Moving to Helsinki: the complete checklist

3–4 weeks before the move

• Book your mover. Good dates fill up first, especially month-ends and weekends. Mid-month weekdays are the easiest to get.
• Give notice on your rental. In Finland the notice period for tenants is typically one calendar month, counted from the end of the month you give notice in.
• Start decluttering. Every box you don't move is money saved. Kierrätyskeskus (reuse centers) and local Facebook groups take almost anything.
• Order or rent moving boxes. We deliver rental boxes in advance. Renting is cheaper than buying, and the boxes are sturdier.

1–2 weeks before

• Official address change (muuttoilmoitus). File it once at posti.fi or dvv.fi and it updates both the postal service and the population register. It's free if you do it at least a week before moving.
• Electricity contract. Your contract doesn't move with you. Sign a new one for the new address (it takes 5 minutes online), or the lights may be off when you arrive.
• Home insurance (kotivakuutus). Update the address; most landlords require valid insurance from day one.
• Book the elevator. Many housing companies (taloyhtiö) ask you to reserve the elevator for moving day, so check with the huoltoyhtiö (maintenance company).
• Internet. Order the connection early; installation visits can take a week or two to schedule.

Moving day

• Keep documents, keys, chargers, medicines and coffee supplies in one clearly marked "first day" box that travels with you.
• Empty, defrost and dry the fridge and freezer the night before.
• Take photos of the old apartment once it's empty. They help when you ask for your deposit back.
• If we're moving you, that's it. We disconnect the washing machine (a licensed plumber connects it at your new home), take down lamps, and protect and carry everything: it's included.

First week in the new home

• Check that your muuttoilmoitus went through. Banks, your employer and Kela pick up the new address from the register automatically.
• Locate your building's waste room, storage cage (irtaimistovarasto) and sauna schedule.
• Register for a parking permit if your street requires one.
• Unpack the kitchen first and the bedroom second. Everything else can wait, and you'll be surprised how long "everything else" ends up waiting.

We can do the heavy lifting as well. Tell us about your move and we'll send a clear quote within an hour.