After you sign at the notary comes the other half of the deal — the move itself. It rarely fails because of one big problem; it fails because of ten small ones. So we treat it as a project: a timeline, owners, lists. Transferring the utility accounts and the handover protocol are covered in detail in After the notary: handover and utility accounts — here we focus on logistics and paperwork.

4–6 weeks before: decisions

Set the date. If you are selling your old home and buying a new one, the date depends on both deals — see Selling to buy for how to synchronise them.
Work before moving in? Painting, floors, a bathroom — everything is easier and cheaper in an empty home. Leave a buffer: renovations almost always overrun.
Declutter. Anything you don't move, you don't pay to move. Donate, sell, throw away — bulky waste is collected under the arrangements set by the municipality.
Get quotes from removal companies (see below).
If you rent, check the notice period in your tenancy agreement.

2–3 weeks before: organisation

Internet and TV — order the service at the new address early; installation sometimes takes several days.
Utilities — arrange meter readings on handover day for both the old and the new home.
Packing — start with things you don't use every day: books, seasonal clothes, decor.
Furniture — measure the doors, stairs and lift at the new place. A wardrobe that won't fit through the door is dismantled in advance.
Children and pets — arrange who will look after them on moving day.

The final week

Label every box with the room and a short list of contents. Number the boxes and keep a list.
A "first night" box — documents, chargers, medicines, bedding, towels, toiletries, a kettle, a few cups, tools, light bulbs, toilet paper.
Valuables and documents — the title deed, contracts, jewellery and laptops travel with you, not in the van.
Fridge and freezer — defrost them a day or two ahead.
The building manager — tell them the day and time, especially if you will use the lift. Protect the lift car and stairwell walls with cardboard or blankets.
Parking — ask the movers where the van will stop. On a narrow street or in the centre a temporary stopping permit is sometimes needed — sort it out with the company and the district in advance.

Moving day

Read the meters in both homes and photograph them.
Inspect the new home before the boxes go in — is everything as at handover: keys, appliances, damage to walls and floors? Take photos.
Change the lock cylinder on the front door — you don't know how many keys exist.
One person directs where every box goes. Furniture is assembled in the room where it will stay.
Check for damage before signing off the removal company's work.
Bedroom and bathroom first — so the first night is calm even if everything else is in boxes.

Choosing a removal company

A survey or video call before the quote. A rough phone estimate often grows on the day.
A written quote stating: number of workers and vehicles, floors and lift, dismantling and assembling furniture, packing materials, start time, price — fixed or hourly — and what costs extra.
Cargo insurance — ask whether it exists and what the limits are. List valuable and fragile items separately.
Reviews and a real address — check the company's UIC in the Commercial Register.
Payment — prefer bank transfer or card and get a receipt or invoice. A reasonable deposit, not the full amount.
Claims — record any damage immediately, take photos and submit it in writing. As a consumer you can also turn to the Commission for Consumer Protection.

Address registration

Address registration is carried out by the mayor of the municipality, district or village (or officials they designate) on the person's application — as set out in the Civil Registration Act (Art. 92). There are two addresses:

Current address — where you live. A change must be declared within 30 days (Art. 99(1) of the Act).
Permanent address — the address for correspondence with state and municipal authorities; every Bulgarian citizen must have one in Bulgaria.

You apply at the administrative service desk of the district or municipality of the new address. Bring your ID card and a title document, or the owner's consent if you don't live in your own home — check the exact requirements with your district or municipality.

Documents and institutions after the move

ID card. Your permanent address is printed on it, so when the permanent address changes the Ministry of Interior issues a new card. Check deadlines and fees on the ministry's website or at the identity-documents office.
The condominium — register in the condominium book within the deadline in the Condominium Management Act (details in the handover article).
Tax declaration for the acquired property — filed with the municipality; deadlines and a sample timeline are in the same article.
Banks, employer, insurer, mobile operator, couriers — update your correspondence address.
GP, kindergarten, school — if you change district, check whether you need to transfer or re-register.
Subscriptions and deliveries — don't forget post, magazines and online shops.

In short

4–6 weeks: date, works, decluttering, quotes.
2–3 weeks: internet, meter readings, packing, furniture measurements.
Final week: labels, a first-night box, building manager, parking.
The day: read meters, inspect the home, change the cylinder.
Movers: survey, written quote, insurance, bank payment.
Current address — within 30 days; a new permanent address — also a new ID card.

If you are still looking for your new home, or want to plan the sale and purchase so that the move is calm — call us or come into the office. You can also browse our properties for sale.

This is general information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026.

Moving into your new home: a checklist for the weeks before and moving day, choosing a removal company, address registration and updating your documents