How do you split moving costs fairly in a shared flat?

The most transparent way is to split by room size or the number of moving boxes per person. A fixed-price quote makes the calculation much easier, because the total costs are fixed from the start. Many shared flats also use apps for managing shared costs to ensure transparency and fairness among all flatmates.

What happens to the deposit when a flatmate moves out?

The deposit usually stays with the landlord as long as the tenancy continues, even if a flatmate changes. As the newcomer, you therefore often pay your predecessor's share directly to them. Have the amount and date confirmed in writing – then you will get the same amount back when you move out yourself.

Who issues my landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)?

The landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) is issued by whoever lets you use the flat (§ 19 BMG): if you have a contract with the landlord, it is the landlord; if you are a subtenant, it is the main tenant – in that case with the owner's name. You need it to register within two weeks.

How does a part load work when moving a room in a shared flat?

With a part load , the loading space of a removal van is shared with other customers, which saves costs especially for smaller room moves. The vehicle follows a planned route and takes several loads along the way. That way you pay only for the space you actually need, instead of booking a whole lorry.

How do I find a replacement tenant for my room in the shared flat?

The most effective options are notices at universities, online flatshare portals and networking through existing flatmates. A meaningful advert with photos and clear details of the rent and room size significantly increases your chances of success. The landlord should also be informed of the planned change early to avoid delays.

What should we do about shared furniture in the shared flat?

Ideally, furniture bought jointly should already be documented with its ownership in the shared-flat agreement. When moving out, a fair transfer fee to the remaining flatmates or a sale to the replacement tenant is advisable. That way the shared flat's furnishings are kept, and disputes over ownership are avoided from the outset.

How far in advance should I announce the move in the shared flat?

We recommend agreeing the moving date with all flatmates and the removal company at least four to six weeks in advance. That leaves enough time to find replacement tenants, pack boxes and reserve vehicles and staff in good time. Short-notice planning often leads to higher costs and scheduling stress.

What cover applies to a shared-flat move?

With us, your belongings are covered by liability under the statutory rules of the HGB (§ 451e: €620 per m³), whether they are your own furniture or items you have taken over. Additional insurance is available on request for very valuable individual items. Also check whether your household contents insurance covers the new shared-flat address.

How do I avoid arguments over furniture transport in the shared flat?

Clear agreements in advance on who takes which furniture and who is responsible for the transport prevent most conflicts. A neutral moving service provider handles the organisation professionally and without emotion, which significantly reduces tension between flatmates. Written checklists also help to keep track of responsibilities.

Can I book a long-distance move for just one room in a shared flat?

Yes, through our long-distance moves we offer suitable solutions for single rooms too, even over longer distances between cities. With a part load , the costs can be reduced considerably, because the loading space is shared with other moves. That way even a long-distance move for a single room in a shared flat stays affordable.

What does a shared-flat move cost on average?

The costs depend on furniture volume, floor and distance; we give you the fixed price after the survey. A single room in a shared flat usually costs much less than moving a whole flat, especially if you take over furniture from your predecessor. You can get a quote via our Private move page.

NEW IN THE SHARED FLAT

Moving into an existing shared flat: room transfer fee and registration

Anyone moving into an existing shared flat takes over a room, often a transfer fee and a share of the deposit – and needs the right confirmation to register.

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PLANNING THE MOVE-IN

Moving into a room in a shared flat

One room, many flatmates – how to make moving in relaxed

Arriving well

Unsere Firma Moving into an existing shared flat: transfer fee, deposit share, landlord confirmation, re-registration and a calm moving day.

Anyone moving into an existing shared flat joins an ongoing daily routine: the others carry on living, working and studying while your furniture is carried through the hallway and stairwell. So clarify beforehand when the move suits everyone and where the lorry can stop. We handle the transport at a fixed price after a survey; your belongings are covered by liability under the German Commercial Code (HGB) (§ 451e: €620 per m³), and additional insurance is available on request.

For moving into a single room in a shared flat, a small move is often enough – more on this under Private move. More important than the transport are the agreements: which of the predecessor's furniture are you taking over, how much deposit do you pay and to whom, and who issues the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)? Clarify this before moving day and put it in writing, and you will start in the new shared flat without misunderstandings. Also ask whether the internet, electricity and broadcasting licence fee are already set up and what share you will pay from moving in.

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COORDINATE THE DATE

PERSONAL ADVICE

Planning the move into a room in a shared flat

Small move, fixed price

If you are moving into a single room in a shared flat, the move is usually small. We look at what is coming with you and then give you a fixed price – so you know what to expect alongside the transfer fee and deposit. Call us on 01625978461.

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

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MOVING IN CONSIDERATELY

How we make moving into a shared flat easier

In quickly, with little disruption

When moving into an existing shared flat, consideration counts: we carry your furniture into your room quickly, protect the shared hallway and assemble the bed and wardrobe straight away so that the flat can quickly be used normally again. We give you the fixed price after the survey, and your belongings are covered by liability under the HGB. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and drive nationwide – including if you are coming from another city for studies or work; you will find destinations with their own page under Locations.

Time window

We agree the time with you so that the move-in does not clash with your flatmates' exams or working from home.

Protecting the hallway

Blankets and edge protection keep the shared hallway and stairwell free of scratches – so nobody in the shared flat argues about damage.

Furniture assembly

We assemble the bed, wardrobe and desk in your room – so you sleep in your own bed on the very first night.

Small transport

For a single room, a smaller vehicle is often enough, which finds a parking space in front of the building more easily.

CLARIFY BEFORE MOVING IN

Six points for newcomers to a shared flat

Anyone moving into a shared flat takes over more than a room. You should clarify these six points with your flatmates and the landlord before moving day – then life together starts with no open bills.

Type of contract

Will you become a tenant under the main agreement, a subtenant, or get your own contract? This determines who you sign the contract with.

Transfer fee

Check what a transfer fee for the predecessor's furniture includes and whether the price matches the condition – ask for the list.

Deposit share

Pay the predecessor's share of the deposit directly to them, and have the amount and date confirmed in writing.

Landlord confirmation

It comes from the landlord or, with subletting, from the main tenant (§ 19 BMG) and must contain your name and the move-in date.

Re-registration

Within two weeks of moving in, register with the registration authority (§ 17 BMG) – in Berlin at the Bürgeramt.

Shared-flat rules

Cleaning rota, household kitty, internet and broadcasting licence fee: ask what exists and what share you will take on from moving in.

LITTLE LUGGAGE

Into the new room in a shared flat by part load

Ideal for a few items

Anyone moving into a furnished room in a shared flat often brings only boxes and a few pieces of furniture. A part load is then often worthwhile: your belongings travel with other orders.

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NEW IN THE SHARED FLAT

What
newcomers to a shared flat should know

From the contract to registration

This part of our series is about the other side of the shared-flat move: moving in. Anyone moving into an existing shared flat should know beforehand who they are signing the contract with, what the transfer fee includes and to whom they pay the deposit share. Also clarify when the move fits into the others' daily routine and where the lorry can stop. After moving in comes registration with the registration authority – you can read the exact deadlines in the article Re-registering after the move.

Clarify before moving in

The type of contract, transfer fee, deposit share and move-in date should be recorded in writing. That way your move into the shared flat is legally and financially settled before the first box is in your new room.

Moving day in the shared flat

With a packing service, careful furniture transport and an agreed time slot, you hardly disturb your flatmates' daily routine – and the shared hallway stays undamaged.

Small quantities at low cost

If you are taking over the predecessor's furniture, a part load or a furniture taxi is often enough for your own things. We give you the price after the survey.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions on moving into a shared flat

Answers on the transfer fee, deposit share, landlord confirmation, re-registration and moving into a room in a shared flat.

We are liable for damage during transport under the HGB (§ 451e: €620 per m³); additional insurance is available on request. For damage you cause yourself to the shared hallway or to flatmates' furniture, the person who caused it is generally liable. So photograph the condition of the hallway and stairwell before moving in – that protects you as the newcomer.

Before moving in: contract, transfer fee and deposit share

Before you move into an existing shared flat, clarify on what basis you will live there: will you join the main tenancy agreement, become a flatmate's subtenant, or get your own contract for the room? Newcomers also often take over the predecessor's deposit share and pay it directly to them. Have the amount and date confirmed in writing.

If the predecessor asks for a transfer fee for furniture or the kitchen, check the list and condition beforehand – and whether you need the things at all. Whatever you take over, you do not have to transport yourself; that makes your move smaller and cheaper.

Moving day: moving in while the shared flat carries on

When a new flatmate moves in, moving day should be clearly structured so that nobody gets in anyone's way. Agree the time with the others and clarify where the lorry can stop. If there is no space in front of the building, a no-parking zone (Halteverbotszone) helps; in Berlin, the signs must be up at least three full days beforehand.

After moving in, you have two weeks to register (§ 17 BMG). The landlord issues the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) – with subletting, the main tenant does. A quick tour with your flatmates covering the cleaning rota and household kitty rounds off the move-in.

What moving into a room in a shared flat costs

Small 1-room flat: from just €359
Cosy 2-room flat: from €599
Spacious 3-room flat: from €889
Large 4-room flat: from €1,329
House or villa: individual quote by arrangement
Long-distance move: from €4.20/km

Get non-binding advice – arrange a free survey.

What the price of your move-in depends on

First of all, the volume counts – the more household goods, the higher the costs. The distance is charged from €4.20/km. A floor without a lift and a required no-parking zone also increase the effort. Furniture assembly and a part load are also worth considering as additional services.

Our services for moving into a shared flat

Our moving services

For moving into a room in a shared flat, a small service is often enough.

Furniture transport: Professional transport for your furnishings. Furniture transport
House clearance: Fast and tidy household clearance. House clearance
Part load: An affordable alternative for smaller transports. Part load
Private move: A worry-free move to your new home. Private move
Move with assembly: Complete service including furniture assembly. Move with assembly
Company relocation: We organise your office move efficiently. Company relocation

From another city into a shared flat

If you are coming from another city for studies or work, we handle the journey as a long-distance move or part load. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and drive nationwide. The locations overview shows destinations with their own page, and the Long-distance moves page has more on long routes.

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Beste Umzug Redaktion

September 17, 2026

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