Moving and Relocation in Greece: A Practical Planning Guide
Buying or renting a home in Greece is only half of the move. The other half is getting your belongings there on time and in one piece. This guide covers how to plan the move, how to choose a moving company and what to agree in writing before moving day.
When to start planning
Start six to eight weeks before you need to be in. Fix your dates around the contract signing, the handover of the property and, if you rent now, the end of your current lease. Late June to early September is the busiest season for movers in Greece, so book earlier if you plan to move then. A move to or from an island also depends on ferry schedules and on space for the truck on board, which adds time and cost.
How to choose a moving company
- Ask for at least three written quotes. A reliable company will want to see what you are moving, in person or by video call, before it prices the job.
- Check who will actually do the move. Ask whether the company uses its own crew and vehicles or passes the work to a subcontractor.
- Look for a track record. Recent reviews, a registered business with a Greek tax number (AFM) and a physical address are good signs.
- Get everything in writing. Dates, price, what is included and what happens if the date changes.
What a written quote should cover
- An inventory or estimated volume of the items being moved.
- Packing materials and labour, if you want the company to pack.
- Dismantling and reassembling furniture.
- Access at both addresses: floor, stairs, lift size, parking restrictions and whether an external furniture lift is needed. Lifting furniture in through a balcony is common in Athens apartment buildings.
- Any ferry crossing, tolls or storage between dates.
- Insurance cover, payment terms and the cancellation policy.
Insurance and inventory
Ask exactly what the company is liable for if something is damaged or lost, and whether extra cover is available for valuable items. Keep your own inventory, photograph fragile and valuable pieces before packing, and check everything on delivery before you sign the delivery note.
Packing and the first days
- Label every box with its room and contents, and keep one box of essentials with you.
- Carry contracts, identity documents and your tax number yourself, not in the truck.
- Arrange the transfer of electricity, water and internet in advance, and note the meter readings on the day you leave and the day you arrive.
- Update your address with your bank, the tax office and your employer.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is the price fixed, or can it change on the day, and why?
- What is not included?
- Who packs, who carries and who drives?
- What insurance applies, and how are claims handled?
- What happens if the property handover is delayed?
Where Greca House fits in
Greca House is a real estate agency. We help you find, buy or rent the property and take you through the purchase or the lease. We do not provide moving, packing or transport services, so choose and contract your moving company directly. If you are financing the purchase, our guide to mortgages in Greece explains what the bank will ask for.
Still looking for the right home? Browse our properties or contact us about buying or renting in Greece.