Report your change of address

Notify the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) of your new address – this can be done online, and means it should be updated automatically everywhere you’re registered.

Still, you may want to double check that the update has gone through for all important things, such as your bank, your doctor, your company’s payroll department, and any post subscriptions you don’t want to miss out on.

There are also mail forwarding services you can pay for which will ensure no post ends up at your old address. 

Change or cancel your bills

For things like your internet, insurance, and electricity bills, you may be able to transfer existing contracts (if you already have these and are happy with the terms) or set up completely new ones (including if you want to change contracts, or need to change the type of insurance or electricity provider). 

You need to make sure your insurance is valid from the date you will first be registered at your new address, even if you won’t actually move until later, and you’ll probably need electricity and internet from the date you plan to move in. Don’t forget to cancel your existing contracts – and check your terms well in advance in case there’s a notice period.

Think about other contracts and subscriptions too. Will you be visiting the same gym or yoga studio after you move?

• How to set up your electricity contract in Sweden

Start cleaning and packing in advance

It’s easy to underestimate how long this will take. Even if you moved to Sweden with just a suitcase, you may well find you have accumulated a lot of belongings since then.

Make sure you have enough suitcases or boxes, as well as bubble wrap or other materials to protect fragile items, and decide whether you want to do the cleaning yourself or book a professional. Sell, donate or give away anything that isn’t coming to your new home.

Start in advance and try to be organised, sorting things by room and in rough order of how quickly you’re likely to need them. Remember to label them (with labels your future self will actually understand).

Make sure to pack soap, lightbulbs if your new place won’t have them, your toothbrush and bedding, and perhaps a snack in an easily accessible spot! 

Plan and prep

As well as planning the packing, think about what else you can do to make your life easier in the busy days and weeks around your move. Try to catch up on errands like renewing prescriptions (which can often be done online or via pharmacy apps) or returning library books and borrowed items before the last minute, and use up the food in the fridge and freezer.

Think about what could go wrong. Make sure you have important numbers for plumbers, electricians, and your insurance company to hand, as well as backing up important files from your computer.

Don’t forget to research something nice to do if you’re moving to a new neighbourhood so that you can relax with a meal out or a walk in the park.

Save your receipts

You can deduct a lot of expenses from moving house, so make sure you save the receipts for the next year’s tax return. A lot of services like cleaning, moving, and repairs are covered by what are called ROT & RUT deductions. Sometimes the deduction is made at the time of payment, but in some circumstances you need to apply yourself when you fill in your tax return.

You should also keep cleaning receipts in case your landlord or buyer claims you left the property in a dirty condition.

• Your Swedish tax return: 11 ways to get money back

Plan the move itself

If you’re moving between furnished apartments, you might be able to manage the move in your own car or a hired one, but otherwise you are likely to need a moving company. Do some research, ask friends for recommendations and compare quotes, and book this in advance.

If you need to take time off work or sort out child- or pet care, book this ahead of time too. Some companies actually offer moving day as a day of paid leave, but this is not common, so you should bank on using a day of annual leave or unpaid leave. And if you’re moving into an apartment, consider letting the housing association know your plans as a courtesy to your new neighbours. 

It’s common in Sweden to get your friends to help you move, so don’t hesitate to ask.

• When do I have the right to a day off in Sweden?

Take photos and an inventory

Once your old home is clean, get evidence in the form of photos and videos. If you rent and your landlord tries to withhold your deposit, it’s up to them to prove that you caused any damage, but you will strengthen your case if you can show you left the property in a good state.

If you’ve sold your property, this evidence will be useful if the buyer later tries to claim damages for “hidden faults”. 

Hand over documents and keys

Whether you’re moving out of a rented or owned property, leave everything you need to behind, such as instructions and warranties for appliances, and of course every copy of the keys you had. If you’re sub-letting or have sold your property, it might be kind to leave the new tenant or owner some helpful information about the property or the local area.

Check your new property

As soon as you get access to your new home, do a thorough check to make sure it matches up to what you’ve agreed. Whether you’re renting or have bought it, it should be in a clean condition. Check the appliances all work and there are no flaws you weren’t told about before.

Think about safety too. Check the doors and windows, test the smoke alarm (or install one), and make sure you have the right number of keys. You may even want to consider changing the locks if you’ve bought the property.

At this point, congratulations – you’ve made it! Time to explore your new neighbourhood, or relax in your very own Swedish home.