Moving House in Turkey: A Step-by-Step Checklist
Moving is exciting, but it is also tiring. Packing, booking a mover, transferring utilities and handling official paperwork all come at once, so it is easy to forget a small detail, especially if you are new to how things work in Turkey. This guide spreads the move over time and sums up what to check at each stage. You can turn these steps into your own plan with the moving checklist tool at the bottom of the page.
Four to six weeks before the move
The first job is to fix your moving date. The end of your rental contract, the handover date of the new home and your school or work schedule decide it. End of month and weekends are busy for movers, so a flexible date range gives you more options and makes it easier to compare prices.
At this stage, go through your belongings and set aside what you will not take. Donating, selling or recycling clothes you no longer wear, old electronics and broken furniture reduces both the volume to move and the time spent packing.
- Choose your moving date and a few alternative days.
- Start collecting quotes from moving companies.
- Set aside what you will not move and plan to donate or sell it.
- Measure the new home and check that large furniture will fit.
Choosing a mover and comparing quotes
Getting quotes from more than one company lets you compare the scope of service as well as the price. Always ask whether packing, taking furniture apart and reassembling it, an external furniture lift and insurance are included. If possible, ask the company to see the home in person, or at least to assess your belongings from photos or a video call.
By posting a free request on Senin Ekip, you get quotes from movers in your area whose identity, tax details and required documents have been checked, and you can compare their ratings and reviews from customers who completed jobs through the platform. You can message movers in the app before hiring. You agree the price with the mover you hire and pay them directly.
One to two weeks before the move
Start packing with things you rarely use: books, out-of-season clothes, decorations and spare kitchenware can go in the first boxes. Writing the room and a short note on the contents on each box makes unpacking in the new home much faster.
Contact the providers to transfer or close your electricity, water, natural gas and internet. Some of these need an appointment, so do not leave them to the last day. In the same period, tell your building management the moving day and ask about using the elevator and parking for the truck.
- Work out how many boxes and how much packing material you need.
- Apply to transfer or close your utilities.
- Tell your building management the moving day.
- Prepare a separate bag for valuables and important documents such as your passport and residence permit.
The last days before the move
Emptying and switching off the fridge and freezer at least a day before the move stops water leaking and bad smells. Draining the washing machine hoses and fitting the drum transit bolts also reduces the risk of damage in transport.
Put what you will need on the first night in a separate box: bedding, towels, chargers, basic kitchen items, medicines and toiletries. It is best to keep this box with you rather than on the moving truck.
Moving day
Before the crew arrives, make sure boxes and furniture are easy to reach. Walking through the items with the crew, pointing out pieces that need special care and checking the written item list, if there is one, reduces disagreements later.
Before leaving the old home, check every room, cupboard and the balcony one last time. Photos of the meter readings make closing utility accounts easier. At the new home, check for damage as items are unloaded and tell the mover the same day if there is a problem.
After the move
Once you have settled in, you need to report your change of address within the legal period. You can do this through e-Devlet (Turkish e-government portal) or at the population directorate (nüfus müdürlüğü). Not reporting your address can lead to an administrative fine. If you hold a residence permit, check whether you also need to update your address with the migration authorities.
Update your address with your bank, insurer, employer, school and delivery accounts too. If you own a car, check with the relevant office whether the address on the registration needs updating. Finally, checking that sockets, taps, valves and the combi boiler work in the new home avoids surprises in the first days.
- Report your change of address within the legal period through e-Devlet or the population directorate.
- Update your address with your bank, employer, school and other institutions.
- Confirm your utilities are active at the new address.
- If anything is damaged or missing, talk to the mover without delay.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start preparing for a move?
Starting four to six weeks ahead is usually enough. It gives you time to collect quotes, sort your belongings and handle utilities without rushing.
Where do I report my change of address?
You can report it within the legal period through e-Devlet or by applying to the population directorate. Check the institution's announcements for the current time limit and required documents.
What should I carry with me on moving day?
Keep important documents (passport, residence permit, title deed or rental contract), jewelry, medicines, your computer and what you need for the first night with you rather than on the truck.
