Moving in Finland: What You Need to Know
Moving in Finland is not just about transporting boxes. There are things worth knowing in advance that will save you time, nerves and money.
Time your move right
The most common mistake is moving at the end of the month. Most Finnish rental agreements end on the last day of the month — so everyone moves at the same time. Movers are booked, vans are taken. Why the last day of the month is the worst, and what to do about it, is covered separately.
If you must move at month-end, book help at least 2 weeks in advance. At other times, 1-2 days is usually enough.
What to do before moving day
Notify your landlord. Finnish law requires one month's notice, unless your contract says otherwise. Late notice means paying an extra month's rent.
Arrange end-of-tenancy cleaning. Finnish landlords inspect apartments carefully. No cleaning means no deposit back. Professional cleaning for a few hours costs less than losing your deposit.
Check the elevator situation. In many buildings, the elevator must be reserved from the building manager. No reservation — you carry things up the stairs.
Measure doorways. Especially in older Finnish buildings from the 1960s–70s. Doors can be as narrow as 80 cm. A 95 cm sofa won't fit through. That means disassembly or special hoisting from the balcony.
When to hire professional movers
If you have a 2-bedroom apartment or larger, two professional movers are more cost-effective than calling friends. Friends help awkwardly, with long breaks. Professionals work non-stop and know how to carry heavy items without scratching walls.
A standard 2-bedroom apartment takes 2-3 hours with professionals. With friends — often the whole day.
Prices and what the moving service covers are on the service page.
Leave a request on our site or message us on WhatsApp — we reply within 1 hour.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice must you give a landlord in Finland?▾
Finnish law requires one month's notice before moving out, unless the contract says otherwise. Late notice means paying an extra month's rent.
Is it better to hire movers or ask friends?▾
For a two-bedroom apartment or larger, two professionals work out cheaper. A standard two-bedroom takes 2-3 hours with professionals against a whole day with friends, and professionals know how to carry heavy items without scratching walls.
What should be sorted out before moving day?▾
Four things: notice to the landlord, booking or doing the end-of-tenancy clean, reserving the lift through the building manager in both buildings, and measuring the doorways. In Finnish buildings from the 1960s-70s doors can be as narrow as 80 cm.
What if the furniture will not fit through the door?▾
Two options: take it apart and reassemble it, or hoist it via the balcony. A 95 cm sofa will not go through an 80 cm door. Measure the openings in advance so the disassembly can be done the day before rather than on moving morning.
What should you ask a moving company before booking?▾
Three questions: how the time is counted — depot to depot or actual working time; whether protective covers for furniture are included; and what happens if an item does not fit through the door. The answers show how well the company knows its work.
Need a hand?
Tell us the job, the address and when suits you — we reply within the hour with an estimate.
We reply in writing in English, Finnish and Russian.
Phone service is in Russian: +358 44 928 5010