<aside> 💡 Moving into a new German apartment usually means unfurnished rooms and arranging essentials like electricity and furniture. This guide offers clear tips to help you settle in quickly and affordably.
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Flats in Germany are usually unfurnished, often without a kitchen or even light bulbs. Look for "Einbauküche" in ads if you want a fitted kitchen. Sometimes you can buy the previous tenant’s kitchen or use one provided by the landlord free with rent.
Furnished flats save time but are pricier. Renting unfurnished and furnishing cheaply can be more economical.
When moving in, electricity and water are usually connected. You must sign your own electricity contract; water is billed by the landlord.
Use Check24 to compare electricity and internet providers (site in German, English guide available).
Read your electricity meter (often in the basement) to register; ask your landlord if unsure which is yours.
Arrange internet early, as installation may need a technician
In Germany, every household must pay the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), funding public radio and TV. It applies per household, regardless of usage.
After registering your address (Anmeldung), you usually get the payment notice automatically; if not, register on the official site.
In shared flats, the fee is paid once and can be split among tenants. Non-payment may lead to legal consequences.
Find affordable second-hand furniture on Kleinanzeigen, where private sellers list items mostly in German. Create an account, contact sellers, and arrange cash payment and pickup. Use Google Translate or a friend to help with communication. For transport, hire a “Möbel-Taxi” or rent a car.
IKEA offers low-cost furniture and household items with optional delivery for large goods.
Social department stores sell cheap furniture and goods, often requiring income proof. Since staff may not speak English, bring a translator if needed.
<aside> 💡 Sewan-Kaufhaus, Sewanstraße 186, 10319 Berlin (In this store you can prove your income and get another 30% discount on the items)
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Nochmall, Auguste-Viktoria-Allee 99-100, 13403 Berlin-Reinickendorf
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<aside> 💡 Das Sozialwarenhaus, Roedernallee 88 – 90, 13437 Berlin
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