Moving to Helsinki: the complete checklist

3–4 weeks before the move

• Book your mover. Good dates — especially month-ends and weekends — fill up first. Mid-month weekdays are 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 — sturdier and cheaper than buying.

1–2 weeks before

• Official address change (muuttoilmoitus). File it once at posti.fi or dvv.fi — it updates both the postal service and the population register. It's free if done at least a week before moving.
• Electricity contract. Your contract doesn't move with you — sign a new one for the new address (takes 5 minutes online) or it may be dark on arrival.
• 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 — ask 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 after it's empty — useful for the deposit return.
• 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, protect and carry everything — it's included.

First week in the new home

• Check that your muuttoilmoitus went through — banks, 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, bedroom second. Everything else can wait — you'll be surprised how long "everything else" waits.

Want the heavy lifting handled too? Tell us about your move — we'll send a clear quote within an hour.