A general moving checklist

Determine your moving date and create a timeline. Make a list of tasks to be completed before, during, and after the move. Create a budget for moving expenses.

It is important to cancel the tenancy agreement in good time.

Make a moving notification and update your address in time before moving to ensure banks, job centres, or insurance providers, and other relevant institutions have the correct address.

The school or, if applicable, your place of work or offices will also need the new address. Ensure you point out data protection or the setting up a blocking notice everywhere in case someone enquires about your new address.

Remember that a redirection request is not secure, as it will be sent to your previous address and will contain your new place of residence.

If you are re-registering, you can apply for an information block due to domestic violence and endangerment so that nobody can enquire about your new address at the Citizens' Registration Office.

Notify utility companies (electricity, water, internet, etc.) to schedule disconnection or transfer of services.

Cancel any existing subscriptions or services that you will no longer require.

Gather packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Start packing non-essential items well in advance. Label boxes according to rooms and contents to make unpacking easier.

In the event of an escape, please pack the most important documents and belongings and store them outside your home. (see security plan)

Research and contact moving companies to obtain quotes and schedule your move. Compare prices, services, and reviews to select a reliable and reputable moving company.

If you don't use moving services, remember to ask well in advance for help from friends and family.

In the event of an escape, your safety comes first. You can still get things out of the apartment later with police protection, friends or a court application.

Clean the house thoroughly before moving out. Make any necessary repairs or arrange for professional services if required by your rental agreement or to prepare the house for sale.

Notify friends, family, and important contacts about your upcoming move. Provide them with your new address and contact information.

If you leave your home for safety reasons, only give people close to you a new telephone number to contact you. It protects others if they do not know where you are.

Prepare a bag with essential items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, toys and snacks.

Conduct a final walkthrough of your current home to ensure everything is packed and in order. Document any existing damage to the property if necessary.

Ensure that the proper condition is recorded in the handover protocol.

Be present during the move to supervise and provide necessary instructions. If there is any risk of violence, take someone with you. Keep important documents and valuables with you rather than packing them in the moving truck.

Take your time to unpack. If you had to flee from violence, please use a new SIM card from now on and make sure that your whereabouts cannot be tracked.

If you are subject to the residence obligation or have a residence requirement and were unable to apply for permission to move or redistribution before fleeing, please do so immediately. Seek advice on this (see also the chapter on victims' rights).

If you receive Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld), inform the Job Centre responsible for you and have the joint family file separated. The job centre can make a blocking note on your new file so that no one receives information about your new place of residence. The job centre may also change if you have a new registration address.

If you have children, inform the local youth welfare office that you and the children are safe. Leave a telephone number, not your new whereabouts.