What does a typical first-time move cost?

The costs depend on the size of the flat, the distance and the household goods. With us you always receive a transparent fixed price with no hidden extra costs. For smaller flats with little furniture, a part load is also a low-cost alternative that protects your budget as a first-time mover.

Do I need insurance for my first move?

The moving company is liable for transport damage under the HGB, limited to €620 per cubic metre of loading space (§ 451e HGB); this is how your household goods are covered with us. For first-time movers, their own policies are often more important: personal liability insurance and, depending on value, home contents insurance. Whether you are still covered through your parents during your studies or training is stated in their policy.

How do I register my residence correctly after moving into my first home?

After moving in, you must register with the registration office within two weeks (§ 17 BMG) – this also applies to halls of residence and shared flats. You need to bring your ID and the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from the landlord or hall of residence (§ 19 BMG). The deadline applies nationwide; if you miss it, you risk a fine.

Which boxes are best for first-time movers?

For a move into your first home , sturdy moving boxes in different sizes are recommended, as well as special wardrobe boxes for textiles. Smaller boxes are particularly suitable for heavy items such as books, while larger boxes should be used for light, bulky things such as bed linen.

How do I find the right moving company for my first move?

Look for transparent prices, customer reviews and a fixed price after a survey with no hidden costs. A reputable moving company will also tell you about liability: under the HGB €620 per cubic metre of loading space, more only with additional insurance. For inexperienced first-time movers this is more important than the very lowest price.

What is a part load and when is it worth it?

With a part load , your household goods are transported in one vehicle together with those of other customers, which lowers costs considerably. This option is particularly suitable for first-time movers with little furniture or for moves over longer distances with little time pressure.

Can I make my long-distance move affordable as a first-time mover?

Yes, with a long-distance move it pays to plan early and compare quotes. You can find details under Long-distance moves . A combination of a part load , little volume and a flexible date can reduce costs considerably for first-time movers.

Which documents do I need for the flat handover?

At the flat handover you should draw up a handover report in which meter readings and any defects are documented. Also take photos as evidence. These documents are particularly important for first-time movers to avoid later disputes with the landlord.

How can I save money on my first move?

Use a fixed-price moving service, compare quotes and, if possible, choose a weekday outside peak times. Used moving boxes and a part load can also noticeably lower the costs of your move into your first home .

What should I bear in mind when assembling furniture in the new flat?

Allow enough time for assembly, label boxes by room and keep screws and instructions together. In halls of residence and rented flats, ask about the rules before drilling. Our private moving service also offers assembly on request.

Do you also travel to my place of study outside Berlin?

Yes. Beste Umzug Unternehmen is based in Berlin-Moabit (Stromstraße 21) and from there travels nationwide and abroad. Destinations with their own page can be found under Locations ; for any other place of study we prepare a fixed price after the survey.

STUDIES AND TRAINING

First Flat for Students and Trainees: Moving on Little Money

Q: How far in advance should I plan the move into my first home?

Ideally, start planning your move into your first home about six to eight weeks beforehand. That leaves enough time to find a suitable moving company , organise boxes and complete all changes of address in good time. Short-notice moves are possible, but are often more stressful.

Hall of residence, shared flat or first rented flat: how students and trainees move cheaply and safely into their first place of their own.

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SMALL BUDGET, CLEAR PLAN

Studies and training

Moving to your place of study without money worries

Affordable and safe

Unsere Firma First move for students and trainees: a date before the semester starts, part load, shared-flat rules, broadcasting fee and tax.

As a first-time mover heading off to university or vocational training, you often face a new city, a new flat and a tight bank account all at once. Plan the move early: at many universities the winter semester begins on 1 October and the summer semester on 1 April – moving dates shortly before then are in demand. Our team at Beste Umzug Unternehmen brings your things from your parents' home to the hall of residence, the shared flat or your first rented flat, at a fixed price after a survey.

Our private move can be tailored to small quantities: if you only have a bed, a desk and a few boxes, you often do not need a lorry of your own but a part load or a small van. Your household goods are covered under the German Commercial Code (HGB), and additional insurance is available on request. That leaves more money for the deposit, the semester fee and your first furnishings – and you can concentrate on the new stage of your life.

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STUDENTS AND TRAINEES

PERSONAL ADVICE

Finding the cheapest suitable solution

For halls of residence, shared flats and first flats

When you contact us, tell us whether you are moving into a hall of residence, a shared flat or your first rented flat, and what needs to come with you. We will then suggest the cheapest suitable solution – often a part load – and quote a fixed price after the survey. Call us on 01625978461.

Offers available individually, depending on effort, scheduling and the scope of services required.

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TO SUIT YOUR BUDGET

How we plan small moves

Few household goods, a fixed date

Anyone moving for university or training usually has little furniture, little money and a fixed start date. We tailor the move into your first home to this: for a room in a hall of residence or shared flat, a part load or a small van is often enough, and for a first rented flat a small team. We quote the fixed price after the survey; your household goods are covered under the HGB. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and also travel to university towns throughout Germany – more under Long-distance moves.

Part load

For a room in a shared flat or hall of residence, a lorry of your own is often not worthwhile – with a part load you only pay for the space your things need.

A date before the semester starts

The end of September and the end of March are in demand. If you book early, you will find it easier to get your preferred date before 1 October or 1 April – with a student move.

Stairs without a lift

Rooms in shared flats are often on the fourth floor without a lift. We carry, you furnish – that spares your back and your friendships with furniture transport.

Assembly service

Loft bed, shelf or a new flat-pack desk: we assemble them on moving-in day so that you can get to work when the semester starts – with furniture assembly.

SIX MONEY-SAVING TIPS

How students and trainees move cheaply

On your first move of your own to university or into training, every euro counts. These six points help to keep costs and hassle to a minimum – from the date to the tax return.

Book early

Many people move before 1 October and 1 April. If you fix the date early, you have more choice and do not have to move on the most expensive day.

Take little with you

A room in a shared flat is small. Whatever can stay in your parents' home stays there – less volume means a smaller vehicle and a lower price.

Use a part load

For a bed, desk and boxes, a part load on an existing trip is often enough. Allow a delivery window of a few days for this.

Sort out the broadcasting fee

The fee is charged once per household – in a shared flat, one person pays for everyone. BAföG recipients who do not live with their parents can apply for an exemption.

Register within 14 days

The obligation to register also applies in halls of residence: registration within two weeks with your ID and landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). In halls of residence, the administration usually issues the confirmation.

Keep the receipts

Moving costs to your place of study can count as training costs. Keep the invoice and bank transfer – for tax purposes they only count in a year in which you have taxable income of your own.

FOR SMALL ROOMS

Part load to your place of study

Share space, save money

A part load is particularly well suited to moving to your place of study or training: few household goods, a small budget and usually a few days' leeway before the semester or training begins. Your household goods travel together with other jobs; instead of a fixed day, there is a delivery window. Plan the delivery so that you have the keys and your room in the hall of residence or shared flat by then.

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GUIDE SERIES

Moving
into your first home for university or training

What is different now

A move into your first home for university or training raises its own questions: when are dates before the start of the semester scarce, who pays the broadcasting fee in a shared flat, is there an exemption with BAföG, and can the moving costs be used for tax purposes? In this part of the series we answer these questions and show how a move on little money can still go safely. Practical points such as boxes and furniture assembly are covered too.

Hall of residence, shared flat or flat

In a hall of residence, furniture is often already there; in a shared flat you share the kitchen and contracts; in your own flat everything is in your name. This determines whether a student move with a few boxes or a small private move is the right fit.

Transport on a small budget

With a small-load transport, a part load or single-item furniture transport, you only pay for what you need. A packing service is worthwhile above all for the kitchen and fragile items – you pack the rest yourself.

Authorities and fees

Registration within two weeks, broadcasting fee per household, exemption with BAföG: these points apply after every part load or trip with the furniture taxi. Note them straight away in your schedule.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about a first move for university and training

Answers on planning, costs, liability, registering your address, part loads and furniture assembly for students and trainees.

Ideally, start planning your move into your first home about six to eight weeks beforehand. That leaves enough time to find a suitable moving company, organise boxes and complete all changes of address in good time. Short-notice moves are possible, but are often more stressful.

Checklist for moving to your place of study or training

Good preparation is essential when moving into your first home. Start at least six weeks beforehand: secure the confirmation for the hall of residence or shared flat in writing, fix the moving date and get boxes. Dates before 1 October and 1 April are scarce. Notify your bank, health insurer and university of your new address in good time.

If you are moving out of a room in a shared flat, document the handover with photos of meter readings and defects. For a few pieces of furniture, a part load is often worthwhile – more in the article Part load for students.

Budget tips for students and young professionals

Especially as a first-time mover on a limited budget, it pays to compare different quotes carefully. Ask for a fixed price after a survey with no additional charges. Second-hand furniture and used moving boxes save extra money. In a shared flat the broadcasting fee is only charged once; if you receive BAföG and do not live with your parents, you can apply for an exemption.

Moving costs for a first degree or first vocational training count as training costs and are deductible as special expenses (Sonderausgaben) up to €6,000 a year (§ 10 EStG) – this only helps if you have an income of your own. With us, your household goods are covered under the HGB.

Moving costs at a glance

1-room flat – from €344
2-room flat – from €584
3-room flat – from €879
4-room flat – from €1,279
House/villa – individual quote
Long-distance move – from €3.85/km

Finally, we recommend a free survey for a final quote.

What determines the price of small moves

The volume of your household goods and the distance (from €3.85/km) form the basis of the calculation. Added to this are the floor, the lift and any parking restriction zone. For furniture assembly and a part load we charge separate rates.

Services that suit a small move

Only book what you need for your room or first flat.

Office move – Office move
Move with assembly – Move with assembly
Part load – Part load
Furniture transport – Furniture transport
House clearance – House clearance
Private move – Private move

A university place in another city?

If your place of study or training is further away, allow more lead time. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and travel throughout Germany; everything important under Long-distance moves. Destinations with their own page are shown in the locations overview.

Guides & Tips

Beste Umzug Redaktion

September 19, 2026

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