Internal Relocation

Moving to Germany was a big step. But shifting within Germany either for a job, internship or any other reason is also an experience on its own.

Who all to intimate the address changes?

German Offices	Essential Things	Non-Essential things
City Anmeldung	Bank	Check24
Radio Tax	Home Address @ work/uni	Online/Offline shopping
Insurances -Medical, Renters, Liability	Mobile contract	Credit cards/Paypal

In case you are expecting some urgent mails, you can either inform neighbours regarding this and ask if for some time you can redirect the post or you can also avail Post Nachsendeauftrag (link) service from Deutsche Post.

What needs to be done with the existing apartment?

A: The following things need to checked for before exiting the current apartment:

1. Check for the termination clause in the contract. You may have to give 3months notice or agree to get a replacement tenant. Based on the agreement, you may have to re-paint the apartment, get it cleaned by professionals, etc.

2. Security Deposit: Ideally the landlord gets 6 months’ time to settle the amount. Ask for the Nebenkostenabrechnung for the clarification. If you have DMB membership then, you can ask them to check the costs. This will ensure that the landlord doesn’t deceive for unnecessary costs and a fair payment is done towards utilities and services.

3. Getting rid of stuffs

   1. Sperrmüll: In case you want to leave furniture behind because it may not be necessary or for the next tenant then inform the landlord about it. In case he doesn’t agree then you can use the Sperrmüll service in the neighborhood (it’s usually free pickup and dispose service once a month).

   2. Clothes and accessories: In case you want to dispose of clothes and accessories, then you can either donate them. Plenty of containers are placed in the urban areas. If not then, you can use https://www.packmee.de/ services. It’s easy and free to use. Additionally, you can avail some coupons.

   3. Other stuffs: If you want to get rid of electronics and other stuffs, you can always sell it on Ebay.

Finding a new apartment in a destination location?

A: Based on where you are going, you need to start with the apartment hunting. Many tips and tricks are available in the “Renting a House” FAQs.

How to do the shifting?

A: Depends on the budget, time, distance, interest there are plenty of options available. Some options I have taken are:

a. Deutsche Bahn

This is one of the cheapest options that I have used to shift my luggage from Hamburg to Munich. It is recommended for students who need to relocate for job, internships etc.

Advantages:

• Cheapest: Since there is no costs for the luggage in DBahn, I was able to transport about 90-100kg luggage in check-in bags for a cost of 50€ (3pax. + using discount coupons, odd time train)

• No pre-requisites: Since you would not be doing the shifting, you don’t need license.

Disadvantages:

• Time-consuming: You are bound to take things limited to your check-in bags, so you must get rid of other items. Need time for packing and planning to do the shifting.

• Physically strenuous: Due to heavy bags, it can be a lot strenuous.

b. Rentals (Self/Friend)

This is one of common methods used for relocation within Germany. I used it while relocating from Heilbronn to Stuttgart.

Advantages:

• Convenient: Since you would be driving, you can decide the time and duration of the relocation process

• Relatively fast: Since you can decide to make the rental, you can choose the biggest in the 3.5T segment and use cartons to transport the stuffs. No need to bag packing needed.

Disadvantages:

• Need German License or know someone who could offer

• Medium expensive: Based on the duration of the relocation, it can get expensive but still within a couple of 100s€.

c. Third-party services

Ebay Umzug is another common method used among Expats for relocation. e.g. . I used it for relocating withing Stuttgart. Another one is Anyvan.

Advantages:

• Same as in b.

• No pre-requisites: Since you would not be doing the shifting, you don’t need license. You can also hire students for packing your stuffs.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than b. For a 2hr service, the cost was 70€.

d. Europcar with Driver service

This is the most expensive method for relocation. Highly recommended if the costs are reimbursed. I used it for Munich to Heilbronn.

Advantages:

• Same as c

Disadvantages:

• Most expensive option. It costed about 1100€.