Moving checklist for students in Madrid (2027): what to take, store and throw out

For everything in your room there are only three answers: you take it home, you store it for the summer, or you bin or donate it. What we see most when collecting boxes at the end of term is that people who decide before packing arrive on collection day with half the items, and it shows in the price: storing for the summer costs €45 to €33 per box, in a single payment.

In short

Three decisions per item: take, store or bin. If you haven't used it in 6 months, it goes.
Every box fewer is €33 to €45 you don't pay.
Start two weeks ahead and weigh the boxes: none over 15-18 kg.
Original documents, hard drives, jewellery and cash go with you.

What do I take, store and throw out?

Ask yourself about each thing: will I use it this summer, do I want it next year, or not any more? What you use every week goes home; what you'll need again in September goes in a box; what you haven't touched in six months goes. This is how a student room usually splits.

Clothes: summer ones go home; coats and clothes for another season get stored (hanging in a cover they hold up better than folded); what you haven't worn this year goes.
Books and notes: store next year's, in a medium box because they weigh a lot. Scan your notes with your phone before binning them.
Kitchen: store what you bought yourself (frying pan, chopping board, knife, coffee maker). Bin opened spices, oils and anything out of date, and empty the fridge 48 hours ahead.
Bathroom: with you, a wash bag for three days; stored, closed shower gels and towels; bin, started bottles that could spill.
Decoration and textiles: rugs, cushions and curtains get stored (rugs rolled up with paper inside). Large plants don't travel well.
Electronics: laptop, chargers and cards stay with you; printer, speakers or monitor get stored with bubble wrap.

Moving boxes taped shut and labelled in a bright flat, next to an armchair covered with a sheet — Closed, labelled boxes: what you've decided to store for the summer.

What do I do with what I'm not taking or storing?

Donating is the cleanest way to empty the room without carrying bags down to the bin, and it saves you money: every box fewer is €33-45 less in storage. In Madrid, Traperos de Emaús collects furniture from your home for free, in about 8 working days from the request, and Cáritas Diocesana de Madrid containers are spread around the city for clothes and textiles.

When do I start and in what order?

Two weeks ahead is ideal: it gives you time to decide, donate and pack without rushing. In high season (the last two weeks of June and early July) book collection 2-3 weeks ahead to secure your time slot. If you store with us, the 96-litre boxes, tape and bubble wrap are already included.

14 days before: set your move-out date (end of the residence or flat contract), book and let the concierge and your flatmates know.
7 days before: apply the list, set aside what you're donating or binning and, if you're moving on your own, buy medium boxes (the materials and prices are in how to pack).
3 days before: pack everything except what you use daily. Weigh the boxes on the bathroom scales: none over 15-18 kg.
On collection day: have your ID, a marker and water to hand, and count the boxes with whoever collects them.

What paperwork can't I forget?

Three bits of paperwork get forgotten and later cause more grief than the move itself: registering your address, the deposit and your postal address. All three take an afternoon, but better before you leave than from your home town in the middle of summer.

Registering your address (empadronamiento): if you change address within Madrid, the municipal register (Padrón) is updated online or by appointment at the City Council's online office. You'll be asked for it for your health card, grants and enrolment.
Deposit: get the condition of the room in writing and with photos before you leave.
Postal address: change it at your bank and at the post office before moving, so you don't lose letters from the university or the tax office.

What can't go in the boxes?

Aerosols, flammable liquids (alcohol, solvent, camping gas), open bottles and perishable food can't travel or be stored. Original documents, hard drives, jewellery and cash go with you, never in the van or the warehouse. If you're unsure about something, message us on WhatsApp before packing it.

Frequently asked questions

How many boxes do I need for a student room?

For a full move, 8 to 12 medium boxes and 1-2 large ones. For storing just the summer it depends on what you decide to take home; in the calculator you can see how many 96-litre boxes you need and what they cost.

When do I need to book collection?

We collect between 17 May and 30 July, on the day you choose. Book with at least two weeks' margin, and 2-3 weeks if you leave in the last two weeks of June or the first days of July.

Do I have to register my address when changing flat in Madrid?

Yes: if you change address within the municipality you have to update the Padrón, online or by appointment. It costs nothing and you'll be asked for it to renew your health card, grants and enrolment.

How much does a flat or studio move cost?

With VAT, up to 50 km and no overtime: studio €349, 1-bedroom flat €449, 2 bedrooms €699 and 3 bedrooms €949. You book with a €50 deposit; see it at moving.

Not sure how many boxes you have? See how many boxes do I need.