Moving home in Vienna: what to organise and when to avoid stress

Having a strategy 

When moving house, you learn best from experience. Don't be afraid to ask friends and family for their top tips. Insider advice can make all the difference between a stressful nightmare and organised chaos. 

That is why the first step is to create a game plan. You can complete many tasks on your list weeks in advance, taking the pressure off on the actual moving day.

Tenancy agreement:

At least 3 months

The notice period for most flats in Austria is 3 months. Nevertheless, check your tenancy agreement for any special clauses and your landlord's requirements. 

Removal company / movers

4 - 8 weeks

The earlier you book your mover, the better. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for local moves, and even more for international moving adventures. This ensures your preferred date is available.

This slightly longer lead time also gives you the advantage of planning enough time to pack your things.  

Contents insurance, other insurances

4+ weeks

Transferring home contents, building, health and car insurance when moving involves more than just changing your address with the insurer. Premiums may be higher or lower depending on the canton you move to.

Make sure you are covered before, during and after moving day.

Mail redirection

6+ weeks 

Make life easy for yourself and complete all address changes in one day. Collect all the mail you have received over the past few weeks and call each provider one by one. This includes:  

- Bank 

- Insurances

- GP / doctor

- Magazine subscriptions 

- Friends, family, neighbours. 

The postal service also offers mail forwarding. This service charges a fee, but has the advantage of ensuring you receive mail from senders you might have forgotten. 

Electricity

1+ month

This item is mainly about the electricity meter. If you notify the responsible office in your canton of residence early, they can read the meter at the right time. If you move within the same city, you may be able to simply transfer your current contract to your new property. Contact your electricity supplier for more information on options and fees.

Telephone and internet

1+ month

Usually, you can simply take these services with you to your new home. 

Car: number plate and driving licence

14 days

If you move within your canton of residence, it's no problem at all. Simply inform the responsible office of your new address. You have 14 days to do this. Inter-cantonal moves take a bit more effort, but the timeframe remains the same. Within 14 days, you must present the form 

• "Application for vehicle registration",
• your previous vehicle registration document,
• and new proof of third-party liability insurance (which you can obtain from your insurance company upon request).

to complete the process. 

Furniture: self storage in Vienna or another option? 

2+ weeks

Ideally: as soon as you know your move date for sure. Of course, last-minute requests to store furniture with us in Vienna are no problem either. You can store with us from just 1m3. Our contracts can be cancelled weekly. 

At a glance: Don't forget these either. 

+ Alarm system: notify service
+ Order moving boxes: 4 to 6 weeks before the date. The earlier you start packing, the less stress you will face on day X
+ Contact schools as soon as possible