Moving in Germany — The Complete Checklist

Status: March 2026. All information without warranty.

3 Months Before

• ☐ Terminate rental agreement (notice period: typically 3 months to end of month)
• ☐ Find new apartment and sign rental contract
• ☐ Compare and book moving companies (or rent a van)
• ☐ Request leave of absence from employer (some collective agreements: 1–2 days)
• ☐ Register children in new school/daycare

1 Month Before

• ☐ Set up Nachsendeauftrag at the post office (online: €28.90 for 6 months)
• ☐ Prepare address changes: bank, insurance, employer, GEZ, tax office
• ☐ Register electricity/gas at new location (or switch provider)
• ☐ Terminate or transfer internet/phone (check cancellation rights!)
• ☐ Declutter and sort out belongings

On Moving Day

• ☐ Create Übergabeprotokoll with old landlord (document condition, take photos!)
• ☐ Return all keys
• ☐ Read meter readings (electricity, gas, water) and note them
• ☐ Create Übergabeprotokoll for new apartment

After Moving (Within 14 Days!)

• ☐ Ummeldung at local registration office — mandatory within 14 days!
• Bring: ID + housing confirmation from new landlord
• ☐ Keep new registration certificate
• ☐ Update address with all institutions: bank, employer, health insurance, tax office
• ☐ Re-register vehicle (if moving to different registration district)
• ☐ Deposit from old apartment: return within max. 6 months (landlord may wait for any deductions)

Moving Costs

Tips

• Parking ban for moving van — request from municipal office (approx. €50–100)
• Moving costs are tax-deductible (job-related move: flat rate €886)
• Photos of condition of both apartments — protects against deposit disputes