International Moving Checklist from Germany

Relocating from Germany to another country is a significant life event that requires careful planning across multiple timelines. This checklist provides a structured approach to ensure nothing falls through the cracks during your move.

3 Months Before Moving

Administrative Preparation

• Research visa and residency requirements for your destination country
• Schedule an appointment at the Bürgeramt for deregistration (Abmeldung) — required by German law
• Notify your employer, health insurance (Krankenkasse), and pension fund
• Cancel or redirect German subscriptions, memberships, and contracts
• Request certified copies of important documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates)

Moving Logistics

• Get quotes from professional moving companies — compare air freight and ocean freight options
• Create a detailed inventory of everything you plan to ship
• Identify items to sell, donate, or dispose of (Sperrmüll service for bulky items)
• Check destination country's import restrictions (electronics, food, alcohol, medications)

6 Weeks Before Moving

Packing and Organization

• Begin packing non-essential items — seasonal clothes, books, decorations
• Label every box with content descriptions and destination room
• Create a priority box with essentials for the first week (documents, chargers, toiletries)
• Take photos of electronics and cable setups before disconnecting
• Arrange pet transport if applicable — book flights and complete veterinary requirements

Financial Preparation

• Notify your German bank about the move and set up international banking
• Close or convert German accounts as needed
• File final tax returns or arrange with a Steuerberater for post-departure filing
• Convert currency and arrange payment methods for your destination

2 Weeks Before Moving

• Complete the Abmeldung at the Bürgeramt
• Redirect mail through Deutsche Post's mail forwarding service (Nachsendeauftrag)
• Cancel utility contracts (electricity, gas, internet) with proper notice periods
• Hand in any library cards, gym memberships, or local passes
• Confirm your moving company schedule and provide final inventory
• Pack remaining items and prepare the apartment for the Wohnungsübergabe

Moving Day

• Be present during loading to confirm inventory
• Take meter readings for electricity, gas, and water and photograph them
• Complete the apartment handover protocol with your landlord
• Return keys and confirm deposit return timeline
• Keep essential documents, medications, and valuables in your carry-on luggage

After Arrival

• Register at the local authorities in your new country
• Set up local bank accounts and utility services
• Receive and inspect your shipment — report any damage immediately
• Register children at local schools
• Transfer your driver's license if applicable
• Confirm that your health insurance coverage is active in the new country

How NextDay Drop Supports Your Move

We offer full-service international moving from Germany to destinations worldwide. Our team handles professional packing, customs documentation, shipping, and delivery. We also coordinate pet transport and vehicle shipping as part of comprehensive relocation packages.