When should I register my new address at the registration office?

By law, registering your new address must take place within two weeks of moving in. Many offices now offer online appointments, which speeds up the process considerably. Bring your identity card and the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Booking an appointment early saves unnecessary stress shortly after the move.

What do the basic furnishings of a first flat include?

Classic basic furnishings include a bed, wardrobe, kitchen appliances, lighting and basic crockery. A solid desk for working from home or studying is usually indispensable too. If you want to save, combine new purchases with second-hand furniture from classified ads. This creates a functional flat without unnecessary purchase costs.

How high may the deposit be for a first flat?

The deposit may be at most three months' net rent, i.e. the rent excluding operating costs. You may pay it in three equal monthly instalments; the first is due at the start of the tenancy (§ 551 BGB). The landlord must invest the money separately from his own assets. A rent deposit guarantee is an alternative, but involves ongoing fees.

Do I need home contents insurance for my first move?

It makes sense: home contents insurance protects your belongings in the new flat against fire, mains water, storms and burglary – especially if the basic furnishings were bought new. The moving company is liable for damage during transport under the HGB at €620 per cubic metre of loading space; additional insurance is available for expensive items.

How do I plan my budget for my first move realistically?

Write down all one-off items: deposit, move, basic furnishings, redecoration and connections. After the survey the move is a fixed price , and the deposit can be spread over three monthly instalments. An additional buffer of around ten per cent absorbs unexpected expenses.

Does the Jobcenter cover the move, deposit and basic furnishings?

If you receive citizen's income, you can apply for moving costs, basic furnishings including household appliances and a loan for the deposit. The approval before signing the tenancy agreement is what matters. For under-25s, the Jobcenter only covers the new rent if it has agreed beforehand (§ 22 (5) SGB II).

How do I find inexpensive furniture for my first flat?

Classified ad portals, bulky waste collection dates and second-hand furniture shops are ideal sources of inexpensive basic furnishings . Family and friends also often pass on used furniture in good condition. This way you can furnish a functional flat without using up your entire moving budget.

Is a part load worthwhile for a small move into a first home?

A part load is particularly cost-effective for small flats with few household goods, as the transport space is shared with other customers. The service still remains professional and insured. Ask us specifically about a suitable part-load solution for your first move.

How far in advance should I plan my first move?

Ideally, first-time movers start planning six to eight weeks before the moving-in date. That leaves enough time for registering the new address, basic furnishings and booking a moving company for the preferred date. In big cities especially, popular dates are booked up quickly.

Do I really need a professional team for a small move?

Even with small flats, a professional team ensures safe transport and spares your back and your furniture. Our private moving service can be scaled flexibly and is ideal for first-time movers with a manageable amount of household goods. You can find details under Private move .

What do I need to bear in mind with a long-distance move to another city?

With a long-distance move , first-time movers should compare providers early and plan transport times realistically. Important documents and valuables are ideally transported separately. Under Long-distance moves you will find suitable offers for moves throughout Germany at a fair fixed price.

STARTING COSTS IN VIEW

Starting Costs of Your First Flat: Deposit Basic Furnishings and State Support

Deposit, move, basic furnishings: which costs fall due before moving in – and what support is available.

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ONE-OFF COSTS, CLEARLY PLANNED

Planning your starting budget

What your first flat costs before you move in

Honestly calculated

Unsere Firma Starting costs of your first flat: deposit, move, basic furnishings and state support such as housing benefit at a glance.

Before the first rent is paid, first-time movers face several one-off costs at once: the rental deposit, the transport, basic furnishings and often a few small redecoration jobs. At Beste Umzug Unternehmen you know what the move costs after the survey – we then quote a fixed price. That leaves only the question of how to finance the rest. You can find all services for small households under Private move.

You do not have to pay the deposit in one go: the law allows three equal monthly instalments (§ 551 BGB). If you earn little, check whether you are entitled to housing benefit (Wohngeld); if you receive citizen's income (Bürgergeld), you can apply to the Jobcenter for basic furnishings. You save on transport if you pack yourself or choose a part load. Your household goods are covered under the German Commercial Code (HGB), and additional insurance is available on request.

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COSTS CLEAR IN ADVANCE

PERSONAL ADVICE

Know your moving costs early, plan your starting budget

Fixed price after a survey

The earlier the moving costs are settled, the more accurately you can plan your starting budget for the deposit and basic furnishings. Call us on 01625978461: after the survey we quote a fixed price for your move into small flats and shared flats. Ask about the current terms for first-time movers at the same time.

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

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COSTS UNDER CONTROL

How we plan with you

Predictable costs for your first move

For first-time movers every euro counts, because the deposit and basic furnishings tie up a lot of money. That is why we survey your flat before making a quote and then quote a fixed price – with floor, lift and distance already factored in. If you have few household goods, a part load is often cheaper. We are liable for transport damage under the HGB (€620 per cubic metre), and additional insurance is available on request. We are based in Berlin, Stromstraße 21, and travel nationwide.

Site survey

Before making a quote, we take a look at your household goods. After that the fixed price is settled – a firm figure for budget planning alongside the deposit and basic furnishings.

Part load

Only a few pieces of furniture and boxes? With a part load, your household goods use free space on an existing trip – this lowers costs, especially for small first flats.

Packing yourself

If you pack boxes yourself, you only pay for transport and carrying. You add our packing service just for the kitchen and fragile items – keeping your starting budget lean.

Assembly service

On request we also assemble new flat-pack furniture straight away. That saves tools, time and evenings with the instructions – with our furniture assembly on moving-in day.

STARTING COSTS LIST

Six items before moving in

These items are usually one-off costs with a first flat. If you list them early, you will see in good time where paying in instalments, a grant or a second-hand piece of furniture will noticeably ease your budget.

Rental deposit

At most three months' net rent. You may pay it in three equal monthly instalments, the first at the start of the tenancy (§ 551 BGB).

Move and transport

After the survey the fixed price is settled – an item you can plan with certainty. With few household goods, a part load is often cheaper.

Basic furnishings

Bed, wardrobe, lamps, fridge and cookware. Much of this is available second-hand; if you receive citizen's income, you apply for basic furnishings at the Jobcenter.

Minor redecoration

Paint, wall plugs, shower curtain and small parts: even a renovated flat needs small jobs when you move in. Set aside a separate amount for this.

Connections and contracts

Electricity, internet and contents insurance run from the day you move in. Some providers charge connection or set-up fees – ask beforehand.

Buffer

For the unexpected, such as a missing lamp, a spare key or a second trip to the DIY store, it is worth having a separate buffer in your starting budget.

INEXPENSIVE WITH FEW HOUSEHOLD GOODS

A part load protects your starting budget

Ideal for a first flat

With a part load, your household goods are combined with other jobs on one trip. You share the vehicle and travel costs; in return, the delivery date is somewhat more flexible. For first-time movers with few household goods, this is often the cheapest solution – especially on longer routes, when the first flat is in another city.

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FIRST FLAT SERIES

Starting
costs and who helps with them

Deposit, basic furnishings, grants

This part of our series for first-time movers is about the money that falls due before moving in: rental deposit, move, basic furnishings and minor redecoration. We show which items can be spread out – such as the deposit in three instalments – and what support is available: housing benefit for households on a low income, and basic furnishings and deposit loans via the Jobcenter. How to draw up a moving budget is explained in the article Calculating your moving budget.

Drawing up your starting budget properly

List all one-off items: deposit, move, basic furnishings, redecoration, connections. Whether a private move, student move or small-load transport – after the survey the transport is a fixed figure, while much else can be postponed.

Deposit in three monthly instalments

The rental deposit is at most three months' net rent and may be paid in three equal monthly instalments. You can also save on the move itself: a packing service only for the kitchen, furniture transport only for large items.

Housing benefit and Jobcenter support

You apply for housing benefit at the housing benefit office, in Berlin at the district office (Bezirksamt). If you receive citizen's income, obtain the Jobcenter's approval before signing the tenancy agreement – then moving costs, basic furnishings and a deposit loan are possible, also with a part load or furniture taxi.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about starting costs and support

Answers on the deposit, basic furnishings, housing benefit, the Jobcenter, budgeting and moving costs for your first flat.

That depends on the size of the flat, the floor and the distance. For a one-room flat our price overview starts at €359, and for longer routes the price per kilometre is added. We quote the fixed price after the survey – first-time movers can then plan it firmly into their starting budget, alongside the deposit and basic furnishings.

One-off costs before moving into your first flat

Before moving into your first flat of your own, it is worth making a list of all one-off costs. At the top is the rental deposit, followed by the move, basic furnishings and small jobs such as painting or fitting lamps. Sometimes there are also connection fees for the internet. Registration at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt) itself is free of charge in Berlin.

For basic furnishings the rule is: do not buy everything new. Classified ads, social department stores and furniture from the family reduce the total considerably. First buy what you need from day one – bed, lighting, cookware – and the rest bit by bit.

Housing benefit, Jobcenter, instalments: help with starting money

You may pay the deposit of at most three months' net rent in three equal monthly instalments (§ 551 BGB). On a low income, housing benefit can cover part of the rent; if the entire household receives BAföG or vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe), there is generally no housing benefit.

If you receive citizen's income, you need the Jobcenter's approval before signing the tenancy agreement. Then moving costs, basic furnishings and a deposit loan are possible (§§ 22, 24 SGB II). Enclose a fixed-price quote after a survey with your application.

The move in your starting budget

Size	Costs from
1 room	€359
2 rooms	€605
3 rooms	€894
4 rooms	€1,309
House/villa	individual quote
Long-distance move	€4.25/km

Clarify all your questions conveniently during a free survey.

What the price depends on

Volume
Distance from €4.25/km
Floor
Whether there is a lift
Parking restriction zone required

On request with furniture assembly or a part load.

Services as needed

Only book what your starting budget really needs.

Private move: a private move for every household.

Furniture transport: furniture transport, safe and reliable.

Part load: a part load for smaller quantities.

Office move: an office move, professionally organised.

House clearance: house clearance, done quickly.

Move with assembly: a move with assembly, fully organised.

First flat in another city – planning the costs

If your first flat is in another city, the distance becomes the biggest cost factor of the move. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and travel nationwide; more under Long-distance moves, destinations with their own page in the locations overview.

Guides & Tips

Beste Umzug Redaktion

September 21, 2026

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