Moving is not only a logistical challenge, but also a financial one. Besides the obvious costs for transport and furniture, there are many hidden expensesthat are often underestimated. To make your move plan financially well & avoid unnecessary costs, we have compiled the most important points about Moving costs & budgeting compiled.
1. What are the costs of moving?
📦 1. Rent & deposit for the new apartment
✅ Deposit (usually 2-3 months' rent) as security for the landlord
✅ Pay the first month's rent before moving in
✅ If necessary, Pay attention to brokerage fees (for apartments subject to commission)
🚛 2. Moving services & transport costs
✅ If a professional moving company is commissioned: compare costs
✅ Alternatively: Rental van or moving with friends & family plan
✅ If necessary, a Apply for a no-parking zone (fee required in many cities)
🛠 3. Renovation & repair costs
✅ Walls may need to be painted or damage in the old apartment may need to be repaired.
✅ If the new apartment is not renovated: Plan costs for paint, tools & furniture assembly.
📜 4. Changes of registration & new contracts
✅ Re-registration with the city (residents' registration office) – often free, in some cities subject to a fee
✅ New electricity, internet & gas contract – possible connection fees
✅ If necessary: Address changes for insurance, banks & subscriptions
💡 Tip: Make a list of all expected costs to avoid surprises!
2. Calculate moving costs correctly & draw up a budget
💰 1. Create a budget plan for the move
✅ List all expected expenses (rent, transportation, furniture, etc.).
✅ If necessary, a small Plan an emergency budget for unexpected costs.
📦 2. Compare offers & minimize costs
✅ Inquire about moving companies early and compare prices.
✅ If possible, plan your move outside of peak season (beginning/end of month) as prices are lower then.
✅ If moving on your own: Compare van prices & use cheap providers.
💡 Tip: The better the move is planned, the cheaper it can be!
3. What financial aid and tax benefits are available?
🏛 1. Tax deductibility of moving costs
✅ Moving costs can be Business expenses (for work-related relocation) or household-related services be discontinued.
✅ These include, for example: Moving company, travel costs & double rent payments for a transitional period.
💼 2. Relocation costs covered by the employer
✅ If the move is for professional reasons, the employer can Cover moving costs partially or completely.
✅ Clarify in advance which costs will be reimbursed (e.g. transport, broker fees, double rent).
📜 3. Financial support for low-income earners and students
✅ In some cases, the Jobcenter moving costs (e.g. when receiving ALG-II).
✅ Students may BAföG housing subsidies apply for.
💡 Tip: If you want to take advantage of tax benefits, you should keep all invoices and receipts carefully!
4. How can I save money when moving?
🚚 1. Moving on your own vs. using a moving company
✅ If the move is not too big: Moving with friends & family.
✅ If a lot of furniture needs to be transported: Book cheap moving companies early.
📦 2. Reduce costs for boxes and packaging materials
✅ Get used boxes from supermarkets or friends instead of buying expensive moving boxes.
✅ Packaging material by Towels, blankets & clothing substitute.
🛠 3. Move furniture cleverly & buy new ones
✅ If necessary, sell or donate old furniture to save on transportation costs.
✅ If a new apartment is smaller: Plan minimalistically & take only the essentials.
💡 Tip: Every expense saved reduces the overall moving costs and gives you more budget for new purchases!
5. Avoid common mistakes when it comes to moving costs
❌ Not planning for a rental deposit & having financial difficulties → Solution: Set aside money for the deposit early or find out about bail bonds.
❌ Book too short notice & pay high moving costs → Solution: Reserve moving companies or vans at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
❌ Forgetting to move electricity & internet contracts in time → Solution: Register at least 4 weeks before the move.
❌ Overlooked additional costs for no-parking zones or renovations → Solution: Clarify in advance whether a parking zone needs to be applied for for the move.
❌ Buying furniture twice because incorrect measurements were taken → Solution: Check exact room planning and furniture dimensions before purchasing.
💡 Tip: Detailed planning can prevent unnecessary additional costs and make the move easier!
6. Checklist for financial planning of the move
📌 Before the move:
✅ Prepare rental deposit & first month’s rent.
✅ Compare offers for moving companies or transporters.
✅ Organize change of address & new contracts (electricity, internet, insurance).
✅ If necessary, check for financial support or tax benefits.
📦 During the move:
✅ Collect receipts & documents for tax deductibility.
✅ If necessary, find a new tenant for the old apartment to avoid double rent.
✅ Organize furniture and packing materials as cost-effectively as possible.
🏡 After the move:
✅ Claim back the deposit from the old apartment (after successful handover of the apartment).
✅ If relevant for tax purposes: Claim moving costs in your tax return.
✅ Set a realistic budget for new furniture and furnishings.
💡 Tip: A careful cost calculation helps to make the move stress-free and financially well-organized!
Conclusion: How to keep control of your moving costs
✔ Plan early & calculate your budget accurately
✔ Consider all costs – including hidden expenses
✔ Keep an eye on your rental deposit and additional costs
✔ Move as cheaply as possible & compare offers
✔ Check tax benefits & financial support
🚛 Are you planning a move and want to save costs? Praktik Transport offers transparent and affordable moving solutions! Get a non-binding offer now! 💰📦✨
English (UK) 
Deutsch 
Français 
Nederlands 
Русский 
Türkçe 
العربية