From a house to a high room: this is how to move smoothly into a flat

A flat means less yard work, more views and often a lively neighbourhood. Yet you may be startled by the stairs, lift rules and limited floor space. With the right preparation, you'll save time, money and back pain. Here's how.

Prepare for fewer cubic metres

A flat or loft seems spacious, until the sofa doesn't fit through the doorway. Measure your largest pieces of furniture beforehand and compare that with the lift, stairwell and front door. Doesn't the table fit? Unscrew legs and label screws in zip bags. Think about storage: put beds on slats with drawers and hang extra shelves above doors. Ask the caretaker when you can block the lift for longer and reserve that time slot right away. That way you avoid angry neighbours on day one.

Lift smartly with help

Stairs, curves and narrow galleries require extra hands. Professional movers like the Men from Stoof know how to tilt a cupboard vertically without hitting the wall. Their experience saves damage and sore muscles. Can't afford to outsource everything? Then at least hire a removal lift by the hour. A few large items via the balcony will save hours of lugging and make the rest of the job a lot lighter.

Arrange the paperwork

A flat often means an Owners' Association or a professional property manager. Report your moving date, ask about house rules and check if any protective plates are required in the lift. A specialised company, such as removal company Etten Leur, knows those protocols and can immediately apply for permits for a parking space or lane barrier. This way, you avoid a parking fine or a stressed driver who can't get anywhere.

Pack and unpack efficiently

Divide boxes by room and number them. Write on box 1 what you need the same evening: chargers, toilet paper, coffee maker. Stuff breakable crockery in towels and sheets; this saves bubble wrap and boxes. Use collapsible crates for things that disappear into cupboards after unpacking. Stack boxes in the living room in order of priority, not by room. That way you are flexible when your furniture is not yet in place.

Make friends with your neighbours

Sound travels fast in concrete buildings. Warn the floor below you in good time and offer a cup of coffee if necessary. Put protective felt under chairs and sliding cupboards. Organise noisy jobs, such as drilling in concrete, within permitted hours. A good relationship with neighbours means fewer complaints and more help with parcels or watering plants.

Think about your future energy and service costs

Flats heat faster, but also retain heat. Fit draught strips and close curtains for south-facing full sun. Make agreements in the VvE about shared power, e.g. for lift and gallery lighting. LED lights save everyone money, and you share the investment. Moving into a flat takes preparation, but with tape measure, lift planning and some extra help, the move will feel familiar after just a week. Then you can enjoy that panoramic view without tripping over moving boxes.