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Moving into a new apartment in Germany often means dealing with unfurnished spaces, requiring you to arrange for essentials like kitchens and furnitures. From securing electricity contracts to furnishing your space affordably, this guide offers precise insights and practical tips to streamline your transition into your new German home.
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Normally, flats in Germany are unfurnished, which can mean that there is no kitchen in the flat and that even light bulbs are not installed. If you are looking for a flat with a fitted kitchen, it is best to look for the term "Einbauküche" in the advert. If your previous tenant had a fitted kitchen, you may be able to buy it from him for an extra charge. Sometimes the landlord has installed a kitchen which you can use free of charge and is included in the rent. If you want to save money on furnishings, you can look for furnished flats. However, these are often much more expensive and it may be worth renting an unfurnished flat and then furnishing it cheaply.
When you move into a new apartment electricity and water will be available. However, you must conclude a separate contract for the supply of electricity, while the use of water is billed by your landlord. A good way to get an overview of different electricity providers is the comparison portal Check24. As this website is in German, there is also an English guide on how to use the website.
To register for electricity, you must read the current electricity consumption on the meter. These meters are often located in the basement, if you don't know where the meter for your flat/room is, contact your landlord.
In unfurnished flats and in some cases also in furnished flats, tenants have to provide their own Internet access. The website Check24 also provides an overview of various Internet providers. It is important to take care of the Internet access in good time, as a technician usually has to come to set it up and appointments are often not immediately available.
Every household in Germany is obliged to pay the broadcasting fee, as it is assumed that every household has access to radio and the internet. The fee is used to subsidize the state radio and television stations. Normally, after registering at the city registration office (Anmeldung), you will automatically receive a letter asking you to pay the fee. If you do not receive the letter automatically, it is best to register yourself on the website. Legal action will be taken if you fail to pay the fee. It is charged per household, so if you live in a shared flat, the fee can be split between the flatmates.
You can find a lot of used and cheap furniture on the website https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/. It is a platform on which private individuals buy and sell used items. You can create an account there and then search for specific items. To buy something, you write a message to the respective seller and can view the item at the seller's premises and then usually buy it for cash. Be aware that most of the adverts are in German and most of the communication is in German. It is best to use Google Translate or ask your buddy for support. You usually have to pick up the items on Kleinanzeigen yourself and transport them to you. In some cities there are so-called 'Möbel-Taxis', which you can also find on Kleinanzeigen or on the internet. They can transport your purchased items to your home for a certain price. Another alternative is to hire a rental car.
Another cheap option for furnishing is the IKEA shop. There you will find all kinds of items such as furniture, crockery, home textiles, cooking utensils, plants and decorative items. For large items, IKEA also offers home delivery for an extra charge.
Another favorable alternative are social department stores. These often offer some household items and clothing at very favorable prices. In some shops you have to register and prove that you have a low income. In other shops, you only have to prove your income to get further discounts. Ideally, bring your buddy or someone who can translate with you if you have to register. As the staff in these shops often do not speak English.
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Möbel & Flingern, Fichtenstr. 42, 40233 Düsseldorf (In this store you can prove your income and get another 30% discount on the items)
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Sozialkaufhaus Wertvoll, Harffstraße 40, 40591 Düsseldorf
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