Moving home checklist for Cyprus renters

Ready to move homes in Cyprus? Be well prepared and make your move smooth and efficient.

Whether your move involves a house, apartment, shop, office or other commercial property, below is a quick and easy-to-follow checklist to make the transition smoother and more efficient. Should you need further advice and/or assistance with relocation services, feel free to contact Urban Keys.

Remember, the earlier you start the easier the move will be.

1 month before

Sort our belongings: go through your place and decide what you will be keeping and what you can get rid of. Consider whether any items will require special packing, transportation or perhaps extra insurance coverage. Consider selling or giving away any unwanted items.

Start researching for a removals company or other transport alternatives: there are many removal companies available in Cyprus and all reasonably priced. Note: do not rely on a quote over the phone; request a specific written estimate. Such services can also include packing and related materials, otherwise start collecting boxes and bubble wrap. Feel free to approach various store owners, as most people are friendly and willing to help. Otherwise visit the Super Home Centre stores throughout Cyprus, or IKEA.

Avoid waste: start using up things that you don't particularly want to move, such as frozen or perishable foods, cleaning supplies and little.

Measure your new home/office: it's a good idea to measure door and room dimensions at your new property, ensuring larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door and in the rooms. Also, know point- access points and facilities. The removals company will also need to know this information.

Notifications for change of address: start to inform all necessary authorities and organisations of your move, such as your bank, schools, post office, employer, doctor, accountant, as well as utilities water, electricity, telephone, cable TV and Internet. If you're renting, notify your landlord of your moving date. With regards to utilities, especially electricity, it is a good idea to take a metre reading on the last day you are there.

Between 2 and 4 weeks

Confirm transit: choose your mover and confirm the arrangements. Select a company and obtain written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other essential details.

Prepare packing: start packing and label boxes clearly. Start taking down any fitted items that are coming with you (e.g. shelving, paintings, photos etc). Consider special arrangements for any pets for the moving date.

Start packing: pack the things that you seldom use so you can get them out of the way and clear up some space, such as ice-cream maker and board games. Give special attention to fragile items and those of greater value, as they might require additional insurance (and costs) from your moving company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over 100 euro per kilo, such as a computer, artwork, antiques, etc.

Time-off and help: arrange to take the day off from work to have stress-free move. Try to organise extra help from family and friends, as it's almost always needed.

A few days before the move

Defrost: defrost and clean your fridge and freezer so it is ready for the move. Same holds true for other kitchen and larger appliances. Start to disconnect the washing machine, TV and computer.

Contact the moving company: Reconfirm the arrangements. Reconfirm the moving company's arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell phone number.

Pack your suitcases: aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases/box of personal items that will be needed immediately at your new home (e.g. light bulbs, kettle, tea towels, towels, bed linen, essential clothing for a few days, bathroom accessories). Organise these and set them aside so they are not loaded on the removals van.

Moving day

• Disconnect everything from your old property, write down your meter readings and inform your utility companies.
• Strip beds and pack bedding.
• Gas cylinders and air bottles should be empty with valves open, flammable liquids safely disposed.
• Before leaving, double check you haven't left anything behind.
• Take inventory before the movers leave form your place, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.
• Check all windows are closed and doors locked. Hand all keys into the estate agent or landlord.
• Arrange a time to collect the keys of your new property from our Urban Keys office.
• House warming party time!