Handover of Your New Flat: The Move-in Report for First-Time Movers
Key handover
Inspect the flat before the furniture arrives
Everything in writing
Your first move of your own begins with an appointment that many people underestimate: the handover of the new flat. Go through it room by room with the landlord, note scratches, stains and defects, photograph everything with the date and have the report signed by both sides. We plan moving day so that this inspection takes place calmly before any carrying starts – more on this under Private move.
Important for first-time movers: if you know about a defect and still accept the flat without reservation, you may later be unable to claim a rent reduction because of it (§ 536b BGB). So write explicitly in the report that you reserve your rights regarding these defects. After that, on request, we take care of transport and assembly at a fixed price after a survey; your household goods are covered under the German Commercial Code (HGB). This way you start life in your new flat without open questions.
Plan the move after the key handover
Report first, then furniture
When you contact us, tell us when the key handover is – we will then schedule the move so that you can check the empty flat first. After the survey you receive a fixed price. Call us on 01625978461 or use the contact form.
Offers available individually, depending on effort, scheduling and the scope of services required.
How we schedule moving-in day
The inspection comes first
For many first-time movers, the key handover is the first appointment with the new landlord – and the most important one. Anything not recorded in the report is difficult to prove later. We plan moving day so that you can inspect the flat calmly beforehand, and only then do we carry the furniture in. We quote the fixed price after the survey; We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and travel nationwide. More on the process under Private move.
Time window
Protection for floors
No-parking zone
Assembly service
What belongs in the move-in report
A complete report protects you when you later move out and in any dispute over the deposit. These six points should never be missing from the handover of your first flat – with the date and two signatures.
Meter readings
Walls and ceilings
Floors and doors
Windows and heating
Kitchen and bathroom
Keys and reservation
Part load with delivery after the report
The
handover of your new flat
Whether it is a local move within the city or a long-distance move to another region – every move into a first home begins with the handover of the new flat. This part of the series is about the move-in report: which rooms and meters you check, how you record defects and why you should expressly reserve your rights on known defects at the handover. A clean report will still help you years later when you move out. For long distances, you will find tips under Long-distance moves.
Documenting defects
Check first, then move in
Defects after moving in
Frequently asked questions about the handover and moving in
Checklist for the handover of your new flat
At the flat handover of your new rented flat, you should definitely draw up a detailed handover report. Note existing defects, meter readings and the condition of floors, walls and windows. Take photos and have the report signed by both parties. You can find a template in the article Handover report template.
If you know about a defect and still accept the flat without reservation, this can cost you rights later (§ 536b BGB) – so record the reservation in writing. Schedule the handover before the moving date.
After the handover: basic furnishings in a sensible order
The basic furnishings for your first flat of your own can quickly become expensive if you do not plan ahead. Draw up a priority list of the most important purchases, such as a bed, kitchen appliances and basic furniture, to divide up your budget sensibly. Only buy larger furniture once the rooms have been inspected and measured; second-hand furniture helps to protect your budget.
You can also save on the moving date itself, for example with flexible weekdays or by using a part load for smaller moving volumes. Just get in touch – we will advise you individually on the best ways to save on your first move.
What moving into your first flat costs
Before you decide on a moving date, you should know the costs: 1-room flats start from €344, 2-room flats from €579, 3-room flats from €915 and 4-room flats from €1,289. For houses and villas there is always an individual quote. If you want to move to another city, we charge long-distance moves from €4.10 per kilometre. Feel free to use our free survey to get clarity on your individual costs.
What the moving price depends on
The decisive factors are above all volume, distance (from €4.10/km), floor as well as lift and parking restriction zone. Additional services such as furniture assembly or a part load slightly increase the total price.
Services for an orderly move-in
After the report we take on whatever you need – bookable individually.
- House clearance: House clearance for your home or office.
- Private move: Private move with a personal contact.
- Furniture transport: Furniture transport for single pieces of furniture.
- Office move: Office move for smooth business operations.
- Move with assembly: Move with assembly – everything gets set up.
- Part load: Part load as a low-cost alternative.
Moving into your first home in another city
If your first flat is further away, the handover is often combined with moving day – allow enough time for this. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and travel throughout Germany; more under Long-distance moves, destinations with their own page in the locations overview.
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