Instructions for Internal Movers

Changing apartments, Moving

Moving between apartments with Soihtu is easy: you don’t have to follow the usual notice period, and the moving distance is short. However, moving always requires careful planning, but with these instructions, the task is easier.

When you have accepted the offer for a new apartment:

• Terminate your current apartment using the online notice form right after you have signed the new tenancy agreement (within two days at the latest). Select Changing apartments when filling in the form. The end date of your tenancy agreement is usually the day before the start date of your new tenancy agreement. Please note that this is not always the last day of the month.
  
  Example: If your new tenancy agreement starts on 3.1.2026, terminate your current agreement to end on 2.1.2026.
  
  You can also make an agreement with our customer service if you would like to keep two apartments at the same time for a short period. In this case, you will pay rent for both apartments as agreed, but your move will be more flexible.
• Sign the new tenancy agreement electronically once you receive it in your email.

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 collect the keys to your new apartment. Residents changing apartments can collect the keys to their new apartment from 12.00 (noon) on the starting date of the tenancy agreement.
  
  Please note that, by this time, we also ask you to return the keys to your previous apartment if you have terminated your tenancy agreement to end before the start of the new one. Always check the key return schedule for your previous apartment in the confirmation message you received after giving notice to terminate your tenancy agreement.
• Plan the moving day; arrange for moving help and possibly a moving truck. A moving truck is especially useful when you need to return the keys to your old apartment before you can get the keys to your new one.

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.
• If you want to pick up the keys to your new apartment from the key box, make the request well before the moving day, at the latest on the previous day before 12 (noon). Note that the keys are often placed in the machine only on the first business day of the month in the afternoon (between 3pm and 4pm).

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 Soihtu key return slot (Keskussairaalantie 2) by the deadline stated in the confirmation message you received after giving notice to terminate your tenancy agreement. In many cases, this means returning the keys no later than 12.00 on the starting date of your new tenancy agreement.
  
  Please note that returning keys on time to the landlord is the tenant’s responsibility. Late or incorrect returns will be charged according to our price list. Please note also that if the incomplete move-out or cleaning prevents the apartment inspection from taking place at 12.00 (noon) on key return day, an additional inspection will be conducted later. The tenant will be charged for the additional inspection according to the price list.
• Pick up the keys to your new apartment from 12.00 (noon) onwards at the Soihtu Housing Service Point or from the key box after receiving a pick-up notification.
• Check your new apartment and complete the move-in inspection within two weeks. If you notice any defects or issues that require immediate attention, submit a maintenance request.