#Moving Tips

First frost, then dry heated air: a piano likes 50–60% humidity. How to protect solid wood, leather and instruments on a winter move.

Playground, sports club, class party, neighbours: how children find new friends after a family move and keep old friendships going via video calls and holiday visits.

Universities start on 1 October and 1 April, universities of applied sciences usually a month earlier: how to time moving day, month-end and weekday around the semester.

Solid wood moves in warmth and dry air, and leather fades in the sun: how wooden, leather and high-gloss furniture get through a summer move without damage.

No-parking signs 72 hours ahead, defrost the fridge, a box for the first night, check liability and contents insurance: the last week before your first move.

If your commute gets at least one hour shorter per day, the move usually counts as job-related – then removal firm, agent and lump sum count as income-related expenses.

Declutter, a weekday instead of month-end, pack yourself, part load – and deduct 20% of labour costs under § 35a EStG: six ways to make a single move cheaper.

Inventory list with purchase price and shares, buyout at current value, sale or bulky waste: how a flat share fairly divides jointly bought furniture before the move.

Change your vehicle registration without delay, apply for a residents' parking permit (Berlin: second home too), switch your ticket: commuter mobility after a move.

Pack a memory box, scan photos, give heirlooms away in your lifetime, carry jewellery yourself (§ 451d HGB): preserving memories during a senior move.

Fixed handover times, booking the goods lift, room inspection with a report: what works differently when moving into or out of student halls than in a shared flat.

Children with grandparents or friends on moving day, an emergency bag with snacks, vaccination record and cuddly toy, the cot first: how the day goes with a family.