What does a move cost on average?

The average moving costs in Germany range from €600 to €4,000 — depending on apartment size, distance, and whether you organize yourself or hire a moving company. For a 2-room apartment within the same city, a moving company typically costs €800–1,500, while a long-distance move of a 4-room apartment can quickly reach €3,000–6,000. On top of that, hidden costs like deposits, double rent, and renovation often double the total amount. Our calculator accounts for all these items and gives you a realistic overview.

Is a moving company worth it?

Whether a moving company is worth it depends on your situation. For small apartments (1–2 rooms) within the same city, you can often save 50–70% with a rental van and helpers. From 3 rooms onward, for long distances, or without friends to help, a moving company is almost always worth it — especially with fragile or heavy furniture. Also consider the risk: professionals are insured, while with DIY moves you're liable for damage to the stairwell or belongings. Get at least three quotes and compare exactly which services are included.

How much does moving cost per cubic meter?

Moving companies often calculate internally by volume in cubic meters. As a guideline, expect €25–50 per m³ for a local move and €50–80 per m³ for long-distance moves (over 100 km). A typical 60 m² apartment has about 20–30 m³ of moving volume. However, many factors influence the price: floor without elevator, narrow staircases, heavy transports (piano, safe), and seasonal demand (July/August and end of month are more expensive). Always ask whether packing materials, parking permits, and insurance are included in the quote.

What hidden costs are there when moving?

Most people significantly underestimate the true cost of moving. Commonly forgotten items include: deposit for the new apartment (often 3 months cold rent, i.e. €1,500–3,000), double rent during the transition (1–2 months), renovation of the old apartment (painting: €200–800, with floors: €500–1,500), mail forwarding (€28.90), internet transfer or new setup (€50–100), and new furnishings. Parking permits (€50–250 depending on the city), re-registration fees, and vehicle re-registration also add up. Our calculator captures all these items systematically.

How much does a parking permit for moving cost?

The cost of a parking permit for moving varies considerably by city and required length. In most cities, you pay €50–150 for the official permit plus setup fees for the signs (€30–100). In Munich and Hamburg, it can cost €200–300. Applications usually need to be submitted 2–4 weeks before the move. Without a parking permit, you risk the moving truck not finding a parking spot — which delays the move and causes additional carrying costs due to longer distances. In old-building neighborhoods with limited parking, it's almost always worthwhile.

Do I have to paint the old apartment?

The obligation for cosmetic repairs depends on your lease agreement. In 2015, the German Federal Court ruled that rigid renovation clauses (e.g., 'paint every 3 years') are invalid. However, flexible clauses requiring renovation 'as needed' are valid if you return the apartment in significantly worse condition than when you moved in. Without a valid clause, you don't have to renovate at all. In practice, most landlords at least expect you to paint in light, neutral colors if you painted the walls in bright colors. When in doubt, check your lease or consult the tenants' association.

How do I set up mail forwarding?

You can set up mail forwarding with Deutsche Post online at nachsendeauftrag.de or at any post office. The cost is €28.90 for 12 months (online) or €34.90 at a branch. The order applies to all mail addressed to your name and can be set up as early as 5 business days before the move. It's recommended to submit the application at least 1–2 weeks in advance for a smooth transition. Additionally, you should update your address directly with your bank, insurance companies, employer, tax office, and important online shops.

What does moving from Berlin to Munich cost?

A long-distance move from Berlin to Munich (approx. 585 km) costs between €2,000 and €7,000 with a moving company, depending on apartment size. For a 2-room apartment (approx. 50 m²), expect €2,000–3,500; for a 3-room apartment (approx. 75 m²), €3,500–5,000; and for a 4-room apartment (approx. 100 m²), €5,000–7,000. Additional costs include fuel (approx. €150–200 for a truck), possible overnight stays, and highway tolls. DIY moves save about 40–60% on transport, but you need to budget for a rental truck (from €150/day), helpers, and food.

How long does a move take?

The actual moving duration depends on apartment size, floor level, and number of helpers. A 1–2 room local move with 2–3 helpers typically takes 4–6 hours. A 3-room move takes 6–8 hours, and a larger apartment (4+ rooms) takes a full day. For long-distance moves, driving time is added. Professional movers are often faster because they have routine, proper equipment, and sufficient staff. Packing takes an additional 1–2 days. The entire moving phase — from the first boxes to the last unpacked shelf — usually stretches over 2–4 weeks.

Can I deduct moving costs from taxes?

Yes, under certain conditions you can deduct moving costs from your taxes. For work-related moves (e.g., job change, transfer, reducing commute by at least 1 hour), actual costs are deductible as income-related expenses — transport, double rent, broker fees, and travel costs. Additionally, there is a flat-rate moving allowance (2026: €886 for the person moving, €590 per additional person). For private moves, you can at least deduct 20% of moving company costs as household-related services, up to a maximum tax reduction of €4,000 per year.

Apartment Handover: What Repairs Are Required? | Moving Cost Calculator

Apartment Handover: What Do You Actually Have to Do?

The apartment handover is one of the most stressful moments of any move. Do I have to repaint? What can the landlord demand? And what happens if I do not renovate? These questions concern millions of tenants -- and the answers, thanks to numerous rulings by Germany's Federal Court of Justice (BGH), are clearer than many think.

Cosmetic Repairs: The Legal Basis

In principle, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the apartment -- including cosmetic repairs (Schoenheitsreparaturen). However, the landlord can transfer this obligation to the tenant via the lease. The critical question is whether the relevant clause in your lease is legally valid.

What Counts as a Cosmetic Repair?

The term is legally defined: wallpapering, painting, or whitewashing walls and ceilings; painting floors, radiators including heating pipes; painting interior doors, and windows and exterior doors from the inside. Not included: replacing floor coverings, repairing tiles, fixing moisture damage, or renewing sanitary installations.

BGH Rulings: What Is Valid, What Is Not?

The Federal Court of Justice has declared many lease clauses invalid in recent years. Here are the key decisions:

Invalid: Rigid Timeframe Plans

Clauses such as 'kitchen and bathroom every 3 years, living rooms every 5 years, bedrooms every 7 years' have been invalid since the BGH ruling of 23 June 2004 (case VIII ZR 361/03), provided they are formulated as rigid obligations. Rigid deadlines force the tenant to renovate regardless of the actual condition of the apartment -- that is impermissible.

Invalid: End-of-Tenancy Renovation Clauses

A clause that obliges the tenant to renovate upon moving out, regardless of when the last renovation took place, is invalid (BGH, 12 September 2007, case VIII ZR 316/06). The reason: it can lead to a tenant renovating even though renovation was carried out only shortly before.

Invalid: Colour-Choice Clauses During Tenancy

The landlord may not prescribe which colours the tenant uses during the tenancy (BGH, 20 January 2010, case VIII ZR 50/09). A clause requiring only light or white colours throughout the tenancy is invalid. However: upon moving out, the landlord may require the apartment to be returned in neutral, light colours.

Valid: Flexible Clauses

Clauses that provide for renovation 'generally' or 'as a rule' after certain periods are valid -- as long as they take the actual condition of the apartment into account. Example: 'Cosmetic repairs are generally required in kitchen spaces every 3 years, in living and bedrooms every 5 years.' Here no rigid obligation is imposed, but rather a guideline.

What If You Received the Apartment Unrenovated?

An important BGH ruling (18 March 2015, case VIII ZR 185/14): anyone who took over an unrenovated apartment without adequate compensation is not obliged to renovate -- even with an otherwise valid cosmetic-repair clause. The rationale: it would be unreasonable to require the tenant to return the apartment in better condition than it was received. So check your original move-in handover protocol -- it is invaluable.

The Handover Protocol: Your Most Important Document

A thorough handover protocol protects you against unjustified claims. It should contain: date and time of the handover; all persons present (tenant, landlord, or property manager); meter readings for electricity, gas, and water; condition of every room (walls, floors, windows, doors, sanitary fittings); existing defects and pre-existing damage; and the number of keys handed over.

Photograph everything -- walls, floors, windows, door frames, sanitary installations. The photos should have a timestamp. In any dispute, they are the most important evidence.

Practical Tips for the Apartment Handover

Walk through together: go room by room with the landlord. Do not let anything be skipped. Document defects: write everything into the protocol, even minor items. Anything not recorded can later be used against you. Do not sign hastily: read the protocol carefully before signing. Add any missing points. Count keys: hand over all keys and have the number confirmed in writing. Missing keys can be expensive (replacement of the locking system: EUR 200--1,000). Discuss deposit return: clarify when you can expect the refund. The landlord has up to 6 months to settle accounts.

What to Do About Unjustified Claims?

If the landlord demands renovation or damage repair that you consider unjustified, object in writing and set a deadline. Contact the local tenants' association (Mieterverein) -- initial advice is usually free for members. If in doubt, have the clause in your lease reviewed legally. Do not pay or renovate hastily out of fear of losing your deposit.

Conclusion

The legal position on cosmetic repairs has shifted significantly in tenants' favour in recent years. Many widespread clauses in older leases are invalid. Review your lease carefully, produce a comprehensive handover protocol, and do not hesitate to reject unjustified demands. When in doubt, the tenants' association is your best point of contact.