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.

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.

DIY vs. Moving Company: Cost Comparison | Moving Cost Calculator

The Fundamental Question: DIY or Hire Professionals?

Every move begins with this decision. On one side, a moving company tempts with convenience and security; on the other, the DIY move beckons with significantly lower costs. The right answer depends on your specific situation -- and is not always as clear-cut as you might think.

What Does a DIY Move Really Cost?

The obvious costs of a self-organised move are quickly tallied: van rental (EUR 60--150/day depending on size), fuel (EUR 30--100 depending on distance), moving boxes and packing materials (EUR 50--100), catering for helpers (EUR 50--100), and possibly a hand truck rental (EUR 15--25). Together: EUR 200--500 for a local move.

But the hidden DIY costs are frequently overlooked: time investment -- a full moving day means 8--12 hours of hard physical labour. Damage risk -- without professional straps, blankets, and experience, furniture and door frames get damaged. Stairwell repair costs can quickly reach EUR 200--500. Injury risk -- back pain, strains, and bruises are common among amateur helpers. Stress factor -- if friends cancel, the van is too small, or it rains, the DIY move becomes a test of nerves.

What Does a Moving Company Cost?

A professional moving company typically charges EUR 800--1,500 for a local move of a 2-room apartment. For that you receive: a truck of the right size, 2--4 trained moving helpers, professional equipment (straps, blankets, hand trucks), basic insurance (liability up to EUR 620 per m3 of cargo by law), and the assurance that everything will be done within a few hours.

Extra services cost additionally: packing service (EUR 300--600), furniture assembly (EUR 100--300), piano transport (EUR 200--500), and parking permit (EUR 80--200).

When Does a DIY Move Make Sense?

Moving yourself makes sense when: you have a small apartment (1--2 rooms, few heavy items); the move is within the same city (short distance, multiple trips possible); you have enough reliable helpers (at least 3--4 people); both apartments are easily accessible (ground floor or elevator); and you are physically fit with some transport experience.

When Is a Moving Company Worth It?

A professional company is almost always worthwhile when: the apartment is larger than 60 m2; the move covers a longer distance (from 50 km); you have valuable or fragile furniture (antiques, glass cabinets); the apartments are on upper floors without an elevator; you are under time pressure (e.g. handover deadline); or you cannot organise reliable helpers.

The Insurance Difference

With a DIY move, you are responsible for all damage yourself. Your personal liability insurance typically does not cover moving damage to rented vans or to the landlord's property (stairwell, door frames). Professional moving companies, by contrast, are legally required to carry transport insurance. You can additionally take out moving insurance (EUR 50--150) that also covers damage to your own belongings.

Conclusion: The Hybrid Approach as the Best Solution

Many experienced movers choose a hybrid approach: they pack everything themselves and disassemble furniture (saving EUR 300--600 in packing service), but hire the company for transport and carrying. This way you combine the cost savings of DIY with the safety and efficiency of professionals. Use our calculator to compare both options directly.