There are certain formalities that need to be completed before you leave to avoid any disruption to services or administrative complications. Here is a comprehensive checklist of the steps you need to take to ensure your move goes smoothly.

Steps to take in preparation for your move

As soon as your moving date has been set, start sorting out the main administrative formalities. Some of these may take several weeks to complete, particularly if you are moving out of rented accommodation or need to transfer various contracts.

Be sure to:

• give notice to terminate your tenancy agreement in accordance with the notice period, if you are a tenant;
• arranging a date for the exit inventory and handover of the keys;
• booking a removal company or a van;
• informing your insurer of your change of address;
• organising the transfer or cancellation of your utility contracts (electricity, gas, internet, telephone).

Planning ahead helps to avoid any service interruptions on the day you move in.

Notifying the local council of your change of address

Anyone who changes their place of residence in Luxembourg must notify the local council of their move.

If you are moving to another municipality

You will need to submit a declaration of departure to your former municipality and then a declaration of arrival to your new municipality within the time limits set out in the regulations.

Depending on your situation, you may be asked to provide various documents, including proof of identity, a tenancy agreement or a title deed.

You are moving within the same municipality

Even if you are staying within the same municipality, you must register your new address so that the national register of natural persons can be updated. In many municipalities, this can be done online via MyGuichet.lu.

Notifying energy suppliers

Moving house also involves managing your energy contracts. Before you leave, contact your suppliers to arrange the cancellation or transfer of your electricity, gas and, depending on the local authority, water contracts.

On moving day, take meter readings with the landlord, the new tenant or during the property inspection with the estate agent. These readings will be used to draw up the final bill and avoid any disputes over consumption.
If you are moving into a new home, do not wait until the last minute to request that your contracts be activated.

Having your post forwarded

Even after you have provided your new address, some post will continue to be sent to your old address.
The mail forwarding service offered by POST Luxembourg allows you to automatically receive your post at your new address for a set period. This solution is particularly useful during the first few weeks after your move.

Updating your address with various organisations

You must also notify all the organisations you deal with of your change of address.
The main organisations to contact include your bank, your employer, your insurance company, your health insurance provider, your internet and mobile phone providers, your car insurance provider, your children’s schools, and the relevant government departments.

Completing these steps promptly helps to avoid delays in post or administrative difficulties.

Check your home insurance

Your home insurance must be tailored to your new home. If you are a tenant, your policy will need to be amended to cover your new address from the moment you are handed the keys. If you are buying a property, take this opportunity to check that the cover matches the property’s specific features: floor area, value of contents, garage, cellar, garden or outbuildings.

Specific procedures for tenants

Before leaving your property, ensure you comply with the obligations set out in your tenancy agreement.
The end-of-tenancy inspection must be carried out with the landlord or their representative. Meter readings are taken, the keys are handed over and the general condition of the property is noted. These details will be used, in particular, to determine any deductions from the tenancy deposit.

Keep a copy of all signed documents until your case is fully closed.

Specific procedures for landlords

If you are selling your property, there are several formalities to complete when moving out.

In particular, you will need to arrange for the handover of the keys, provide the new buyer with the relevant documents (instructions, warranties, available certificates) and terminate any contracts relating to the property.

When you buy a new property, certain steps can be taken in advance of signing the deed of sale to make your move-in easier.

Plan your real estate project effectively with New Immo

Moving house is often the final stage of a real estate project. Whether you’re buying, selling or letting a property, every step needs to be planned in advance to avoid any unforeseen issues.

At New Immo, we support owners, buyers and tenants at every stage of their real estate project in Luxembourg. From valuing a property right through to handing over the keys, our team puts its expertise in the Luxembourg market at your service to advise you and facilitate every stage of your move.

Are you planning a move following the sale or purchase of a property? Contact the New Immo advisers to benefit from personalised support and bring your project to fruition with complete peace of mind.