Moving after a separation: process costs, dividing household goods

One of the biggest challenges of a move after a separation is the fair division of shared household goods. We recommend drawing up a list early on and clearly marking pieces of furniture before our team starts the transport. This avoids misunderstandings and makes moving day much more relaxed.

If the furniture goes to two destinations, we plan two loading appointments by arrangement or deliver to both addresses one after the other. We pay attention to careful packing and gentle transport so that personal keepsakes arrive undamaged. Simply talk to us about your individual situation.

After a separation, every day often counts – whether for financial reasons or because a new flat has to be ready to move into quickly. We offer short-notice appointments and flexible solutions so that you can get started in your new home quickly without having to wait long for a moving date.

With a fixed price, you know from the outset what costs to expect – an important advantage in what is often a financially tight phase. This lets you concentrate fully on your fresh start.

What does a move really cost? In principle, the costs depend on the size of the flat: we move a 1-room flat from as little as €365, prices for 2 rooms start at €605, for 3 rooms from €899 and for 4 rooms from €1,309. For houses or villas we always prepare an individual quote. If you move further away, long-distance moves cost from €4.20 per kilometre. It is best to arrange a free survey straight away to receive an exact quote.

The calculation is based on the volume of the household goods and the distance to the new place of residence, charged from €4.20/km. The floor, lift and setting up a parking restriction zone (Halteverbotszone) are also factored into the price. If you would like furniture assembly or a part load, this is taken into account separately.

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Our experts are at your side every step of the way.

If one of you moves to another city after the separation, we drive from Berlin throughout Germany. In that case, plan the notice period and registration at the new place as well as the moving date. More on long routes under Long-distance moves, and destinations with their own page in the locations overview.

When a couple separates and two households are created, the division of the furniture is often the most delicate point. For guidance only, not as legal advice: § 1361a of the German Civil Code (BGB) (Gesetze im Internet) governs household items when spouses live apart.

• Each spouse can demand the return of their own household items. However, they must leave them to the other for use if the other needs them for their own household and this is reasonable in the circumstances.
• Household items owned jointly are divided according to fairness.
• If the spouses cannot agree, the competent court decides; it can also set appropriate compensation for the use.
• Ownership remains unchanged unless something else is expressly agreed.

The provision refers to spouses, so for unmarried couples you should clarify with legal advice whether and how it applies to you. In practice, it helps to record the division in writing before the packers arrive: a room-by-room list with photos of the important items and a clear agreement on what goes to which address.

If two addresses are to be delivered to, plan two loading appointments or a partial delivery. For a few pieces of furniture a part load is an option, and if the new household is not yet ready to move into, storage. Further planning help is provided in our article Moving as separated parents.

Besides household goods, the question of who stays in the shared flat matters. For guidance: § 1361b BGB allows one spouse to demand the marital home for sole use if this is necessary to avoid undue hardship; the welfare of children living in the household may also suffice. If a spouse moves out and does not express a serious intention to return within six months, it is presumed that they have left the sole right of use to the spouse who remained. The provision does not expressly state how this affects the tenancy agreement; here it is worth seeking advice from a tenants' association or a lawyer.

If you move within Berlin, the following applies according to service.berlin.de:

• Registration takes place within 14 days of moving in and is free of charge.
• You need the registration form, proof of identity and the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung); a tenancy agreement does not replace it.
• An appointment is required for registering in person at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt); online it works with BundID and an activated eID.
• For children whose parents with custody live apart, a declaration of consent must be brought along.

If you move to another city, the citizens' office at the new place of residence is responsible. For deadlines and consequences, read our guide Re-registering after a move.