7 Tips to Make Moving Easier

Is your moving date coming up soon? Moving can feel like a marathon, but with a bit of planning, you can make it a lot more manageable. Here are 7 tips from BuurBox to help make your move in Amsterdam as smooth as possible.

1. Declutter Early and Thoroughly

The earlier you start sorting through your stuff and deciding what’s coming with you, the easier it will be when it’s time to pack. Let’s be honest—most of us have a few (or more) forgotten items lurking in the back of the closet. Now’s the perfect time to let them go!

If you’re not sure what to do with things as you declutter, here are some ideas:

• Donate: Find a local donation center or thrift shop, like ReShare, Sympany, or De Regenboog Groep. It’s a win-win—your items find a new home, and you get a little extra space. Plus, these organizations have plenty of drop-off points to make it easy.

• Store: Maybe you’re not ready to part with that funky lamp just yet. No problem! Store items that might come in handy once you’re settled—decor, kitchen appliances, or that armchair you’re still undecided about. With BuurBox, you can find convenient storage (maybe even at your new neighbor’s place!).

• Dispose: Don’t lug broken or useless items to your new home. Use the grofvuil service to get rid of large trash, or get a quote from private waste removal companies to handle the load.

2. Hire Movers Well in Advance

Once you’ve locked in your moving date, don’t wait to book your movers. Amsterdam’s moving companies can fill up quickly, so comparing prices and availability early on is key. The earlier you sort this out, the sooner you can start focusing on packing.

3. Get Packing Materials Early

Avoid the last-minute scramble for boxes and tape by gathering your supplies ahead of time. Places like the UPS Store can be a great place to find these items. You’ll need big boxes, small boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and anything else to keep your stuff safe. Bonus tip: Ask friends or family if they have any spare packing supplies—they’ll be happy to clear out their own clutter, and you’ll save some cash!

4. Pack One Room at a Time

Packing the whole house at once? Recipe for chaos. Tackle one room at a time to stay organized, and make a checklist to ensure nothing gets left behind. Label your boxes properly—unless you’re into post-move scavenger hunts, in which case, good luck!

5. Keep Important Items Close

Moving day can be hectic, so pack an “essentials box” with items you’ll need immediately:

• Device chargers 

• Important paperwork

• Medications

• Toiletries

• A change of clothes and pajamas

That way, even if the rest of your stuff is still boxed up, you’ll at least have the basics covered.

6. Don't Overpack

We’ve all been there—packing everything “just in case” and realizing later that half of it doesn’t fit in the new space. Be realistic about what you actually need. And if you’re torn between keeping or storing something, BuurBox has your back. You can stash those “maybe” items in neighborhood storage and fetch them if you decide they do belong in your new space after all.

7. Handle Fragile Items With Care

Pack your delicate items early so you’re not rushing the night before. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap and clearly mark boxes as fragile. You’ll thank yourself when your glassware makes it to the new place unscathed.

Final Thoughts

Moving might feel overwhelming, but it’s also the start of an exciting new chapter! With some planning and a little help from your community (and BuurBox), you’ll be setting up your new home in Amsterdam in no time. Good luck with your move—here’s to fresh starts and new adventures!