Moving out in Berlin: the checklist for expats

3 months before

• Give notice in writing with your signature. For tenants, the legal notice period is usually three months.
• Check your lease for clauses on decorating (Schönheitsreparaturen) and the condition at move-out.
• Book your movers – end-of-month dates go fast.

4–2 weeks before

• Apply for a parking zone (Halteverbot): in Berlin this is usually the district's road office (Straßen- und Grünflächenamt). Allow at least two weeks.
• Declutter: sell, give away or book a clearance for what you won't take.
• Update electricity, internet and the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), and set up mail forwarding (Nachsendeauftrag).
• Agree a handover date with your landlord.

Moving week

• Parking signs must be up at least 72 hours in advance.
• Label boxes by room, not by content.
• Take furniture apart and keep screws in labelled bags.
• Write down and photograph your meter readings.

Handover day

• Hand over the flat 'besenrein' (swept clean): empty, swept, nothing left in the cellar or attic.
• Fill in the handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll) together and make sure any defects are described precisely.
• Return all keys and get a receipt.
• Take dated photos of every room.

After moving in

• Register your new address (Ummeldung) at the Bürgeramt within 14 days. You need the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from your new landlord – the lease alone is not enough.
• Update your address with your bank, health insurance, employer and insurers.