A move starts six to eight weeks before moving day. This checklist tells you week by week what to arrange and when: from choosing a mover through packing to registering your address after moving in.
Most moves do not go wrong because of the heavy wardrobes, but because everything is left to the last weekend. Over twenty-five years we have seen that for those who start two months ahead, moving day is just loading. The list below follows that timeline.
You do not have to do everything exactly this way. If the notice on your rental or the handover of the new flat gives you a tighter deadline, the order still helps you decide what is urgent and what can wait.
Six to eight weeks before the move
At this stage the most important thing is choosing a mover, because at the end of the month and at weekends the good crews fill up fast. Ask for a written quote that includes the number of movers, the truck size, the base fee, the hourly rate and the minimum fee. If these are not written down, the cheap price mentioned on the phone can turn out expensive at the end of the move. Our price list is public on the moving prices page.
Ask for an on-site survey, and show everything, including the cellar and the attic. The survey decides how many people and how big a truck are needed, so this is the time to mention the piano, the safe or the solid wood wardrobe. With us the survey is free, and it can also be done by video call.
This is the time when there is still time to sort things out. Whatever you have not taken out in two years, sell it, give it away, or request junk removal. Every box that does not have to be moved is working time. If the new flat will be ready later than you have to leave the old one, arrange furniture storagenow. If renting, check the notice period and tell the landlord the move-out date in writing.
One month before
Time for the boxes. With us the moving boxes against a deposit; we agree the quantity at the survey. Start with what you will not miss for weeks: books, off-season clothes, ornaments, the guest room.
If you are moving with a child at school or nursery, let the institution know about the change now, because the transfer paperwork takes time. Collect the electricity, gas, water, district heating and internet contracts in one folder; after the move, everything has to be transferred from these.
Two weeks before
In Budapest this is parking week. Check at both addresses where a truck can stop, and if there is no space in front of the building, arrange it with the local council or let us know. In restricted zones we can also obtain the entry permit. Tell the building manager, ask for lift permission if that is the custom in the building, and measure the inside of the lift, because with a solid wood wardrobe this decides whether it has to go up the stairs.
Order mail forwarding, and write down who will need the new address: bank, insurer, employer, subscriptions. We have written a separate article about this: who to notify of a change of address. Do not leave home insurance to the end; the new flat should be covered from the day of the move.
The last week
Pack room by room, and write on every box which room it goes to and whether it is fragile. Heavy items in small boxes, light ones in large boxes. Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer 24-48 hours before the move, drain the washing machine and, if you have them, put the transport bolts back in. Take down chandeliers, curtain rails and wall-mounted shelves, or ask us to do it; this is part of our additional services .
Prepare a “first night” box: bedding, towels, toiletries, chargers, a few dishes, coffee. We load this box last and unload it first.
The day before, put documents, cash, jewellery and the laptop in a separate bag that stays with you. Unplug electronic devices and photograph the cables. Do not water the plants, and prepare a quiet corner for pets; we wrote about this in the moving with pets article. In the evening, a short call to the mover: arrival time, parking.
On moving day
Photograph the meter readings in both flats; you will need them later for transferring the utilities. Have someone at both the old and the new address to direct the loading and say which box goes where. Before leaving, walk through the old flat: cupboards, balcony, cellar, letterbox. Turn off the water taps and hand over the keys.
After moving in
The address must be registered at the government office within three working days of moving in, with the landlord’s consent. Then transfer the utilities with the photographed meter readings, reconnect the internet and register for waste collection. Once you have unpacked, let us know and we will collect the empty boxes.
Frequently asked questions about organising a move
How far ahead of the move should you book a mover?
Within Budapest, as early as possible, but 1–2 weeks ahead we can usually find a date; for a countryside move 6–8 days, for a pick-up abroad 1.5–2 weeks is a good lead time. Demand is highest at the end of the month and at weekends.
How many boxes will I need?
We estimate this at the survey based on the rooms and belongings; at Herkules-Trans boxes are handed over against a deposit. If you need more, we top them up.
What does the mover not transport?
We may not transport hazardous materials (gas cylinders, paint, thinner, lighters, ammunition); keep cash, jewellery and important documents with you.
What is needed on site on moving day?
A parking space for the truck, a usable lift, marked fragile boxes, and someone at the new address to direct which box goes to which room.
Sources
- magyarorszag.hu – address registration procedure
- Magyar Posta – mail forwarding service
- Herkules-Trans moving prices 2026
Source check date: 8 October 2026