Your moving checklist

Notify your landlordIf you rent, send a registered letter with at least 90 days notice for contracts after 2019. Research moving companiesGet 2-3 quotes and compare. Watch out for deposit, insurance, and availability. Sort electricity, gas and internetWe handle itCancel or transfer the old home contracts. Take the chance to switch provider — we handle this for you. Notify the post office (CTT)Request mail forwarding for 6 months via the CTT website. Notify banks and insurersUpdate address: banks, credit cards, car and home insurance. Handle school transferIf you have children, contact schools about transfers and enrolment.

Confirm moving companyDate, time, destination address, contact on the day. Ask for a booking confirmation. Book the elevatorBoth current and new building, if applicable. Notify the condo manager. Start packingNon-essential first: books, decoration, off-season clothes. Empty the freezerEat or donate fresh food. Defrost and clean the fridge 48h before. Return and collect borrowed itemsBooks, tools, containers — now is the time.

Label your boxesBy room + priority. Mark "FRAGILE" and "OPEN FIRST" in red. Pack a "first night" kitPyjamas, toothbrush, chargers, sheets, toilet paper, snacks. Photograph furniture and appliancesEspecially expensive ones. Document condition before dispatch — useful for damage claims. Confirm address with the companyAccess details: door number, floor, time restrictions, GPS coordinates. Withdraw cashIn small notes — for tips and unexpected costs on the day.

Read meters at old homeElectricity, gas and water. Take a photo with date visible. Final inspection of old homeFloor, walls, locks, windows, meters. Photograph everything. Hand over keysIdeally with a handover document signed by both parties. Read meters at new homeSame routine — photos with date. Compare with initial reading from contract. Test all servicesOpen taps, check lights in every room, test internet, kitchen gas. Open the first-night kitYou will not have energy to hunt for the toothbrush at 2am.

Update address with tax officePortal das Finanças → "Os Meus Dados" → "Domicílio Fiscal". 5 minutes. Update Citizen CardOnline via Portal do Cidadão or at Lojas de Cidadão. Free. Subscribe to local servicesWaste collection, bakery, newspaper, gym, laundry. Explore the neighbourhoodPharmacy, supermarket, hospital, transport stops, restaurants. Introduce yourself to neighboursKnowing the names of direct neighbours saves a lot of stress later.