A smooth move takes more than boxes and a moving day. This checklist covers 15 points worth checking when moving in Barcelona and the metropolitan area, from planning and packing to access, utilities and your first night in the new place.
1. Set the date and book early
Fix the date and decide what you need: transport, loading, packing, furniture disassembly or a furniture lift.
In Barcelona and the metropolitan area, traffic and stopping conditions near the building can make last-minute moves harder.
2. Make an inventory and estimate the real volume
List furniture, boxes, appliances, bicycles, mattresses and fragile items. Add measurements for large pieces.
Volume helps determine vehicle size, crew size and loading time. See our moving prices page for the main factors that affect a quote.
3. Decide what is actually moving with you
Check wardrobes, storage areas and furniture you no longer use. Donate, recycle, sell or dispose of what is no longer worth moving.
4. Check access at both addresses
Confirm lifts, stairs, door widths, corridors, floor level and any access restrictions.
If large furniture will not fit, a furniture lift or prior disassembly may be required.
If the operation needs public street space to be reserved or occupied, check current requirements with Barcelona City Council.
5. Confirm where the vehicle can stop
Know where the vehicle can stop and how far the crew will have to carry items to the entrance.
Poor stopping conditions can extend the move considerably.
6. Organise address changes and utilities
Review electricity, water, gas, internet, banking, insurance, subscriptions, billing and post.
7. Keep important documents separate
Contracts, IDs, keys, receipts, quotes, cards and vehicle papers should stay with you.
For a business move, also separate backups and working files. See our office moving service.
8. Get suitable packing materials
Use sturdy boxes, quality tape, protective materials, moving blankets, mattress covers and labels.
If you prefer professional help, see our packing and boxes service.
9. Label every box by room and priority
Use a simple system: room, contents and priority. Mark fragile boxes on several sides.
10. Prepare furniture and appliances
Empty drawers, disconnect appliances and secure doors and shelves. Decide in advance whether large furniture needs disassembly.
11. Pack a first-night essentials box
Include clothes, chargers, medication, toiletries, towels, water, simple food and basic tools.
12. Decide what you should carry personally
Cash, jewellery, laptops, drives, sensitive documents, backups and high-value items are better kept with you.
13. Plan for children, pets and business continuity
Arrange supervision for young children or pets during loading and unloading.
For an office move, protect critical equipment, customer communication and access to systems.
14. Confirm all details 24-48 hours before the move
Review arrival time, addresses, contact numbers, the final inventory, access, parking, lift requirements and booked services.
15. Check the new property before calling the move complete
Make sure furniture has arrived, boxes are in the correct rooms, there is no visible damage and essential access and utilities are working.
If you are planning a move in Barcelona and the surrounding area, explore our moving services and request a quote based on the real details of your move.