Whenever you move you should know beforehand what costs are involved. This also depends on the decision: on your own or with the help of a professional.

This is a fundamental question everyone should ask themselves. Savers invest their own time and energy and involve friends. Others leave the change of residence to service providers who are familiar with it. But it does not have to be an either-or decision. Moving companies also only take care of the transport and leave the packing of the boxes to the movers.

Hidden costs of moving yourself

Do it yourself is in vogue – but a complete set of household goods cannot be managed alone. So they say: round up friends and make them haul boxes on their weekends off. What if the best buddy’s TV slips out of his hands? Then the whole calculation backfires. Because insurance companies only pay for the damage in exceptional cases.

And even if the removal goods arrive safely in the new apartment – a lot of stress, time and work is certain. Furniture does not assemble and disassemble itself, boxes have to be packed, the removal van rented and returned. A van costs about 80 to 100 euros per day. On top of that there are costs for petrol and kilometres driven.

Moving companies save time and work

Moving companies do not have to be expensive. The daily flat rate for an inner-city move of a three-room apartment and 40 cubic metres of cargo volume is around 600 euros. Included in the luggage: Enough removal helpers and insurance for your belongings. This can be worth gold, especially with expensive electronic devices and furniture. However, self-packed boxes are not insured and cost relatively cheaper.

The all-round, carefree alternative is therefore: put your legs up and let others do the move in a relaxed manner. The professionals will take care of everything: the purchase of the moving boxes, packing and unpacking, and assembling and dismantling the furniture. With this, they get their man with a van service in order to expedite the process.

You don’t even have to worry about tiresome formalities, such as applying for no-parking zones. The amount of the costs always depends on how many pieces of furniture, boxes and clothes are on their way to the new apartment and also how much space they take up in the removal van. There are also differences in price among the removal companies themselves, so it is worthwhile to get and compare several offers.

Deduct moving from tax

People who change their place of residence for professional reasons can deduct this as income-related expenses, for example if this reduces the commute to work by one hour. Private removals can be claimed as household-related services.