Strategies for Reducing Costs During Relocation
Moving to a new home or city can be an exciting yet daunting experience. To help you navigate this transition smoothly, here's a guide to moving in Germany, based on essential facts and tips.
Home Contents Insurance
It's important to note that home contents insurance does not cover damages caused by accidents or lack of safety measures during a self-organized move. Be sure to take extra precautions to protect your belongings when moving.
Notifying Official Institutions
When moving, don't forget to inform health insurance, pension insurance, possibly the family office, the Federal Employment Agency, or other official institutions about your new address. This ensures that your records are up-to-date and that you continue to receive essential services.
Hiring a Moving Company
Moving companies are liable for damages caused by their employees, while volunteers are not. If you decide to hire a professional service, the cost of a long-distance move (over 600 km) from Berlin to Munich or Wiesbaden to Leipzig can range from 750 Euro to 2400 Euro.
Professional moving services within Germany for a move over 600 km typically cost based on an hourly rate ranging from €60 to €80, with additional charges for services like packing (€150–400), packing materials (€120–150), furniture disassembly and reassembly (€125), and other supplemental services. Total costs vary depending on the size, distance, and additional services requested.
DIY Moves vs. Professional Services
While DIY moves may seem cheaper, they can sometimes incur unexpected costs. Factors such as one-way rental surcharges can make a DIY move more expensive than hiring a professional service.
Saving Money on Moves
Decluttering before moving can help reduce transport costs by getting rid of unwanted furniture and household items. Selling, donating, or disposing of items before moving can help offset the costs of the move.
Shared load services offered by some moving companies can save money by packing smaller loads onto a moving truck if someone else has booked a similar route. Empty runs, when a moving truck returns to the depot with an empty cargo space, can offer a 40% discount.
Moving for Professional Reasons
If moving for professional reasons, you have the choice to claim the moving expenses flat rate or submit individual receipts for the actual costs. The tax office only recognizes a move as business-related if you change your place of work or shorten your commuting time by at least half an hour.
Moving Within Germany vs. Other Countries
For a move within a German neighboring country, calculate with at least 2,000 to 4,000 euros. For a move within Europe or to overseas, such as the USA, moving costs quickly rise to around 5,000 to 13,000 euros.
Administrative Tasks
Register with the resident registration office after moving, requiring both ID card and passport changes. Set up a forwarding order with the German Post to ensure no mail gets lost. If moving to a new city, municipality, or district, register your car with the registration office and possibly apply for a new license plate.
Financial Considerations
Use the favorable installment loans of the savings bank if a move exceeds your budget. If moving within the same residence, inform the same savings bank, and they can help transfer account, savings, and insurance contracts, as well as securities accounts. As soon as the new rental agreement is signed and the moving date is set, it's important to cancel the old apartment to avoid paying double rent.
In conclusion, moving in Germany requires careful planning, budgeting, and organisation. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to your new home.
