Your Complete Moving Guide
Everything you need to know for a stress-free move – from planning to checklists and pro tips from Hansen Umzüge Berlin
Professional Moving Planning from Berlin
With over 25 years of experience, Hansen Umzüge has successfully completed thousands of moves in Berlin, Brandenburg, and throughout Germany. Our guide shares our professionals' knowledge with you.
Whether it's a private move, office relocation, or senior move – here you'll find all the important information, checklists, and insider tips for a smooth process.
Moving Timeline
Your structured roadmap for a successful move – proven by thousands of moves with Hansen
8 Weeks Before
- Research moving companies and request quotes
- Cancel your apartment (observe the notice period)
- Start decluttering and sorting
- Plan your moving budget
6 Weeks Before
- Book moving company (contact Hansen Umzüge)
- Request time off for moving day
- Order moving boxes and packing materials
- Schedule bulky waste pickup at old and new locations
4 Weeks Before
- Prepare address changes (bank, insurance, employer)
- Register electricity, gas, and internet for new apartment
- Organize helpers (if packing yourself)
- Plan renovation work in old apartment
2 Weeks Before
- Start packing (basement, attic, rarely used items)
- Apply for no-parking zone for moving day
- Coordinate apartment handover with landlord
- Set up mail forwarding at the post office
1 Week Before
- Label and number all boxes
- Defrost refrigerator and freezer
- Discuss final details with Hansen Umzüge
- Organize refreshments for helpers on moving day
Moving Day
- Welcome and brief the Hansen Umzüge team
- Note meter readings in old and new apartment
- Transport important documents and valuables yourself
- Complete apartment handover and sign protocol
Moving Costs & Budget Planning
A well-planned move doesn't have to be expensive. With clear structure, you'll keep track and avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Apartment size and amount of household goods
- Distance between old and new apartment
- Floor level, elevator, walking distances and special challenges (e.g., piano, safe, heavy wardrobe)
- Additional services like assembly, packing service, or storage
- Compare at least 2-3 quotes from moving companies
- Prefer fixed prices when the scope of service is clear
- Plan for additional items like deposit, renovation, and new furniture
- Include a buffer of about 10-15% for unexpected expenses (e.g., special waste, short-notice extra trips)
- Early booking often secures better rates
- Consistent decluttering – less volume means lower costs
- Weekday moves are often cheaper than weekends
- Check if your employer contributes for work-related moves
Packing Tips from Hansen
How our professionals pack – proven techniques for safe transport
Moving with Children & Pets
A move isn't just logistics – it's also emotional. With the right measures, the transition becomes much more relaxed for children and animals.
- Involve children early and explain age-appropriately what will happen.
- Pack the children's room together – kids can paint boxes and pack favorite items themselves.
- On moving day, arrange childcare if possible (grandparents, friends) so kids aren't in the chaos.
- Set up the children's room in the new home as early as possible – this provides security.
- Keep animals in a quiet, separate environment (e.g., with friends) – away from moving stress.
- Bring favorite blanket, basket, and toys so familiar scents are immediately present in the new home.
- For cats: first set up one room as a safe retreat and gradually open up the apartment.
- Update address on chips and in pet registries, find a new vet in the area.
Common Moving Mistakes
From our daily practice, we know the most common pitfalls. If you avoid these points, you'll save nerves, time, and money.
Short-notice moves often mean higher costs, fewer available dates, and more stress. Start as soon as the move is foreseeable – even if not every detail is fixed yet.
"We don't have that much" – a phrase we often hear. The more accurate your information, the more realistic the quote. When in doubt, plan for slightly more volume than too little.
Unlabeled boxes extend unpacking enormously. With clear room labels and brief notes ("Bathroom – towels"), everything finds its place – even when helpers are carrying.
Important Documents
Keep these documents handy and transport them safely – preferably in a separate bag or backpack that doesn't go in the moving truck.
- ID card / Passport
- Birth certificates (family)
- Marriage certificate or family book
- School and work certificates, important certificates
- Driver's license, vehicle documents, and MOT reports
- Rental contract (old and new) including handover protocols
- Insurance policies (liability, household, moving insurance if applicable)
- Bank documents, loan contracts, and important account details
- Employment contract, pay slips (e.g., for landlord verification)
- Health insurance cards and important medical documents
Frequently Asked Questions
We hear many questions repeatedly. Here we answer the most important ones – brief, understandable, and practical.
Ideally 6-8 weeks before your desired date. During high-demand periods (end of month, holidays, Saturdays), an even earlier inquiry is worthwhile. Short-notice moves are often possible – but date selection is then more limited.
With a professional moving company, there's usually basic liability. However, this is legally limited. For particularly valuable items, we recommend additional transport insurance or an individual arrangement – we're happy to advise you.
If you have little time, a large household, or very delicate items (e.g., glass, art, technology), a packing service is a real relief. Our team knows exactly how to pack professionally – this significantly reduces breakage risks.
Of course. Many customers pack themselves, for example, and have us handle transport, carrying work, and furniture assembly. In the free consultation, we discuss which combination fits your budget and schedule.
Ready for Your Move?
Let the professionals help! Hansen Umzüge Berlin stands by your side with over 25 years of experience.