How to Move to Luxembourg (Without Losing Your Mind)
You’ve heard the old adage that moving house is up there with divorce and bereavement in the high-stress stakes. Having just moved house twice in one month, I confirm that my body did produce enough adrenaline to power a small town.
But I also became a moving in Luxembourg expert and I’m keen to pass on my wisdom!
Here’s a few moving to Luxembourg pointers that I picked up along the way.
Get Prepared
Once you’ve made the decision to move to the Grand Duchy, set the removal machine in motion straight away to keep your stress levels down.
First, do some de-cluttering; decide which items you’ll bring with you and which you’ll bin or donate. Be ruthless and you’ll save yourself a lot of money and packing/unpacking time.
Then, work out what items you will need straight away (these go in your suitcase) and which items that you can do without for a few weeks (these are shipped with the removal company).
You’ll be required to register at your local commune within three days of your arrival in Luxembourg. Make sure to pack your identification documents, marriage certificates, work contracts etc in your suitcase and not in your removal boxes! Order replacements now if you’re short of any paperwork. It’ll be harder to get hold of after you move.
Find the Right Removal Company
Ask around for removal company recommendations, especially ones with international removal experience. If you’re using a relocation service, they will be able to recommend a good removal company. Once you have a shortlist, request that each company to do an onsite survey so you can get an accurate quote.
With most international deliveries you have two options:
- The more expensive direct delivery, where you can name your preferred delivery date
- The cheaper part load delivery, where your items are stored until delivered on the company’s schedule
They may also offer a packing service, which may not cost much more but the time and stress saved are considerable.
The cheapest quote is not always the best, so make sure to ask about:
- Cost of their removal insurance
- Their experience with international deliveries
- If they have delivered to Luxembourg before
What Next?
Once you’ve picked a removal company, your next step is to make a list of your belongings and their value for insurance purposes. If you are doing your own packing, mark what items are in which box.
You may need to arrange a parking area cordoned off outside your new place that is big enough for the delivery truck, especially if you are moving to a city centre location.
Many apartment blocks in Luxembourg either have very small or no lifts so external lifts may need to be installed. If this is the case, make sure to tell your removal company.
If you have already found accommodation in Luxembourg, double-check with your landlord that the utilities will be connected when you arrive.
Moving within Luxembourg
I can’t tell you that moving within the country is easier than moving to it, but there is one big plus. Most employees in Luxembourg are entitled to two days paid holiday when they move!
Unfortunately with the sheer amount of paperwork involved you may not have much downtime but it’s a nice gesture.
As soon as you decide to move, do the following:
- Give notice to your landlord if you are renting, usually three months and by registered letter
- Contact your insurance company and ask them to update your cover for your new accommodation (home insurance is obligatory in Luxembourg)
- Arrange a meeting with the landlord and/or the estate agent to have:
- Your meter read
- The property inspected in your presence
- The keys exchanged
- Cancel your utilities in your current accommodation
- Arrange for the utilities to be connected and transferred into your name
- Find out whether you will need to reserve a parking area outside of the apartment or an external lift
- Make a list of your belongings and their value for insurance purposes
You will need to de-register in your old commune and re-register in your new one. Make sure to pick up some registration certificates as you may need them when changing your address, and ask them how to update your tax card.
That’s It!
You moved, it was agony, but you survived. Last but not least, make sure to take some time to explore and enjoy your new place and neighbourhood. And don’t forget to inspect the nearest pub and restaurant, purely for research purposes of course.