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.

Moving Checklist: Complete Timeline | Moving Cost Calculator

The Ultimate Moving Checklist: From 8 Weeks Before to 2 Weeks After

A move is a major project -- and like any project, it works best with a clear timeline. This checklist guides you week by week through every task, so you forget nothing and moving day runs smoothly.

8 Weeks Before: Lay the Groundwork

Check your notice period: your lease typically has a 3-month notice period. Give notice in good time, ideally by registered letter. Set the moving date: mid-week, mid-month is cheapest and companies are more available. Request moving company quotes: get at least three. The earlier you enquire, the better the selection. Book time off work: plan at least 2--3 days around the move for packing, moving, and unpacking. Start decluttering: go room by room and part with everything you no longer need. Less volume equals lower costs.

6 Weeks Before: Push the Organisation Forward

Apply for a parking permit: in major cities this requires 2--3 weeks of processing time. Source moving boxes: buy new ones or collect used ones (supermarkets, eBay Kleinanzeigen). Budget 10--15 boxes per room. Organise helpers: even if you are hiring a company, arrange 2--3 friends for smaller tasks. Measure up: measure the new apartment -- will your washing machine, kitchen units, and large furniture fit? Check for special leave: some employment or collective agreements grant 1--2 days of special leave for moving.

4 Weeks Before: Contracts and Addresses

Set up mail forwarding: order online from Deutsche Post for EUR 28.90. Internet and phone: register the move with your provider or cancel and order a new connection. Electricity and gas: cancel or transfer the old contract; note meter readings on moving day. Inform insurers: home contents insurance, liability, vehicle insurance -- update your address. Inform your employer: new address for payroll and tax. Bank and key contracts: change address with bank, health insurer, GEZ (public broadcasting fee), magazine subscriptions.

2 Weeks Before: Pack and Prepare

Start packing: begin with rarely used rooms (cellar, attic, guest room). Label every box with room and contents. Disassemble furniture: beds, shelving, and wardrobes that need to be taken apart for transport. Put screws in small bags and tape them to the relevant piece of furniture. Defrost the fridge: switch off and defrost 24--48 hours before the move. Secure valuables: transport jewellery, important documents, and cash yourself. Renovate the old apartment: if required, start painting now so everything is dry by handover.

1 Week Before: Final Preparations

Arrange handover appointments: schedule the apartment handover (old) and key handover (new). Pack a moving-day box: one crate with everything you need on moving day and the first night -- toilet paper, towels, soap, chargers, change of clothes, snacks, and tools. Read meter readings: electricity, gas, and water -- photograph the meters as proof. Check the parking permit: verify that the no-parking signs have been erected. If not, follow up with the Ordnungsamt.

Moving Day: Procedure and Tips

Morning: pack the last boxes and clear every room. Note meter readings. Walk through the old apartment thoroughly -- do not forget cupboards, cellar, or attic. During the move: designate one person as point of contact at the old apartment and one at the new. Direct boxes into the correct rooms -- it saves hours of unpacking later. Keep food and drinks on hand. After unloading: hand over keys to the old apartment with a handover protocol. Document the condition with photos. Set up large furniture and assemble beds. Check electricity and water are working.

1--2 Weeks After the Move

Re-register at the residents' registration office: mandatory within 14 days. You need your ID and a landlord's confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestaetigung). Vehicle re-registration: if you have moved to a different registration district, deadlines vary by federal state. Unpack and settle in: work through each room systematically. Flatten boxes and dispose of or store them for the next move. Meet the neighbours: a brief visit to direct neighbours with a small token creates a good start.

Common Moving Mistakes

Starting too late: many people begin organising only 2 weeks before the move -- that is too tight. Start at least 6--8 weeks ahead. Too few boxes: better to have 10 too many than 5 too few. Overloaded boxes: book boxes should weigh no more than 15--20 kg. Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large ones. No handover protocol: without a written record with photos, you risk disputes over pre-existing damage. Forgetting to re-register: late re-registration can incur a fine of up to EUR 1,000.