10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me about Moving Houses in Germany

Preparing to Move Out/In

1. Check for Renovation Clauses

Some rental contracts in Germany require you to repaint or carry out minor renovations before you move out. I wish I had known this earlier, so I could plan ahead and avoid the stress (and costs) at the last minute. Make sure you know your responsibilities from the start!

2. Be Prepared for the Kaution (Deposit)

Most German rental contracts require a deposit of up to three months‘ rent. I was shocked when I realized how long it might take to get that deposit back, so make sure to budget for the deposit in your new place and check your apartment carefully before leaving to ensure you don’t lose part of it.

3. Document Your Apartment’s Condition

Before handing in or after taking over the keys from your landlord, make sure to take pictures and document everything in your apartment—especially any damages. This is crucial when it comes to getting your deposit back in full later. I didn’t know this and assumed the landlord was already aware of a problem in my place before I moved it. So, in the end, even though I had a witness to confirm this, money was deducted from my deposit for damage I didn’t cause! Never again!

4. Prepare Utilities and Internet Setup

Make sure to terminate your utility contracts in time according to the terms and conditions, so you don’t pay hundreds of euros for the Internet you haven’t been using for years like a friend of mine…

On the other hand, a new Internet setup in Germany can take weeks, and I learned this the hard way. Make sure you know what your new apartment comes with—especially if you’re moving into a single apartment! Arrange well in advance for things not part of the package to avoid getting electricity and water cut off (like another friend of mine) and stuck for weeks without internet (like me).

The Actual Moving Process

5. Plan Your Moving Date Wisely

Check and try to avoid holidays, as the building management might not be at work so you can’t have the keys to your new place. It happened to me once that the dates when I had to move out of a place and the start of my contract for a new one fell on a holiday and then a weekend, so I was homeless for a few days… Thankfully a friend took me in and saved the day(s). But be careful of this, especially if you don’t have someone to rely on in Germany (yet).

On the other hand, planning well ahead helps if you want to ask friends for assistance. This allows for better alignment of your schedules and expectation management.

Also, moving at the end of the month or on weekends is quite common in Germany. This means, if you’re counting on the help of professional movers, they get booked out fast, and prices might go up!

6. Explore Transport Options

If you don’t have a car, many cities offer van or truck rentals through car-sharing services. Scout around to compare prices. And if you rent a car, it also involves a deposit, so remember to document its state before and after, too! That’s really been a life-/money-saver for me in case of a dispute later on! You can also check if local furniture stores offer delivery services, especially for bulky items like sofas and beds.

Additionally, some urban areas in Germany require special parking permits for moving trucks. Contact your local city office to see if you need to apply for a temporary permit to avoid hefty fines on moving day.

If you’re not moving with a car, make sure to check your other options, pack and plan optimally for your choice.

After Moving In

7. Register Your New Address (Anmeldung)

In Germany, you must register your new address at the Bürgeramt within two weeks of moving. This was one of the most important steps I learned after the fact. Book your appointment as early as possible—slots fill up quickly, especially in big cities!

8. Update Your TV License (Rundfunkbeitrag)

I didn’t know that even if you don’t own a TV, you still have to pay the TV license fee. After moving, remember to update your address to avoid paying double or set up your account to stay compliant with the law.

9. Get Familiar with the Hausordnung and Recycling Rules

Germany takes both house rules and recycling seriously! Each apartment building usually has a Hausordnung (house rules) that includes quiet hours and guidelines for shared spaces. I quickly learned that respecting these rules is crucial for living peacefully with neighbors. At the same time, recycling in Germany involves strict waste separation into categories like paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste—be sure to follow the rules to avoid fines or confusion!

10. Know Your Neighborhood’s Services

One thing I didn’t think about right away was checking out local services. Finding the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and public transport options early on made settling in much easier. I also recommend looking for nearby recycling stations or donation points for items you no longer need.

Moving houses in Germany can be a challenge, but with these tips, you’ll avoid some of the unpleasant surprises I faced. Hopefully, this helps make your move a little smoother! Got any tips or stories from your own move? Please share them in the comments!