Planning a move after buying a property
How to plan the move after buying a property
Once you have successfully purchased a property, the time has come to move – a final challenge before you can enjoy your new home. With good planning, the move will go smoothly and you can even save time, nerves and money. Below you will find tips on how to make your move efficient and stress-free.
Organize early on
Start planning your move as early as possible, ideally as soon as the purchase contract is signed and sealed. Create a checklist of all tasks: Give notice on the old apartment (in Germany, usually observe a 3-month notice period ), arrange a date for the handover of the apartment, re-register your utilities (electricity, gas, internet), submit a forwarding request to the post office and, last but not least, plan the official re-registration of your place of residence.
Many of these things (e.g. appointments at the Citizens’ Registration Office to register the new address) can only be done during working hours – take this into account when planning your schedule. Also clarify in good time whether and how you can take moving leave. Although there is no general legal entitlement to special leave for a private move, some employment or collective agreements grant 1-2 days paid leave in such cases.
If not, plan regular vacation days for the week of the move or use overtime. Your employer will certainly understand if you give good notice of the move – after all, you can quickly concentrate fully on work again after an organized move. Important: Coordinate your vacation requirements with your employer in good time to avoid bottlenecks.
Choose a clever time slot and date
Did you know that the date of the move can affect the cost? If you hire a removal company, the end of the month and weekends are the most expensive, as demand is high at these times. Dates during the week and in the middle of the month are cheaper. So try to schedule your move on a Wednesday or Thursday around the 10th-15th of the month – this is when movers are often available and offer better rates.
The time of day can also play a role: It’s worth starting early to avoid any delays. If you are not hiring a professional company but are moving yourself with helpers and a rented van, also consider the traffic situation – it is sometimes easier to get through the city on weekday mornings than on Saturdays.
Declutter and reduce volume
Moving house is the perfect time to clear out your household contents. Go through your old home room by room and decide what you really want to take with you to your new home. You can sell, donate or dispose of anything you haven’t used for years. Fewer possessions means fewer boxes to move – saving time and transportation costs. In addition, selling furniture or appliances that you don’t need may save you some money.
Make appointments with bulky waste or recycling centers in good time so that large discarded items are gone by the time you move. Clearing out will give you an overview of your possessions and make it much easier to furnish your new home.
Organize tools and packaging at low cost
Moving boxes, bubble wrap and packing materials can be expensive if you buy them new. But there are alternatives: Ask in supermarkets or DIY stores in your area whether you can take sturdy boxes or packaging material (e.g. from goods deliveries) with you free of charge. They often have banana boxes or large cardboard boxes that can still be used.
Also use household items as padding – clothes, towels or blankets are great for wrapping fragile items instead of buying expensive bubble wrap. Also remember to organize enough helpers in good time if friends and family are helping to carry things. Plan a little refreshment for the helpers in the budget (pizza and drinks as a thank you work wonders).
Transportation and logistics
If you are hiring a removal company, get several quotes and compare services. Many companies offer free inspections in advance to estimate the work involved. Clarify whether the price includes dismantling/assembly of furniture, packing or boxing. Check the insurance conditions for any transport damage.
If necessary, organize no-stopping zones in front of both addresses so that the removal van can park directly in front of the door on day X – you must apply to the city for this a few days in advance.If you are moving yourself, reserve a suitable van in good time (tip: rental trucks are often cheaper on weekdays than at weekends). Plan the route and driving times, and remember to schedule enough helpers to ensure that loading and unloading goes quickly.
Special leave and alternative leave of absence
If your employer does not grant special relocation leave, you do not necessarily have to sacrifice your entire annual leave. Check whether you can reduce overtime or use flexitime to gain a day or two off. Some employers also agree to unpaid leave if there is no remaining leave available – it doesn’t cost anything to ask.
Justify your request by stating that a smooth move will ultimately also benefit your work performance because you will have less personal stress afterwards. In practice, a day’s special leave is rare, but many bosses are accommodating if they are informed in good time. If in doubt, plan a little more time – a move almost always takes longer than expected. It’s better to have a day left over at the end than to run out of time at the last minute.
Benefit from taxes and financial advantages
Under certain circumstances, moving can also bring tax advantages. If you move to another city for professional reasons or significantly shorten your commute to work, you can often deduct the relocation costs from your taxes as income-related expenses. For example, the tax office will recognize brokerage fees, transport costs or double rent payments during the relocation phase if the move is work-related.
You can even claim part of the costs of a private move against tax: Up to 20% of the service costs (e.g. for the removal company, max. €4,000) can be deducted from tax as household-related services. So be sure to keep all invoices relating to the move.
If you have to move for health reasons (e.g. to an age-appropriate apartment), moving costs may be considered an extraordinary expense – however, a medical certificate is required and only costs above a reasonable personal burden are recognized. If in doubt, ask your tax advisor what is possible in your situation.
Spare yourself and your nerves
A move is physically exhausting and organizationally demanding. Therefore, give yourself enough breaks and plan realistically. Pack the boxes gradually in the weeks before the move instead of doing everything on the last day. Label boxes clearly according to room and contents to save time when putting things away in your new home. It is better to transport particularly valuable or fragile items yourself in your car. And don’t forget to organize care for children or pets on the day of the move so that you can concentrate fully on the process.
Even if special leave is rarely granted, don’t be discouraged by bureaucratic hurdles – with good planning you will find solutions. A smooth move will save you stress and ensure that you can enjoy your new home right from the start.
Do you have any questions about organizing your move or would you like some tips on what to look out for? Get in touch with us! As an experienced real estate agent, ADEN Immobilien accompanies its clients from the search to the handover of the apartment – we will be happy to advise you on how to plan your move optimally and save costs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Only if it is regulated by collective agreement. Otherwise, vacation or overtime must be taken.
Clear out, organize boxes at a reasonable price, move on weekdays and compare prices from moving companies.
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