Finding a flat
- Get a credit reportYour credit report should be no older than three months and ready by the viewing at the latest.
Once you have the offer
- Give notice on your old flat in good timeMind the notice period (usually three months) and ideally send it by registered post (Einwurf-Einschreiben). Make sure everyone named on the contract signs.
- Set the moving dateTip: mid-week moves are cheaper than at the weekend.
- Sort the deposit: cash or a guarantee?With a deposit guarantee you pay no deposit, just a small monthly fee.
- Transfer internet / DSLStart early: setup often needs several weeks' lead time. Switching provider may be worth it.
Organisation
approx. 6–8 weeks before move- Hire movers or rent a vanIt's worth comparing different quotes.
- Arrange a no-parking zone for moving dayCan be applied for at the local authority or ordered from a service provider. Providers also set up the no-parking signs. Your moving company may already handle it.
- Get moving boxes and packing material
Re-registering & contracts
approx. 2–4 weeks before move- Transfer electricity and gasRegistering or deregistering works even without meter readings; you can submit them later. Switching provider may be worth it.
- Adjust or take out home contents insuranceChanges to your location and floor area affect the premium and must be reported. Switching provider may be worth it.
- Set up mail forwardingDeutsche Post forwarding service
Move-in & after
moving day + 2 weeks- Hand over old + new flat with a protocol, note meter readingsTake photos of the condition and the meter readings.
- Get the landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)Mandatory proof for registering at the citizens' registration office, issued by your landlord.
- Register at the citizens' registration office — mandatory within 14 days!Legal registration duty, best to book an appointment online in advance.
- Change your address with bank, employer, authorities, subscriptions, etc.