Moving house in Taiwan can feel daunting, especially if you are new to the country or have accumulated furniture over several years. Whether you are shifting from a rented apartment in Taipei to a new place in Taichung, or moving into a home you have just purchased, the process follows a predictable sequence. This guide covers each stage, from giving notice to updating your National Health Insurance address, so you can plan your move with confidence.

The timeline below assumes a standard rental move within the same city. If you are buying a property, the timeline may extend due to loan approval and registration procedures. For a fuller overview of the entire renting and buying journey, see our Complete Guide to Starting a Home in Taiwan.

1. Give Proper Notice and Confirm Move-Out Date

Under Taiwan’s typical lease agreements, tenants must notify the landlord at least 30 days before the intended move-out date. Some contracts specify 20 days; check your lease. If you are breaking a fixed-term lease early (e.g., before the first year ends), you may lose your full deposit (usually two months’ rent).

Steps for rental notice

  • Send a written notice (email or LINE message is acceptable, but a physical letter or signed document is stronger evidence).
  • Agree on a final inspection date with the landlord or property manager.
  • Confirm the exact move-out date so you can schedule movers and utility disconnections.
  • If you need to extend by a few days, negotiate a per-diem rate in advance.

If you are buying a home, the move-out date is typically tied to the completion of the sale. The seller will usually vacate on the day of the final payment or within a few days after. For more on purchase timelines and costs, read our Buying a Home in Taiwan: Costs guide.

2. Gather Packing Supplies and Declutter

Packing materials in Taiwan are widely available and inexpensive. The most common source is PChome 24h or Shopee for delivery, or physical stores like Carrefour, RT-Mart, and Daiso for boxes and tape.

Recommended supplies

  • Cardboard boxes, standard size 60×40×30 cm costs about NT$30-50 each. Many moving companies sell used boxes for NT$10-20.
  • Bubble wrap, NT$100-200 per roll at stationery shops.
  • Packing tape, NT$30-60 per roll.
  • Marker pens and labels, for marking contents and room destination.
  • Plastic crates (optional), can be rented from some moving companies at NT$20-40 per crate per week.

Start decluttering two weeks before moving. Sell unwanted items on Carousell, Facebook Marketplace, or local expat groups. Large appliances like washing machines or refrigerators can be sold to second-hand dealers who often pick up for free. Anything you cannot sell, dispose of at the local recycling point or schedule a bulky waste pickup with your district office (qū gōngsuǒ).

3. Choose a Moving Company or DIY

Taiwan offers a wide range of moving services, from budget DIY truck rentals to full-service packing and unpacking. The price depends on distance, volume, and number of movers.

Options compared

  • DIY with a rented truck, Rent a 3.5-ton truck from Hualien Car Rental or IWS Rent a Car for about NT$1,500-2,500 per day. You load and drive yourself. Suitable for a single room or studio.
  • Half-service mover, Company provides truck and driver; you pack and load. Typical cost: NT$3,000-6,000 for a 1-bedroom within the same city.
  • Full-service mover, Company packs, loads, transports, and unpacks. Popular providers include Lalamove (for small loads), Mover (a dedicated moving app), and Taipei Moving Center. Expect NT$8,000-15,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in Taipei.

Always get at least three quotes. Ask if the price includes stairs, elevator use, and travel time. Most movers charge extra for heavy items like pianos or safes. Book at least one week in advance, especially on weekends (the 1st and 15th of the lunar month are considered lucky and are very busy).

4. Transfer Utilities and Internet

Utility transfer in Taiwan is straightforward but requires timing. You must notify each provider at least 3-5 business days before your move-out date.

Electricity (Taipower)

  • Call 1911 (toll-free) or visit a Taipower service center.
  • Provide your account number (on your bill) and the new tenant’s name (if known).
  • You can request final meter reading and a closing bill.

Water (Taipei Water Department or local water company)

  • Call or visit the service center. In Taipei, the hotline is 8733-5678.
  • Provide the meter reading on move-out day.

Gas (Natural or bottled)

  • For natural gas, contact Taipei Gas or your local supplier. A technician may need to visit.
  • For bottled gas, simply cancel the contract with your supplier; they will pick up the cylinder.

Internet and cable TV

  • Most providers (Chunghwa Telecom, KBro, TFN) allow you to transfer your service to your new address. Fees are usually NT$200-400.
  • Schedule the disconnection at your old place and activation at the new one on the same day if possible.

Don’t forget to update your address with your National Health Insurance (NHI) office. You can do this online via the My Health Bank portal or in person at a local NHI branch. Also notify your bank, credit card company, and any subscription services.

5. Pack Strategically and Label Everything

Packing efficiently saves time and reduces stress. The key is to pack room by room and label boxes clearly.

Packing tips

  • Essentials box, Pack a separate box with items you need immediately: toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, basic tools, snacks, and a kettle. Carry this box yourself.
  • Heavy items, Books, dishes, and tools go in small boxes (max 15 kg). Use towels or clothing as padding.
  • Fragile items, Wrap each piece in bubble wrap and mark the box “FRAGILE” in Chinese (yìsuì).
  • Furniture disassembly, Take apart IKEA-style furniture if possible. Keep screws in labeled ziplock bags taped to the corresponding item.
  • Electronics, Remove cables, take photos of connections, and store cables in labeled bags.

For first-time renters who may be moving from a dorm or shared flat, see our First-Time Rental Checklist for pre-move planning advice.

6. Final Inspection and Deposit Return

The final walk-through with your landlord is critical for getting your full deposit back. In Taiwan, the standard deposit is two months’ rent. Deductions are common for damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utility bills, or missing items.

Inspection checklist

  • Return all keys, access cards, and remote controls.
  • Clean the apartment thoroughly, many landlords expect professional cleaning. Receipts from a cleaning service (NT$2,000-4,000 for a 2-bedroom) can help.
  • Take time-stamped photos of every room, including walls, floors, and appliances.
  • Bring your utility bills to show they are paid up to date.
  • Agree on the deposit return date. By law, the deposit should be returned within 30 days, but many landlords do it at the inspection if there are no issues.

If the landlord deducts for unreasonable reasons, you can file a complaint with the local Consumer Protection Office (1950 hotline). It is rare but possible to recover some or all of the deduction.

7. Settle Into Your New Home

Once you have moved in, complete these tasks within the first week:

  • Register your new address, Visit the Household Registration Office (hùzhèng shìwù suǒ) to update your National ID card. This is mandatory for all residents.
  • Update NHI card, If you changed your address online, a new card will be mailed to you. Otherwise, apply in person.
  • Notify your employer, For payroll and tax purposes.
  • Change your mailing address, With your bank, post office, and any subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon, etc.).
  • Introduce yourself to neighbors, A small gift of fruit or snacks is a nice gesture in Taiwanese culture.

If you are renting for the first time, our Complete Guide to Starting a Home in Taiwan covers everything from lease negotiation to setting up utilities.

Moving in Taiwan is a structured process that rewards early planning. By following the steps above, giving notice, gathering supplies, booking movers early, transferring utilities, and handling the inspection professionally, you can reduce stress and avoid unexpected costs. The key is to start at least one month before your move date and to keep copies of all communications and receipts.

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