Ultimate Checklist For Moving In Germany

You can click on Checkboxes and they will stay marked/unmarked when you come back here!

See also a guide from AllAboutBerlin

Phase 1: Before You Move

As soon as the new lease is signed & up to 3 months prior

• Review New Lease with Mieterverein: Before signing, or immediately after, consider having your lease reviewed by a Tenants’ Association (Mieterverein). They can spot problematic clauses regarding cosmetic repairs (Schönheitsreparaturen), pets (Haustiere), etc.

• Get Landlord Confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung): This signed form from your new landlord is mandatory for address registration. A rental contract is not a substitute. Get it as soon as you sign the lease.

• Book Bürgeramt Appointment (Anmeldung): You must re-register within 14 days of your move-in date. Book an appointment online immediately, using this AllAboutBerlin’s finder

• Terminate Old Lease: Send a formal, written notice (Kündigung) via registered mail with return receipt (Einschreiben mit Rückschein) to your current landlord based on your contract’s notice period (usually three months). Or you can search for a Nachmieter who will take over your lease earlier.

• Review Contracts: A move is an opportunity to switch providers. Check if your current provider can offer the identical service at the same price at the new address. If not, you may have a special right of termination (Sonderkündigungsrecht). Inform providers at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

  • Internet
  • Electricity
  • Gas

• Update Household Insurance (Hausratversicherung): Inform your insurer of the move before it happens. Your coverage is based on apartment size and location, and this ensures you are covered during the move itself.

• Plan Your Budget & Taxes: Create a moving budget. Start a digital and physical folder for all receipts; many costs can be claimed on your tax return, often as a lump sum (Umzugskostenpauschale).

• Book Movers & No-Parking Zone (Halteverbotszone): Get quotes from multiple moving companies. Once booked, reserve a dedicated parking space in front of both buildings for moving day. Do this several weeks in advance.

• Set Up Mail Forwarding (Nachsendeauftrag): Arrange with Deutsche Post online. Note that official government mail and some bank letters are often not forwarded, making the Ummeldung even more critical.

• Inventory & Declutter: Create a photo inventory of valuable items for insurance. Sell unwanted items on platforms like Kleinanzeigen and schedule a bulky waste (Sperrmüll) pickup with BSR if needed.

• For Families: Plan School/Kita Transfer: If you have children, contact the new school or the Jugendamt in your future district immediately. The transfer process can be lengthy.

• Arrange Pet/Child Care: Book a sitter for moving day to reduce stress and ensure safety for everyone involved.

• Measure New Apartment: Take measurements of rooms and doorways in the new flat to ensure your large furniture will fit.

Phase 2: Moving Week & Day

• Gather Packing Supplies: Get various box sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, a good tape dispenser, and permanent markers for labeling.

• Eat Down Your Pantry: Plan meals to use up food from your fridge, freezer, and cupboards to minimize what you have to move or waste.

• Defrost Fridge/Freezer: Begin defrosting your refrigerator and freezer 24-48 hours before the move to prevent water leakage during transport.

• Prepare Documents for Ummeldung: Have your dedicated folder ready.

  • Completed registration form (Anmeldung bei einer Meldebehörde)
  • Passport / National ID Card
  • Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for non-EU citizens
  • Signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
  • Marriage/birth certificates (Urkunden) if registering family members

• Pack Strategically:

  • Color-Code Boxes: Assign a color to each room for easy placement.
  • “Valuables Box”: Keep passports, contracts, laptops, jewelry, and hard drives in a box that you transport personally.
  • “Essentials Box”: Pack a box for the first 24 hours with chargers, medication, toiletries, coffee/tea, snacks, a tool kit, toilet paper, and a light bulb.

• Final Cleaning (Endreinigung): Check your old rental contract for the required condition (e.g., “besenrein” - broom-clean). Perform any required cosmetic repairs (Schönheitsreparaturen), like filling wall holes.

• Document Old Apartment Condition: After it’s empty and clean, take detailed photos of the walls, floors, and fixtures. This is crucial evidence for securing your full security deposit (Kaution).

• Complete Handover Protocol (Übergabeprotokoll): For both apartments, meticulously document the condition, any existing damage, and the number of keys. This is your primary legal evidence for any disputes.

• Record Meter Readings: Photograph the final electricity, gas, and water meters at your old apartment and the initial readings at your new one. Report these to your providers immediately.

• Label New Mailbox & Doorbell: Put your full, correct name on your new mailbox and doorbell before the first night. Without this, mail and packages will be returned to the sender.

Phase 3: After You Move

Within the first 14 days

• Attend Bürgeramt Appointment: Complete the Ummeldung. You will receive a new registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung). This is your new official proof of address.

• Test Keys, Utilities, and Smoke Detectors: Check that every key works in every corresponding lock, that all water taps and electric sockets function, and that smoke detectors are operational.

• Update Your Address Everywhere: Using your new Anmeldebestätigung, immediately notify all critical services:

  • Bank (Bank)
  • Employer (Arbeitgeber)
  • Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)
  • Personal Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)
  • Tax Office (Finanzamt) & Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse)
  • Doctors, subscriptions, online shops, etc.

• Update TV/Radio Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): Go to the Rundfunkbeitrag website to change your address. If moving in with someone who already pays for the household, you must formally deregister your own account.

• Update Vehicle Registration (KFZ-Zulassungsstelle): Update your car’s registration papers (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I).

• Confirm New Insurance Policy: Formally accept the adjusted Hausratversicherung policy from your provider to ensure your contents are fully covered.

• Follow Up on Security Deposit (Kaution): Contact your old landlord regarding the return of your deposit. They are legally allowed to hold it for 3-6 months to assess final utility bills (Nebenkostenabrechnung) and any damages.

• Settle In & Connect:

  • Read the House Rules (Hausordnung) to understand quiet hours (Ruhezeiten) and trash separation (Mülltrennung).
  • Find the contact for the building caretaker (Hausmeister).
  • Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and consider joining neighborhood platforms like Nebenan.de.
  • Dispose of Moving Boxes: Unpack systematically, then offer your used boxes for free on Kleinanzeigen – they will be picked up quickly.