Muuttopäivä: moving day

Detailed explanation

Historically, Finland had designated official moving days — the last day of each month, with the busiest being the end of May and end of August. While these specific dates are no longer legally mandated, the tradition persists. Rental agreements most commonly begin on the 1st of a month, meaning moving typically happens at the end or beginning of a month. The peak moving season runs from May through September.

Moving within Finland involves several administrative steps. You are legally required to notify the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) of your address change within a week of moving. This muuttoilmoitus (change of address notification) can be done online at dvv.fi or at a post office. The notification automatically updates your address with most government services, Kela, the tax authority, and your municipality.

Many Finnish apartment buildings have rules about moving. Some buildings designate specific elevator reservation procedures, require advance notice to the building manager, and restrict moving to certain hours to avoid disturbing neighbors. A building-specific moving guide or instructions may be posted near the entrance or available from the isännöitsijä.

How it affects expats

• •DVV notification: You must file a muuttoilmoitus within a week of moving; this updates your official address and municipality registration

• •Mail forwarding: Set up mail forwarding (osoitteenmuutos) through Posti for a fee to catch any letters sent to your old address

• •Peak season costs: Moving companies charge premium rates in May-September; book well in advance or consider off-peak months

• •Building rules: Check elevator booking procedures and allowed moving hours before scheduling your move

• •Municipality change: If you move to a new city, your municipality registration (kotikunta) and associated services change; this may affect healthcare access and municipal tax rate

Moving checklist

• Give notice on your current apartment (typically 1 month for tenants)

• Book a moving company or rent a van well in advance

• Notify DVV of your address change (dvv.fi)

• Set up mail forwarding through Posti

• Transfer or set up utilities — electricity (sähkösopimus), internet, and any other services

• Inform your employer, bank, and insurance company of the new address

• Update your tax card if your municipality changes

• Get building keys and return old apartment keys after final inspection

Related terms

• •DVV (Population Register) — The Digital and Population Data Services Agency

• •Muuttoilmoitus (Change of Address) — Official notification to Finnish authorities when you move, required for updating your registered address in the population system

• •Kotikunta (Municipality of Residence) — Your official municipality of residence, which can affect access to public services

• •Vuokra-asunto (Rental Apartment) — Rental housing in Finland