#Moving Tips

Hiring a van for your move: class B up to 3.5 t, C1 up to 7.5 t, old class 3 from before 1999, trailers with BE, payload, securing the load and size.

Moving sustainably: sort out first, use second-hand boxes, give furniture in Berlin to the BSR's NochMall, return old appliances to retailers, choose a shared load.

DIY move or moving company? Hire van up to 3.5 t on a category B licence, helpers, liability (§ 451e HGB: €620/m³), § 35a EStG and time required – an honest comparison.

What matters on the first day in your new home: beds, bathroom and kitchen first, note the meter readings, find the fuse box and plan registration within two weeks.

Informing neighbours before a move: sample text for the notice, when to put it up, arranging lift and stairwell, explaining the parking restriction – old and new neighbours.

Moving in rain and winter: protect boxes from the wet, clear paths, drain the washing machine, let electronics acclimatise, check liability under § 451e HGB.

Professionals are liable under the HGB up to €620 per m³; with friends, often only a liability policy covering favours pays. Costs, time and mixed solutions compared.

What happens in a professional clearance: survey, fixed price, preparation, the order of work on clearance day, disposal and the broom-clean handover.

How to spot a reputable moving company: an imprint with a full address, a survey, a written quote, notice of liability (§ 451g HGB) and no large prepayment.

Clearing a garage and garden shed in Berlin: old tyres cost €3 each at the BSR centre, garden waste up to 1 m³ is free, leftover paint goes to hazardous waste.

Recycling centre before a move: bulky waste in typical household amounts up to 3 m³, old appliances free, hazardous waste only at some BSR sites, remove batteries first.

Heirs and landlord may terminate the tenancy within one month of learning of the death (§ 564 BGB). Process, costs and what applies before disclaiming an inheritance.