Moving to a New Place in Germany? Here's Your Ultimate Guide!
Before You Move:
Moving to a new place can be exciting, but it also involves some planning. Here's what you need to do before the big day:
Get Ready Early:
Two months before your move, start preparing. Clear out your new place and make sure your old one is in order. Don't forget to talk to your old and new landlords about the move. They can help make the process smoother.
Tell Important People:
It's essential to inform your family, friends, and your boss about your move. If you have kids, register them for school in the new area. Also, update your contact information for your phone and internet services. This way, everyone knows where to find you.
Handle Your Mail:
Keep your mail in check. Ask Deutsche Post to forward your mail to your new address. Make sure you're signed up for broadcasting fees, and check if you can get housing benefits. These little details can make a big difference.
Consider a Moving Company:
Moving can be a lot of work. If you're feeling overwhelmed, think about hiring a moving company. They can help pack up your belongings and move them to your new home. It's a bit of an expense, but it might be worth it for a stress-free move.
How Long and How Much:
Moving times and costs vary, but here's a general idea to help you plan:
Estimate the Time:
Small moves (like a studio or one-room apartment) usually take about 2-3 hours.
Medium moves (two bedrooms) can take around 3-5 hours.
Larger moves (three to four bedrooms) might take up to 7 hours.
If you have a big home with five or more bedrooms, it could take 8 to 10 hours.
Understand the Costs:
Moving costs depend on your apartment size. For a small place, expect to pay between 250 to 600 euros. For a medium-sized apartment, add about 300 euros to that. To get a more accurate estimate, you can use a moving cost calculator or contact a moving company.
Finding a Good Moving Company:
Read online reviews to learn about other people's experiences with different moving companies. Check if the moving company is certified by TÜV or part of an association, like the Federal Association of Furniture Shipping and Logistics (AMÖ).
Packing Tips for DIY (Do It Yourself) Moves :
If you're taking on the packing yourself, consider these tips to make things easier:
Smart Packing:
Use trash bags for your clothes instead of boxes. It's quicker and saves space.
Wrap breakable items, like dishes, in towels for extra protection. Put glass items in socks and use foil to seal bottles to prevent spills.
Organize Your Stuff:
Pack books and non-fragile items in suitcases. They're easier to move around.
Label your boxes with colored tape. This helps you and the movers know what's inside each box. Store your jewelry properly to avoid damage.
Prepare a Starter Box:
Pack a box with essentials like toothpaste, towels, soap, and snacks for the morning after your move. This way, you won't have to search for these items right away.
In Conclusion:
Moving can be a bit of a challenge, but with careful planning and the right information, you can make it much smoother. Remember to stay organized, inform the right people, and consider getting help if you need it.
With these tips, your move to another city or federal state in Germany can be a successful and stress-free experience. Do you have any other tips or questions? Feel free to share them in the comments below!
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