Moving House in Vietnam: The Ultimate Checklist for Expats

Moving to another city in Vietnam can be exciting, but it also requires careful planning.
For expats, the process often involves more than just packing boxes — contracts, building regulations, logistics, and timing all matter.

This guide provides a complete moving house checklist in Vietnam, helping you prepare before, during, and after your relocation to another city.

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1. Planning Your Move to Another City in Vietnam

Before anything else, clearly define your moving plan.

Choose your new city and neighborhood

• Research living costs, traffic, and daily amenities.

• Check proximity to work, international schools, hospitals, and supermarkets.

• Confirm your move-in date with the new landlord.

Check your new home carefully

• Confirm total floor area and layout.

• Identify what furniture and appliances are already provided.

• Measure doorways, elevators, and large furniture items.

If your new home is smaller, moving fewer items can significantly reduce your moving cost.

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2. Prepare Your Current Home Before Moving

Notify your current landlord

• Follow notice requirements stated in your lease.

• Schedule a final inspection date.

• Clarify conditions for deposit return.

Settle all utility payments

Make sure all bills are fully paid before leaving:

• Electricity

• Water

• Internet

• Building management fees

Take photos of meters if required by your landlord or building management.

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3. Declutter to Reduce Moving Cost

One of the most overlooked moving tips in Vietnam is decluttering before packing.

Sort your belongings into four categories:

• Keep

• Sell

• Donate

• Discard

Selling or donating unused items:

• Reduces moving volume

• Lowers transportation costs

• Makes unpacking easier in your new home

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4. Decide on Storage or Direct Delivery

If your new home is not ready:

• Consider short-term storage.

• Ask if the moving company provides secure warehouse storage.

• Confirm storage duration and delivery flexibility.

This option is especially useful for expats moving between cities on short notice.

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5. Choosing a Professional Moving Company in Vietnam

When selecting a moving company, especially for long-distance relocation, look for:

• Clear quotations

• Transparent contracts

• Experience with expat relocation

• Professional packing services

Ask specifically about:

• Packing materials for fragile items

• Furniture dismantling and installation

• Estimated delivery time between cities

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6. Packing Preparation: DIY or Professional Packing?

Ask yourself:

• Do you have enough time to pack?

• Have you packed fragile or high-value items before?

• Do you know how to protect electronics and furniture properly?

If you choose to pack yourself:

• Ask the moving company for packing guidance.

• Use professional packing materials (bubble wrap, foam, cartons).

• Label boxes clearly by room and item category.

If not:

• Let the moving company handle full packing services. 

• Professional packing reduces damage risk and saves time.

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7. Categorize Items Before Moving Day

Proper classification helps ensure safe handling:

• Fragile items

• High-value items

• Electronics

• Furniture

• Daily essentials (pack separately)

This also speeds up unloading and unpacking at the new home.

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8. Documents & Building Regulations for Expats

Some apartment buildings and condominiums in Vietnam require advance notice for moving.

Prepare:

• Passport or ID

• Lease agreements (old and new)

• Temporary residence registration (if applicable)

• Moving registration form or building permit

Check with building management about:

• Elevator booking

• Allowed moving hours

• Refundable moving deposits

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9. Budget Planning for Your Move

Prepare a budget covering:

• Moving services

• Packing services

• Storage (if needed)

• Rental deposit at the new home

• Utility connection fees

• Unexpected expenses

Always include a contingency buffer.

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10. Moving Day Checklist

• Be present or assign a trusted representative.

• Double-check inventory before loading.

• Keep valuables and important documents with you.

• Confirm delivery address and contact details.

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11. After Arrival in the New City

• Inspect items before signing delivery confirmation.

• Check furniture and appliances.

• Set up electricity, water, and internet.

• Update your address where necessary.

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Final Thoughts

Moving house in Vietnam doesn’t have to be stressful. Hanoi Packers Movers is always ready to help
With proper preparation, realistic decluttering, and professional support, relocating to another city can be smooth and predictable — even for first-time expats.

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📥 Free Download: Moving House Checklist PDF

For a printable version of this guide, download our Moving House in Vietnam Checklist (PDF) and follow each step with ease.