How to prepare for moving

Moving

Moving is often stressful and requires some planning and scheduling. These instructions will help make the move easier.

1-2 months before the move:

• Terminate your apartment lease at least one (1) full calendar month before the desired move-out date. The termination always takes effect at the end of the following month at the earliest. With Soihtu, the termination must be done through the online service.
• If your lease is fixed-term, it cannot be terminated before the end of the contract period. A fixed-term lease ends automatically without a separate notice.

3-4 weeks before the move:

• Submit a change of address notification to Posti and the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
• Find out where and when you can get the key to your new apartment. The information can be found in the apartment offer and the welcome message.
• Plan the moving day; arrange for moving help and possibly a moving truck.

1-2 weeks before the move:

• Start packing your belongings well in advance. Pack carefully and take any unnecessary items to recycling.
• Clean the bathroom. Thoroughly clean the floors, walls, and bathroom fixtures to remove any limescale with cleaning agents. Empty and clean the floor drain.
• Clean the stove and oven. Also clean the floor and wall behind and around the oven.
• Clean the cooker hood and wash the grease filter with dish soap.
• Wipe the incoming air vents on the windows and the exhaust air vents on the ceilings. If the weather permits, also clean the windows.

1-4 days before the move:

• Clean the kitchen. Empty the kitchen cabinets and wipe them down. Wipe the kitchen countertops and sink.
• Empty all apartment cabinets and wipe their shelves and doors.
• Wipe down all surfaces in the apartment, including countertops, radiators, and doors.
• Clean the toilet and washbasin.
• Empty the refrigerator and freezer and defrost them.
• Pack the remaining items. Leave unpacked only those you absolutely need in the last few days.

On moving day:

• Empty the apartment of all furniture and belongings. Remember to also empty any storage units and balconies.
• Take out all the trash from the apartment and clean the trash cabinet.
• Vacuum and wash the floors.
• Collect your mail from the mailbox.
• Return the apartment keys to the return box at Soihtu Housing service point (Vehkakuja 2 B) no later than 12:00 noon on the first business day of the month. Please note that returning keys on time to the landlord is the tenant’s responsibility. Late or incorrect returns will be charged according to the compensation price list. If the incomplete move-out or cleaning prevents the apartment inspection from taking place at 12:00 noon on the first working day of the month, an additional inspection will be conducted later. The tenant will be charged for the additional inspection according to the price list for damages and services.