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Moving in Brazil: the checklist

The general list plus what comes on top in this country: deadlines, offices and customs.

58 tasks · General checklist

Contracts and authorities

17 weeks before
Check the notice period: 30 days, penalty for leaving early
Tenancy Act (Lei 8.245/1991), art. 4 and 6: 30 days' notice; the penalty is proportional to the remaining term.
14 weeks before
Hand in the written notice and get a receipt
By letter with acknowledgement of receipt or through the letting agency.
13 weeks before
Arrange viewings for the next tenant
11 weeks before
Sign the new lease
10 weeks before
Arrange the guarantee: caução, fiador or seguro-fiança
A caução is capped at three months' rent (Lei 8.245, art. 38); alternatives are a guarantor or rent insurance — only one form of guarantee is allowed.
9 weeks before
Arrange the handover date for the old flat
6 weeks before
Cancel internet and TV contracts
6 weeks before
Book a van for the cellar and small items
4 weeks before
Book time off for moving day
3 weeks before
Draw up the list of address changes
2 weeks before
Adjust the home insurance (seguro residencial)
Often required by the lease (fire).
7 days before
Cancel the standing order for the old rent

Packing and decluttering

5 weeks before
Get moving boxes
5 weeks before
Get packing material
4 weeks before
Set a decluttering day per room
3 weeks before
Move the cellar and attic ahead of time
2 weeks before
Pack seasonal and rarely used things
10 days before
Pack the workspace
5 days before
Pack the kitchen, defrost the fridge
2 days before
Pack the first-night box
2 days before
Keep the toolbox separate

Old home

9 weeks before
Declutter: sell, give away, dispose
6 weeks before
Clear out the cellar and attic
4 weeks before
Use the city's bulky waste collection or an ecoponto
Collection is free in some cities; otherwise use an ecoponto or hire a skip.
7 days before
Factory-reset the smart home devices
1 day before
Read and photograph the meters
7 days after
Clean the old place for the handover
10 days after
Compare the move-out inspection with the move-in report
Only differences from the move-in report may be charged.
4 weeks after
Track the return of the caução with interest
The caução must be returned with interest (Lei 8.245, art. 38 § 2).

New home

9 weeks before
Move-in inspection (vistoria de entrada): check and sign the report with photos
The inspection report is the basis for the return; have every defect recorded.
6 weeks before
Book the electrician and tradespeople
6 weeks before
Check mounting points: shower rail, lamps, curtains
4 weeks before
Order the internet connection
4 weeks before
Decide what to buy new
2 weeks before
Draw a furniture plan per room, take measurements
7 days before
Test the internet connection
7 days before
Electricity and water: change the account holder (troca de titularidade)
With the utility, using your CPF and the lease; close the old account or the bills continue.
1 day after
Record and report defects on moving in
3 days after
Label the doorbell and letterbox
3 days after
Register with the building manager: moving rules, lift, allowed days
Many condomínios allow moves only on certain days and require prior notice; a deposit for the lift is possible.
7 days after
Set the smart home up again
7 days after
Meet the neighbours and the property manager

Moving day

13 weeks before
Fix the moving date
9 weeks before
Book the moving company
2 weeks before
Reserve parking outside both buildings
2 weeks before
Reserve the lift at both addresses
10 days before
Arrange care for children and pets
3 days before
Move the plants separately
3 days before
Plan bikes and bulky items separately
On moving day
Food and drink for the helpers
On moving day
Final walk-through of the old flat

After the move

7 days after
Set up mail redirection with Correios
Redirection service, at the branch or online.
10 days after
School: transfer and enrolment with proof of residence
Public schools through the municipal or state education secretariat.
2 weeks after
Tell your bank, employer (eSocial) and health plan
Almost everyone asks for proof of residence — keep the first electricity or water bill in your name.
2 weeks after
Update subscriptions and delivery services
2 weeks after
Update the address on your CPF (Receita Federal)
Online via gov.br; the first bill in your name serves as proof of residence.
2 weeks after
Transfer your voter registration to the new electoral zone
When changing municipality, via the TSE (Título Net); before elections a deadline of about 150 days applies.
2 weeks after
Update your address with DETRAN: driving licence and vehicle
Within 30 days (Brazilian Traffic Code, art. 123); procedure varies by state.

In the app: when setting up the move or under Tasks → Template. Everything can be deselected; a template is a suggestion.

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The checklists in this guide are compiled with care, but without guarantee of completeness or currency. Deadlines and responsibilities change. The information of the respective authority or contracting party is authoritative.