Paying for a Family Move: Cutting Costs and Claiming Tax Relief
The family's moving budget
Pay less, get more back: moving costs
Calculate wisely
A family move is more expensive than a single person's move: more rooms, more furniture, more boxes. How much you pay depends above all on the volume, the distance and the services booked. If you declutter beforehand, pack boxes yourself and only have the heavy items carried, you lower the price noticeably. We discuss which services are possible with a private move during the survey; afterwards we quote you a fixed price.
You can get part of the costs back through your tax return. With a private move, the labour costs count as a household-related service: 20% of them, up to €4,000 a year, reduce your income tax (§ 35a EStG). If the move is for work reasons, the costs count as income-related expenses (Werbungskosten). Your household goods are covered under the German Commercial Code (HGB), including on a long-distance move; additional insurance is available on request.
Survey first, then know the fixed price
Clear figures for the family budget
After the free survey we quote you a fixed price for the agreed services. This lets you plan the moving budget and compare what you would like to do yourself. Keep the invoice – you will need it for the tax return on your family move.
Offers available individually, depending on effort, scheduling and the scope of services required.
How the move stays within budget
Fixed price after a survey
A move with children involves many cost items: deposit, double rent, new furniture, settling in at nursery. All the more important is a moving price that is settled in advance. During the survey we see what is to be transported, and you decide which tasks you will take on yourself. We then quote the fixed price; we are liable for transport damage under the HGB. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and travel nationwide – destinations with their own page under Locations. Keep the invoice and proof of payment for the tax office.
Packing service
Part load
Assembly service
House clearance
Six ways to save on a move
With every family move, it is above all the volume that determines the price, plus the distance and the services booked. With these six steps you lower the costs without cutting back on protecting your furniture or on time for the children.
Declutter beforehand
Packing yourself
Keep the date flexible
Parking zone in good time
Keep the invoice
Job-related? Collect receipts
A part load instead of a trip of your own
If you only need to transport single pieces of furniture, a children's room or a few boxes, you do not need a lorry of your own. With a part load, your goods travel on an existing trip and share the loading space with other consignments; in return, the date is less freely selectable.
Cut
costs, use tax relief
This part of the moving tips for families series is about money: where families can save on volume, services and the date, and how the tax return gets part of the costs back. Families who move privately use § 35a EStG, while separate rules apply to a job-related move. You can find the services you can book under Private move, and for long distances under Long-distance moves.
Reduce the volume
Book services selectively
Claim tax relief
Questions about the family move
Where families can save on a move
The moving price depends above all on the volume. So declutter a few weeks beforehand: children's clothes that are too small, baby equipment and duplicate appliances can be sold or given away. Families can easily pack books, clothes and toys themselves, while many prefer to leave the kitchen and fragile items to the professionals.
The date also plays a role: the end of the month and the summer holidays are in particularly high demand. During the survey, ask which dates are possible. Single items that do not have to come on moving day can follow by part load.
Deducting moving costs from your tax
With a private move, the moving company's labour costs count as a household-related service: you deduct 20% of them, up to €4,000 a year together with other household-related services, directly from your income tax (§ 35a EStG). The prerequisites are an invoice and payment by bank transfer; material costs do not count.
If you move for work reasons, the costs are income-related expenses. For other moving expenses there is a lump sum that increases for each additional person in the household; move-related tutoring for children is also deductible up to a maximum amount. The current amounts are published by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
What does the move cost? Prices at a glance
| Number of rooms | Starting price |
|---|---|
| 1 room | €339 |
| 2 rooms | €609 |
| 3 rooms | €905 |
| 4 rooms | €1,309 |
| House/villa | individual quote |
| Long-distance move | from €4.25/km |
After a free survey you receive the fixed price – you will also need the invoice later for your tax.
These points determine the price
The moving price depends on the volume, the distance (from €4.25/km) and structural factors such as the floor and lift. A parking restriction zone may also be needed; fewer household goods, on the other hand, lower the price. Also make use of our furniture assembly or part load.
Only book what you need
Book specifically what you do not want to do yourself:
| Move with assembly | Your furniture is professionally dismantled and assembled. |
| Part load | Inexpensive and flexible for smaller quantities. |
| House clearance | We clear up – quickly and reliably. |
| Private move | Your new home is waiting, and we get you there safely. |
| Furniture transport | Safe transport for single pieces of furniture. |
| Office move | Your office move without interrupting business. |
Long-distance move: planning costs realistically
With a long-distance move, kilometres are added – also plan for the family's journey and overnight stay. We travel nationwide from Berlin (Stromstraße 21): locations overview, the process under Long-distance moves.
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