Around four weeks before
This is the time for decisions that depend on other people and cannot be rushed.
- Request removal quotes and confirm what each one includes
- Confirm the handover date for the old home and move-in date for the new one
- Give notice to your landlord, if applicable, respecting the contract notice period
- Sort your belongings: what goes, what you sell, what you donate and what you discard
- Book bulky waste collection with the town hall if there is furniture to dispose of
- Check whether the new home has any access restrictions or loading hours
Around two weeks before
Packing begins, along with sorting out service contracts.
- Arrange the transfer or new contract for electricity, water and gas
- Schedule the internet and television transfer — usually the one needing most notice
- Ask CTT to forward your post to the new address if needed
- Start packing what you do not use day to day: books, decorations, out-of-season clothing
- Label every box with its destination room and main contents
- Arrange the school transfer, if you have children
In the week of the move
The confirmation phase. The aim is no surprises on the day.
- Confirm the time with the removals company
- Ask the parish council or town hall to reserve parking, if the street warrants it
- Notify building management at both addresses, if required
- Confirm the lift dimensions and whether it can be used for loads
- Set aside an essentials box: medication, chargers, documents, a change of clothes, toiletries
- Empty, defrost and dry the fridge and freezer
- Photograph higher-value furniture before it is wrapped
On moving day
Few tasks, but all of them matter.
- Be present, or leave someone you trust, at each address
- Record the water, electricity and gas meter readings at the old home
- Do a final check of cupboards, storage, attic and garage
- Keep the essentials box and personal valuables with you
- Tell the team which boxes are fragile and what should be assembled first
- Hand over the keys only once the home is empty and checked
After you arrive
The admin left for later is what causes problems later. It is worth handling it in the first week.
- Update the address on your Cartão de Cidadão, via the Portal do Cidadão or a Loja de Cidadão
- Update your address with the tax authority, social security and your bank
- Update the address on vehicle registration and driving licence, if applicable
- Register with the health centre for your new area
- Review your home insurance: the policy is tied to the address
- Check that all furniture has been assembled and whether there is any damage to report
Common mistakes
Leaving the internet until last is the most common: it is usually the service with the longest activation time.
Filling boxes of books to the top is another classic — they become too heavy to handle safely. Small boxes for heavy things, large boxes for light things.
Finally, not labelling boxes. On moving day it seems obvious what is in each one; a week later it is not.
