Start as early as possible — ideally 4–12 months before your moving date.

• Start your flat search & sign the tenancy agreement

  Use online portals or bring in an estate agent. Only give notice on your old flat once the new contract is signed.
• Observe the notice period in your tenancy agreement

  Statutory period: 3 months. Give notice by registered post and get confirmation from your landlord.

  Mind the deadline
• Work out your budget

  Moving company, packing, redecorating, deposit, new furniture — keep track of everything.

  Finances
• Check redecorating requirements in both flats

  Check your tenancy agreement for move-out redecoration clauses. Rigid deadline clauses are often invalid.
• Clarify furniture takeover with the previous/next tenant

  Kitchen, fitted wardrobes — raise it early.
• Declutter & book a bulky waste collection

  Go through the cellar, loft and garage. A bulky waste collection can take weeks to arrange.
• Create an inventory of your belongings

  Document room by room. The total volume determines the size of the vehicle.
• Get quotes from moving companies

  Compare at least 3 estimates.

  Finances
• Measure the new flat & plan the furnishings

  Get hold of a floor plan and check for tight spots in advance.
• Order new furniture

  Allow for delivery times. Coordinate the delivery date with your move-in.
• Review contracts & subscriptions

  Gym, magazines, clubs — observe the notice periods.

  Mind the deadline
• Secure a nursery/school place

  Waiting lists can be long. If you are moving to another federal state: compare curricula.

  Important with children
• Get to know your new neighbourhood

  Research doctors, pharmacies, public transport and supermarkets in advance.

Contracts, insurance, authorities — get the administrative groundwork in place.

• Set up mail redirection with the post office

  Have letters and magazines forwarded to your new address.

  Don't forget
• Update or cancel insurance policies

  Check home contents, liability and, if needed, removal insurance.
• Review your banking arrangements

  Switching is only necessary if you want face-to-face advice in your new location.
• Fix the final moving date

  Set the exact day and inform everyone involved.

  Key decision
• Request special leave

  There is no statutory entitlement, but many employers grant 1–2 days.
• Organise removal helpers

  Ask friends, family or student helpers.
• Contact your electricity & gas suppliers

  Arrange a meter reading. Compare tariffs — a special right of termination may apply.

  Savings potential
• Prepare your change-of-address notifications

  Employer, doctors, banks, insurers, health insurance, tax office, clubs, friends.
• Agree a date for the flat handover

  Ideally on the day of the move. Arrange it with your landlord in good time.
• Make a firm booking with a moving company / van

  Good companies are booked up weeks in advance.
• Apply for a no-parking zone

  At the local regulatory office — secures a parking space right outside your door.

Pack, measure, confirm appointments.

• Get moving boxes & packing materials

  Around 20 boxes per person + 15 per room. Buy second-hand or rent.

  Tip
• Arrange childcare / a pet sitter

  Small children and pets need a calm person to look after them.
• Measure the windows for curtains

  Will your existing ones fit? If not: have them altered or order new ones in good time.
• Gradually empty the freezer

  Use up frozen food and leave the freezer clean and dry on moving day.
• Transfer your phone, internet & cable services

  Check your providers. Special right of termination if the service cannot be provided.
• Sell, store or dispose of old furniture

  Use classified ads. The bulky waste collection should already be booked.
• Book a cleaning company

  Get several quotes. Look for an acceptance guarantee.

Final preparations and confirmations.

• Dismantle furniture & number the parts

  Take photos as assembly instructions. Put screws in labelled bags.

  Tip
• Get appointment confirmations

  Contact tradespeople, cleaners, helpers and the moving company once more.
• Check the heating cost statement with your landlord

  Check the readings together and document them.
• Tell your neighbours

  Old and new neighbours — give advance warning about the noise.
• Pack the things you rarely need

  Seasonal clothing, books, decorations. Better too much padding than too little.
• Empty & defrost the fridge

  Only buy fresh food in the final week. Let the appliance dry out.
• Transfer the rental deposit

  Due on move-in. Alternative: a deposit guarantee.

  Finances
• Put together a toolbox

  Hammer, pliers, cordless screwdriver, drill — keep them within easy reach!
• Update standing orders

  Enter the new address/account.
• Read & record the meter readings

  Gas, electricity, water — with date and photo.
• Check that all keys are accounted for

  Front door, cellar, letterbox, garage — put them together.

The big day — and the most important tasks afterwards.

• Document & hand over the old flat

  Take photos of every room. Sign the handover report with your landlord.

  Protection
• Hand over the keys

  Ask for a written receipt.
• Read the meters in the new flat

  Record gas, electricity and water straight away on move-in.
• Register your new address (14-day deadline)

  In person at the citizens' registration office. Otherwise you risk a fine.

  Statutory deadline
• Re-register your vehicle

  Vehicle registration office. Bring your vehicle registration document, ID and eVB insurance number.
• Update your broadcasting licence fee address

  Online at rundfunkbeitrag.de.
• Work through your address changes

  Go through your prepared list point by point.
• Check for transport damage

  Inspect straight away, take photos and report it in writing.
• Welcome your new neighbours

  A short visit or a small gesture.