for you too.
How many moving boxes do I need?
As a rough guide: allow about 25 boxes for a studio or small flat, 40 to 50 for a couple's flat and 60 to 80 for a family home. If you have a lot of books, kitchen items or hobby things, you will need more.
Count per cupboard and per room, that gives a better picture. We bring the moving boxes to your home and you hand them back afterwards. Tell us in the moving check how much you have, and we will help you work it out.
Where do I start packing for a move?
Start with what you will not need in the coming weeks: the loft, storage room, books, seasonal clothing and decorations. Pack the kitchen, bathroom and everyday clothes last.
Pack room by room and keep the boxes for each room together. Declutter as you pack, anything you are not taking with you, you do not have to pack either. You will find more tips in packing smart.
How do I pack glasses for a move?
Wrap each glass separately in paper and fill the inside with a ball of paper. Stand glasses upright in the box, with the opening facing up, and fill the gaps so nothing can shift.
Put a layer of scrunched-up paper at the bottom and choose a smaller box, so it does not get too heavy. Write "fragile" and "this way up" on the box.
How do I pack wine glasses without them breaking?
Wrap the stem first, then the bowl, and fill the bowl with a ball of soft paper. The stem is the weakest point, so make sure it cannot press against anything.
If you can, use a box with cardboard compartments, such as a wine box. Stand the glasses upright, fill any empty space and put another layer of paper on top. Small boxes are better than large ones here.
How do I pack plates and crockery for a move?
Wrap each plate separately in paper and stand the plates upright in the box, like records in a record crate. Standing up, they can take much more than lying flat on top of each other.
Put a thick layer of scrunched-up paper at the bottom and fill the sides. You can wrap bowls three at a time, nested with paper in between. Keep the boxes small and heavy items at the bottom. Pack a few plates and cutlery separately for the first few days.
What is the easiest way to move clothes?
Hanging clothes are best moved in a wardrobe box with a rail or in large bin bags pulled over the hangers. Then you can hang them straight back in the wardrobe in your new home.
Folded clothes can go in boxes or suitcases. It is best not to leave drawers full of light clothing in the furniture, as that makes it heavy and vulnerable. Also pack a separate bag of clothes for the first few days.
Do I need tissue paper for packing?
It is handy for fragile and delicate items, but not essential. Tissue paper is thin, soft and clean, so it does not leave ink behind like newspaper does. That means you do not have to wash your crockery and glasses after the move.
For sturdy items or as filling material, you can simply use newspaper, tea towels or towels. That also saves on the number of boxes.
How heavy can a moving box be?
Keep a box light enough that you can still lift it easily yourself, as a guide no more than about 15 to 20 kilos. A box that is too full tears more easily and is hard to carry on the stairs.
Put heavy things such as books in small boxes and light things such as cushions in large ones. If needed, top up a box of books with something light, so it closes properly.
What is a handy way to label moving boxes?
Write on each box the room it needs to go to and briefly what is inside. Put it on the side and not just on top, so you can still see it when the boxes are stacked.
Even handier is a colour per room, with the same colour on a note on the door in your new home. Then the movers put each box straight in the right place.
What do I put in the box for the first day?
Everything you need for the first day and night, so you do not have to search through all the boxes. Think of:
- bedding and a towel per person
- toilet paper, soap and toothbrushes
- chargers, medicines and important papers
- a kettle, coffee, mugs and something to eat
- scissors, a screwdriver and bin bags
Take that box with you in the car rather than in the removal van.
Moving day
Can you also dismantle furniture and hang things up?
Yes. We take apart wardrobes and beds in your old home and put them back together in the new home, wherever you want them. Lamps, shelves or a TV on the wall? Put it in the moving check and we will see what we can do for you.
Do you also connect the washing machine?
Yes. Disconnecting the washing machine in your old home and connecting it again in your new home is simply part of the job if you mention it in the moving check.
Do I need to be home on moving day?
It helps if someone is there who knows where everything needs to go, especially in the new home. We do the heavy work, you tell us where the sofa goes.
Am I entitled to a day off when I move?
Not by law: there is no statutory right to moving leave. Many cao's (collective labour agreements) do say that you get one or more days off when you move, sometimes only if you have your own household.
Check your cao or staff regulations to see what applies to you. If there is nothing in it, request a day off or talk to your employer. Many employers are quite willing to help.
How many days of moving leave do you get under the cao?
That varies by cao (collective labour agreement). In many cao's it is one day per move, sometimes more, and sometimes only if your own household is moving or if you are moving for work. There are also cao's without moving leave.
Search your cao for "verhuizing" (moving) or "bijzonder verlof" (special leave), or ask HR. Without a scheme, you take an ordinary day of annual leave.
When do I need a furniture lift?
When large or heavy items cannot easily get in via the stairs or the lift. Think of a flat on a higher floor with a narrow stairwell, or a sofa or wardrobe that will not fit round the bend in the stairs.
A furniture lift also saves a lot of time and prevents damage to the stairwell and furniture. Give clear details of the floor and the situation at the stairs, so we can see whether a lift is needed. More about this in moving into a flat.
Do I need a permit for a furniture lift or removal van?
That varies by municipality. If a furniture lift or van will stand on the public road or pavement, or somewhere you would not normally be allowed to park, you often need an exemption or permit.
Apply in good time, as processing can take a few days to weeks. Look on your municipality's website under "verhuizen" (moving) or "ontheffing" (exemption), for both your old and your new address.
How do I make sure there is parking for the removal van?
Make sure the van can park as close to the front door as possible, at both your old and your new home. The shorter the walking distance, the faster it goes.
Ask the neighbours if they could park their car somewhere else that day, or park a car in the spot yourself the day before. In a town centre or with paid parking you sometimes need an exemption, which varies by municipality.
What should I have ready before the movers arrive?
Make sure everything is packed and closed and that the boxes are grouped by room. Take down paintings, lamps and loose shelves in advance and clear the walking routes.
Put aside the things you are taking yourself, such as valuables, papers and your box for the first day. Put a note on anything that is not coming along. You can read how the rest of the day goes in moving day from start to finish.
What do I do with the meter readings on moving day?
Write down the gas, electricity and water readings in your old home when you leave, and in your new home when you arrive. Take a dated photo of them too.
Pass the readings on to your energy supplier and the water company. That way you only pay for what you have used yourself. With a rented home, the readings are often recorded at the key handover as well.
What do I do if it rains on moving day?
Moving in the rain is perfectly possible, it just takes a bit of preparation. Lay old sheets, cardboard sheets or runners in the hall and by the front door, so no mud gets walked through the house.
Make sure boxes are properly closed and that sofas and mattresses are wrapped in plastic or covers. Have a pile of old towels ready. Also keep the route from the van to the door as short as possible.
Does my contents insurance cover damage during the move?
That varies by insurer and by policy. Some contents insurance policies only cover damage during a move if a professional removal company does it, others do not cover it at all or only for certain causes.
Read your policy conditions or call your insurer before you move. Also pass on your new address in good time, because your contents are insured at an address. Ask the insurer from when your new home is covered.
What do I do if something got broken during the move?
Take photos of the damage and of the packaging straight away, and report it to the removal company as soon as possible. Do not throw away the broken item or the box until the damage has been dealt with.
Write down what is broken, when you discovered it and roughly what it was worth. Also check your own contents insurance. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to deal with the damage.
Services
Do you also do business removals?
Yes. We move offices and business premises so that your business is out of action for as short a time as possible. We plan it together, so you can carry on the next working day.
Do you also help with senior moves?
Yes, with patience and extra care. We take our time, help you decide what should come along to the new home and make sure everything ends up in a familiar place.
Can you clear out a home?
Yes. We clear homes, business premises and storage units and leave them broom-clean.
What is the difference between a home removal and a business removal?
In a home removal, you move your house and household contents. A business removal involves an office, shop or business premises, and is mainly about keeping downtime to a minimum.
Business removals take more planning: workstations, computers, archives and sometimes moving outside working hours. Read more about home removals or business removals.
How do you move an office without work grinding to a halt?
With good planning and a set order. Agree in advance what goes when, who is responsible for IT and internet, and what each workstation in the new premises will look like.
Have staff pack their own desks and label everything with a number that matches a floor plan. That way everything goes straight to the right place. More tips in business removals: moving your office without downtime.
What does a senior move involve?
A senior move is a move with extra attention to calm, time and choices. Often someone is downsizing, for example to a flat or a home for older people, and not everything will fit.
It is then not just about the move itself, but also about choosing what comes along, making the new home feel familiar and sometimes clearing out the old home. Read more about our senior moves.
How do you help someone with dementia through a move?
Keep it as familiar as possible. Bring familiar furniture, photos and belongings and put them in a similar place in the new home, for example the chair by the window and the photos on the sideboard.
Do not tell them too long in advance if that causes anxiety, and ideally let moving day itself take place without the person there, for example with a day at a relative's. Also ask the dementia case manager for advice, as they know the person and the situation.
How do you approach a move to a home for older people?
Start with the floor plan of the new home and see which furniture will fit. Then you know straight away what can come along and what cannot.
Take your time to choose, ideally together with children or family. Things that are not coming along can go to family, the charity shop or be collected as part of a clearance. You will find more tips in senior moves: downsizing without stress.
Do you also do small moves, such as a student room?
Yes. We can also move a student room, a studio or just a few pieces of furniture. Especially with small moves, it is handy to get a fixed price up front, so you know exactly where you stand.
Tell us in the free moving check what needs to move and to which floor. You can read more about student moves on the service page.
What do I need to arrange for a student move?
Besides the move itself, you mainly need to sort out your registration and your regular costs. Think of:
- registering your address with the municipality, DUO (student finance) then gets it automatically
- agreements with your landlord about the handover and deposit
- internet and energy, if they are not included in the rent
- housing benefit (huurtoeslag), if you are entitled to it
A student room has little space, so only take what fits. More about student moves.
What do I do with the moving boxes after the move?
You hand them back to us. We bring the moving boxes to your home before the move and they go back afterwards, so you are not left with a mountain of cardboard.
Unpack at your own pace and fold the empty boxes flat, so they take up little space. We will agree with you how and when you hand them back.
What is included in the free moving check?
In the moving check, you tell us what needs to be moved, from and to which address, and what extra help you would like, such as packing, dismantling or connecting the washing machine. You will hear from us within 24 hours.
You then get a fixed price up front and a proposed schedule. You are not committed to anything. Fill in the free moving check, it only takes a few minutes.
Paperwork
When do I need to register my move with the municipality?
You can register your move from four weeks before the moving date, and no later than five days after it. You do this with the municipality (gemeente) you are moving to, usually online with DigiD (the Dutch digital ID).
If you are moving within the same municipality, you simply register it with your own municipality. If you live with other people, check whether you can register everyone at once or whether each adult has to do it themselves.
Which organisations receive my new address automatically?
As soon as you have registered your move with the municipality, your address goes into the BRP (the Dutch population register). From there, the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Administration), Dienst Toeslagen (benefits office), DUO (student finance), RDW (vehicle authority), SVB (social insurance bank) and UWV (employee insurance agency), among others, receive your new address automatically.
Companies do not: you have to inform your bank, energy supplier, internet provider, insurers, GP and subscriptions yourself. You will find a full overview in updating your address.
Do I need to tell the Belastingdienst about my change of address?
No, you do not need to. When you register your move with the municipality, the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Administration) receives your new address through the BRP (the Dutch population register). The same goes for Dienst Toeslagen (the benefits office).
You do have to report changes that affect your benefits yourself, such as a different rent or a change in your household. You do that through Mijn toeslagen.
Do I need to find a new GP when I move?
If you are moving outside your GP's practice area, usually yes. Many GPs only register patients who live within a certain distance or travel time, so they can get there quickly in an emergency.
Look for a new GP in good time, because not every practice takes on new patients. Your records then go from the old GP to the new one. Also give your change of address to your dentist and pharmacy.
How do I give my bank my change of address?
Usually through your bank's app or online banking. Your bank does not automatically get your new address from the municipality, so you have to pass it on yourself.
Do this around your moving date, so new cards and post arrive at the right address. If you have a mortgage, savings account or investment account with another provider, let them know too.
How do I report my business move to the KvK?
The KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce) receives your home address through the municipality. If your business moves to a new business address, you report that to the KvK yourself, usually online.
Report it as soon as possible, as the KvK has a short deadline for changes. After that, also update your website, invoices, Google Business Profile and terms and conditions. You can read more about moving a business in business removals.
When should I sort out energy for my move?
Tell your energy supplier about your move a few weeks in advance. You can often take your contract with you to your new address, otherwise you cancel it and take out a new contract.
On key day, write down the gas, electricity and water meter readings in both your old and your new home and take a photo of them. That way you only pay for what you have used yourself.
How far in advance should I order internet when moving?
Ideally about four to six weeks in advance. If an engineer has to come or the connection still needs activating, it can take a few weeks before you have internet.
First check which providers are available at your new address and whether your current package can move with you. If you work from home, set up a mobile hotspot as a backup for the first few days.
Do I need to tell the water company I am moving?
Yes. You cannot choose your water supplier yourself, the water company depends on your region. In Friesland and the Noordoostpolder it is usually Vitens, in Noord-Holland PWN.
Pass on your moving date and meter readings to the water company for your old and your new address. If you are staying in the same region, it is often a single notification. The water company does not automatically get your new address through the municipality.
What happens to municipal taxes when I move?
That varies by municipality. Charges such as the waste collection charge and sewerage charge are based on who lives there on 1 January or on the period you live there. Some municipalities refund part of it if you leave halfway through the year, others do not.
In your new municipality you may receive a bill for the rest of the year. Check the website of your old and new municipality, or of the joint tax office they belong to, to see what applies to you.
What should I do about my housing benefit when I move?
Dienst Toeslagen (the Dutch benefits office) receives your new address automatically through the municipality, but you have to report your new rent and service charges yourself through Mijn toeslagen. Do this as soon as you have the tenancy agreement.
If anything else changes in your household, for example because you are moving in with a partner, report that too. That way you avoid having to pay money back later. You can check in advance whether you are entitled to housing benefit (huurtoeslag) in your new home with the trial calculation on the Dienst Toeslagen website.
Do I need to update my passport or driving licence after a move?
No. A Dutch passport, ID card or driving licence does not show your address, so you do not need to change anything. The RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) receives your new address through the municipality.
If you have a car, your vehicle registration is also updated to your new address automatically. Your parking permit does not move with you: you apply for a new one in your new municipality if you need one there.
How do I get my post forwarded to my new address?
Through the PostNL moving service (verhuisservice). With it, post arriving at your old address is forwarded to your new address for a while. It is a paid service.
Use that time to give senders your new address. Look at what is being forwarded and you will automatically see who you have forgotten. Also leave a note for the new occupants with your new address.
Handing over
What should I look out for when handing back a rented home?
First read your tenancy agreement and your landlord's handover rules. In general, you hand the home back in the condition you received it, apart from normal wear and tear.
Pay particular attention to:
- changes you made yourself, which sometimes have to go
- small holes, wallpaper and non-standard paint colours
- an empty and clean home, including the storage room and garden
- handing in all the keys
Ask for a pre-inspection, so you know in advance exactly what needs to be done.
Do I have to remove the wallpaper when I hand back my rented home?
That depends on your landlord and your tenancy agreement. If the home had no wallpaper at the start and you put it up yourself, the landlord will often ask you to remove it. If the wallpaper was already there, or it is neat and neutral, it can sometimes stay.
Ask about it at the pre-inspection. Sometimes the new tenant can take it over, and then you do not have to remove it.
Do I have to paint the walls before I hand back my rented home?
Not always. You do not have to repair normal wear and tear, but you often have to repaint dark or striking colours you added yourself in a light, neutral colour. That varies by landlord.
Check your tenancy agreement or the handover rules, or ask at the pre-inspection. That way you avoid the landlord charging you for painting that turned out to be necessary after all.
Do I have to fill holes in the wall when handing back my home?
That varies by landlord. A few normal plug holes for paintings and shelves are part of ordinary use, but many landlords do ask you to neatly fill larger holes or a lot of holes.
Holes in tiles are often a different story. Ask at the pre-inspection what is expected of you. If you fill holes, do it neatly with filler and sand it smooth.
What is a pre-inspection for a rented home?
At a pre-inspection, the landlord walks through the home a few weeks before you leave and tells you what you still need to do before the handover. Think of removing things, filling holes or cleaning.
You will usually get a list. That way you will not face any surprises at the final inspection. Ask for a pre-inspection yourself if your landlord does not offer one.
What happens at the final inspection of a rented home?
At the final inspection, the landlord checks whether the home has been handed back as agreed. You walk through the home together, the meter readings are noted down and you hand in the keys.
The findings go into a handover report. Read it carefully before you sign and have it written down if you disagree with anything. Take your own photos of every room too.
How long is the notice period for a rented home?
For a tenant, the notice period is the same as the payment period, with a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months. So if you pay monthly, it is usually one month.
Give notice in writing, for example by letter or through your landlord's portal, and ask for confirmation. Also check your tenancy agreement for the correct date on which the notice takes effect.
When do I get my deposit back after handing back the home?
For rented homes covered by the Wet goed verhuurderschap (Good Landlordship Act), the landlord must repay the deposit within 14 days of the end of the tenancy. If there is damage, a period of 30 days applies and the landlord may deduct the repair costs.
Make sure you have photos of the home as you handed it back and a signed handover report. If you do not get your deposit back in time, check the website of the Rijksoverheid (Dutch government) or the Juridisch Loket (free legal advice service) to see what you can do.
How do I hand back a rented home after a death?
After a death, the heirs can give notice on the tenancy. Contact the landlord, who will tell you which notice period applies and when the home has to be empty. If someone else was also living there, they can sometimes continue the tenancy.
Take your time to sort through personal belongings and papers. If you want the home emptied and left broom-clean, we can do that through our house clearance service.
How do I hand over a home I own when I sell it?
As stated in the purchase agreement. Usually you hand over the home empty and broom-clean, without any belongings you have not transferred. Anything that stays, such as curtains or a dishwasher, is on the list of items in the deed of sale.
Just before the transfer, the buyer often does a final inspection. Make sure the home is really empty by then, including the loft, shed and garden. The keys are also handed over at the notary's office.
Can I leave things for the new tenant?
Yes, if the landlord agrees. Think of carpets, curtains, lamps or a kitchen you installed yourself. You often use a takeover form from the landlord for this.
Without approval you have to remove everything, even if the new tenant wants it. So agree the takeover in writing and keep a copy. If the takeover falls through, you still have to remove the items.
House clearance
How much does a house clearance cost?
That depends on how many belongings there are, how big the home is, the floor and access, and what needs to happen to the belongings. A full family home with a loft and shed is more work than a flat.
Request the free moving check and you will get a fixed price up front. You can read more about what a clearance involves on the house clearance page.
How do you approach a house clearance after a death?
Calmly and in steps. First sort out the papers, valuables and personal items the family wants to keep. Agree among yourselves who gets what, before the home is emptied.
With a rented home, ask when the home has to be empty. Whatever is left can be cleared in one go and left broom-clean. That way you do not have to carry everything yourself during a period that is hard enough already. Read more about house clearance.
What does handing over broom-clean mean?
Broom-clean means the space is empty and swept: no belongings, no rubbish and no bulky waste left. It is not a deep clean, washing windows or wiping out kitchen cupboards is not included as standard.
If your landlord or buyer expects more than broom-clean, it will be in the agreements or the tenancy agreement. So check them before you hand over the home.
What should I sort out before a home is cleared?
Everything that needs to be kept, because after the clearance it is gone. Go through the home carefully and take out:
- papers, such as bank statements, insurance policies and the tenancy agreement
- jewellery, money and valuables
- photos, letters and other keepsakes
- keys and devices belonging to other people
Also look in drawers, boxes and cupboards in the loft. Put everything that is staying in one place or stick a note on it.
What happens to items that are still in good condition during a clearance?
Anything still usable can often go to family, a charity shop or a good cause. Agree in advance what happens to the belongings, so nothing someone still wanted gets thrown away by mistake.
If you want to sell or give anything away yourself, do it before the clearance. Anything that really cannot be used any more is taken away. You will find tips on deciding what can go in decluttering before you move.
Do I need to be there when the home is cleared?
Not necessarily. If it is clear in advance what can go and what stays, you do not have to be there all day. That is a relief if you live far away or find it emotionally hard.
Do agree how the key will be handed over and how you will know it is finished. Many people come by at the end to check that everything is empty and broom-clean.
Can you also clear business premises or a storage unit?
Yes. As well as homes, we also clear business premises, offices and storage units, and leave them broom-clean.
Tell us what is in the premises, such as furniture, archives or machines, and whether anything needs to go to a new address. Then the clearance and the move can be done in one go if needed. Read more about house clearance.
How quickly can a home be cleared?
That depends on how full the home is and how soon a date is available. Emptying an average home is often done in one or two days, but sorting things out beforehand usually takes more time.
In a hurry, for example because the tenancy is ending? Mention it in the moving check. You will hear within 24 hours what is possible.
Storage
When do I need storage during a move?
Mainly when your old and new homes do not line up. For example, if you have already sold your house but the new build is not ready yet, or if you are going to live with family or in a smaller home for a while.
Storage can also help during a renovation or if you are downsizing and do not yet know what to do with some of your furniture. Tell us in the moving check if you are between two homes, and we will help you work out the planning.
How do I pack things for longer-term storage?
Pack everything properly dry and clean, because damp and dirt lead to mould and stains over time. Use sturdy boxes of the same size, so you can stack them steadily.
Protect furniture with blankets or breathable covers, rather than wrapping it completely in plastic. Dry fridges and freezers and leave the door ajar. Put heavy boxes at the bottom and keep a walkway clear, so you can get to things.
What are you not allowed to keep in a storage unit?
In most storage units you are certainly not allowed to keep anything dangerous or perishable. Think of:
- flammable items, such as gas bottles, paint and petrol
- food and other perishable items
- plants and animals
- illegal or stolen goods
The exact rules are in the storage company's terms and conditions, so read them before you rent. It is better to keep money, jewellery and important papers at home or at the bank.
How big does my storage unit need to be?
That depends on how much you are storing and how well you stack. First make a list of what needs to go in, including the large furniture. Many storage companies have a size calculator or can help you choose.
If you stack smartly and use boxes of the same size, more will fit than you think. Do leave some room for a walkway if you need something in the meantime.
Are my belongings insured in storage?
Not automatically. Some contents insurance policies cover belongings in a storage unit outside your home, often up to a maximum, others do not. Storage companies sometimes offer their own insurance.
Check your policy to see whether belongings at another address are insured and up to what amount. Make a list of what you are storing, with photos of valuable items, so you can show what was there if there is damage.
How do I combine a move with temporary storage?
Decide in advance what you will need in the coming period and what can go into storage. What you use every day goes with you to your temporary address. The rest goes into storage, ideally with the things you want back first at the front.
Clearly label the boxes for storage with the room in your new home. Then the second move, from storage to your new home, goes a lot faster.
How do I keep track of what is in storage?
Make a list or spreadsheet with a number for each box and a short note of what is inside. Write the number in large figures on several sides of the box.
Take photos of the contents before you tape the box shut and keep them with your list. Also take a photo of how everything is arranged in the unit. That way you can quickly find what you are looking for later, without moving everything.
How do I clear out a storage unit I no longer need?
First decide what you want to keep, sell or give away. Take those things out and arrange for the rest to be taken away. Then hand back the unit empty and clean, as set out in the rental agreement.
Pay attention to the storage company's notice period, so you do not pay longer than necessary. If it is too much to do yourself, we can also clear a storage unit and leave it broom-clean.
Special items
How do you move a washing machine?
Before you move the washing machine, screw in the transit bolts. They lock the drum in place, so it is not damaged on the way. If you no longer have them, ask the manufacturer or an appliance shop.
Turn off the tap, disconnect the inlet and drain hoses and let the water run out through the pump filter. In your new home, take the bolts out again before you do a wash. We can disconnect and reconnect it for you.
How do you move a fridge?
Switch the fridge off a day in advance, empty it and let the freezer defrost. Dry everything well and tape the door shut, or leave it ajar if it will be in transit for longer.
Preferably transport the fridge upright. Take out loose shelves and drawers and pack them separately. In your new home, let it stand for a while before you switch it on. Check the manual to see how long that should be for your model.
How long should a fridge stand after moving?
Your fridge's manual will tell you, but as a guide a few hours if it was transported upright. If it was lying down, wait longer, often half a day to a day.
That gives the oil in the compressor time to settle back. If you switch it on too soon, the compressor can be damaged. For the first day, it is best to have a cool bag or cool box ready for your fresh shopping.
How do you move a mattress?
Pack the mattress in a mattress bag or sturdy plastic, so it stays clean and dry. Preferably transport it flat or upright on its side, without putting heavy things on top.
Do not fold a mattress in half, unless it is a foldable mattress. Pocket springs and memory foam can be damaged if you bend them. Mattresses usually go into the van last, so they are the first out at your new home.
How do you move an aquarium?
Take the fish out and transport them in buckets or bags with water from the aquarium. Also keep some of the aquarium water and keep the filter material wet, so the good bacteria stay alive.
Never transport the aquarium full or half full: take out the water, plants and substrate and transport the tank empty. Set it up again straight away in your new home and keep the fish in the bags for as short a time as possible.
How do you move a piano?
A piano is heavy, fragile and hard to get hold of, so do not move it yourself with a few friends. It takes the right equipment and experience, and sometimes a furniture lift if the piano has to go up to another floor.
Have the piano tuned a few weeks after the move, as it first needs to get used to the new room. If you have a piano, let us know in the moving check, with the type and the floor.
How much does it cost to move a piano?
That depends on the type of piano, the floor, the stairs and whether a furniture lift is needed. An upright piano on the ground floor is a different job from a grand piano going up to the second floor.
Tell us in the free moving check that you have a piano, with the type and the situation at both homes. You will then get a fixed price for the whole move. Also allow for the cost of tuning after the move.
How do you move plants?
Put plants in a box or crate so they do not fall over, and fill the space between them with paper. Do not give them too much water in the few days before the move, so they are lighter and nothing leaks.
If you can, transport fragile plants yourself in the car, and do not leave them in a cold or hot van for long. You can wrap large houseplants in plastic to protect the branches.
How do you move a TV or computer safely?
If you can, use the original box. If you no longer have it, wrap the screen in a blanket or bubble wrap and transport it upright, not flat.
Before you disconnect everything, take a photo of the back, so you know later which cable goes where. Put the cables for each device in a bag. Back up important files on your computer before you move it.
How do you move paintings and mirrors?
Protect the corners with cardboard or corner protectors and wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap or a blanket. On large mirrors, stick a cross of tape over the glass, which keeps the pieces together if it does break.
Transport paintings and mirrors upright, on their edge, and never flat with something on top. In the van, stand them against a mattress or between blankets, so they cannot slide.
Children and pets
How do you move with a baby?
Keep to your baby's routine as much as possible and set up the nursery first in the new home. A familiar cot, cuddly toy and sleeping bag help them sleep in a new place too.
On moving day, ideally leave your baby with grandparents, a babysitter or at childcare. Pack a separate bag with nappies, food, bottles and clean clothes for the first few days. You can read more tips for the day itself in moving day.
How do I prepare a toddler for a move?
Tell them a few weeks in advance in simple words, and repeat it often. Toddlers do not understand time well yet, so a picture book about moving or a countdown calendar helps.
Let your toddler pack their own box with toys and a cuddly toy, and take it with you yourself. Set up the children's room quickly, ideally the same as in the old house. Keep the regular moments, such as meals and bedtime, the same as much as possible.
How do I tell my children we are moving?
Tell them in good time, honestly and together, as soon as it is certain. Explain why you are moving and what will stay the same for them and what will change, such as school or friends.
Give them room to be sad or angry and take their questions seriously. Involve them in small choices, such as the colour of their room. If possible, go and look at the new house, the school and the neighbourhood together.
How do you move with a cat?
On moving day, put your cat in a quiet, closed room with food, water and the litter tray, or let it stay at a cattery or with a sitter for a few days. Put a note on the door so nobody opens it by accident.
Transport the cat in a closed carrier. In the new home, start with one room with its own things. More tips in moving with pets.
How long should a cat stay indoors after a move?
As a guide a few weeks, two to three weeks is often recommended. That way your cat can get used to the new home and knows where it belongs before it goes outside.
After that, first let it out under supervision, ideally before a meal, so it comes back hungry. Check that the chip registration shows your new address. If in doubt, ask your vet.
How do you move with a dog?
On moving day, ideally let your dog stay with family, friends or at a boarding kennel. With open doors and lots of people in the house, a dog quickly gets unsettled or runs off.
In the new home, first set up a fixed spot with its bed, bowl and a toy. Walk the same routes around the neighbourhood for the first few days. Update your address in the database where its chip is registered. Whether there is a dog tax (hondenbelasting) varies by municipality.
Where do I leave children and pets on moving day?
Ideally somewhere else. With grandparents, friends, a babysitter or at childcare, children are safer and your hands are free. Pets can stay elsewhere or be kept in a closed room.
On moving day the doors are open, heavy things are being lifted and it is busy. Pick the children up at the end of the day, once their own room is a bit set up. Then the new home feels more like theirs straight away.
Is it normal for moving to be emotional?
Yes, completely normal. A move means saying goodbye to a place full of memories, even if you are looking forward to the new home. On top of that comes the busyness, tiredness and lots of small decisions.
Take the time to say goodbye, for example with photos of every room or a last meal in your old home. Do not plan too much in the first few weeks after the move. For older people who are downsizing after a long time, it is often extra hard, see senior moves.
How do I help a teenager with a move to another town?
Take them seriously and involve your teenager in the choices. Friends matter a lot to teenagers, so help them stay in touch, for example with a weekend stay in your old town.
Let your teenager furnish their own room and look together for a sports club or society in the new town. Visit the new school together beforehand, so the first day is less daunting.
No question found. Just ask us, we are happy to help.
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