The Prague Moving Checklist

Agree on the handover dates for your old and new homes. If the dates don't line up, plan where you'll stay and where your belongings will go in between.

Review the notice period, move-out requirements, cleaning obligations and anything your landlord expects before returning your deposit.

Give notice in the form required by your lease and keep a copy of the notice and any confirmation.

Find out when and where you'll receive the keys, what you'll need to sign, and whether you'll need to provide a deposit or proof of insurance.

Will you use professional movers, hire a van and driver, or move everything yourself?

Need moving help? Find a mover

Estimate how many boxes you'll need and arrange delivery before you plan to start packing.

Skip the cardboard Reserve Old Town Totes

Measure large furniture, doors, hallways, stairwells and lifts at both apartments. Pay particular attention to anything that was assembled inside your current flat.

Sell, donate, recycle or dispose of things you don't want to move.

Before throwing usable furniture, clothing or household items away, see whether one of our donation partners can give them a second life.

Find a donation partner

Find out whether your belongings are covered during the move and whether your new landlord requires household or liability insurance.

Need help? Insurance & Finance

Begin with books, decorations, seasonal clothing and anything else you won't need before moving day.

Give each box a destination such as Kitchen, Bedroom or Bathroom. Add a short description if you'll need to find something quickly.

Keep passports, documents, jewellery, electronics, medication and other important belongings separate from the main move.

Decide whether you'll clean the old apartment yourself or hire someone after everything has been removed.

Need a cleaner? Find an English-friendly cleaning service

Check for holes, damaged fittings, marked walls or other work that may need attention before the apartment handover.

If the apartment needs more than a quick touch-up, arrange a handyman or painter before moving week.

Need help? Find a handyman or painter

Check whether service already exists, whether equipment needs to be transferred or returned, and how long your provider needs to activate the new address.

Determine which electricity, gas or other utility accounts need to be transferred, closed or newly opened.

Look at the entrances to both buildings and determine where the moving vehicle can legally stop and load.

If parking is difficult, investigate whether temporary parking arrangements or permits will be necessary.

Make sure the lift is large enough for your furniture and confirm whether your building has any restrictions on using it for moves.

If your building has a reception desk, property manager, SVJ contact or other building representative, let them know when the move will happen if access or common areas may be affected.

Reconfirm the date, arrival time, addresses and contact number.

Make sure you'll have the necessary keys, entry codes, gate access and lift access.

Try to leave out only what you'll need for the final few days.

Keep enough with you to get through the first night without unpacking.

Consider:

• Passport and important documents
• Medication
• Chargers
• Toiletries
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Toilet paper
• Basic kitchen items
• Water and snacks
• Pet essentials, if applicable

Gather apartment keys, building keys, mailbox keys, cellar keys, garage remotes and anything else belonging to the property.

Locate the electricity, gas and water meters so you're not hunting for them during the handover.

Don't accidentally pack the things you'll need for the final clean.

Keep a basic tool kit available for furniture disassembly and last-minute repairs.

Do not put passports, wallets, keys, medication, laptops or irreplaceable valuables into the general moving load.

Take clear photographs showing both the meter reading and meter identification where possible.

Keep these with your move-out records.

Check:

• Cabinets and drawers
• Built-in storage
• Cellar or storage unit
• Balcony
• Bathroom
• Refrigerator and freezer
• Dishwasher
• Washing machine
• Behind doors
• Mailbox

Once everything has been removed, photograph the condition of every room and any existing damage.

Keep the photographs until your deposit and final utility bills have been settled.

Review the handover document carefully before signing it.

Make sure important information, especially meter readings, keys returned and the condition of the property, is recorded correctly.

Make sure both sides agree on exactly which keys, remotes and access devices were returned.

Before unloading your belongings, photograph the condition of the new apartment and any existing damage.

Pay particular attention to floors, walls, doors, windows, appliances, bathroom fixtures and anything already damaged or marked.

Keep the photographs with your new lease and handover documents.

Photograph the readings at the beginning of your occupancy and keep them with your new lease documents.

Make sure major items arrived and look for obvious damage while everyone is still present.

Start with the bed, bathroom, kitchen basics and anything you need for work.

Don't wait several weeks to discover something disappeared or was damaged during the move.

Review the organizations and services that still have your old address.

Depending on your situation, this may include:

• Banks and financial services
• Insurance
• Employer
• Mobile and internet providers
• Online retailers and subscriptions
• Doctors or other service providers
• Government or immigration records where applicable

Check how names are handled in your new building.

Recycle cardboard and packing materials. If you rented reusable boxes, simply unpack them and get them ready for collection.

Empty the boxes, remove your belongings and have the totes ready for collection.

Finished unpacking? Arrange or confirm your Old Town Totes collection

Keep the signed handover document, photographs and meter readings until your former landlord has settled the deposit and any outstanding charges.

Make sure final readings and billing periods correspond with the date you stopped occupying the old apartment.

Hang pictures, assemble furniture, fix minor problems and get the new place functioning properly.

Need a hand? Find a handyman or painter

Take the evening off. Moving in Prague is enough work already.