Moving company

A moving company is a commercial service provider that handles the transport of furniture, household goods, and personal belongings from one residence to another. Depending on the contract, moving companies may provide only transportation services or a full-service package that includes packing, furniture assembly and disassembly, storage, and disposal. For homebuyers, renters, and sellers, choosing the right moving company is an important and often underestimated step in the process of changing ownership.

Scope of Services and Contract Terms

The range of services offered by moving companies extends from a simple transport order (loading, driving, unloading) to a full-service move. With a full-service move, trained staff handle the professional packing of all items, the disassembly and reassembly of furniture, safe transport with insurance coverage, as well as unpacking and setting up in the new home. The contract with the moving company is based on the General German Freight Forwarding Conditions (ADSP) or the freight law of the German Commercial Code (HGB). Important: Make sure to clarify the scope of liability and insurance coverage for damages before signing the contract.

Additional services often include the storage of household goods in a temporary storage facility (in case of time gaps between moving out and moving in), the disposal of unwanted furniture, the assembly and disassembly of kitchens, and specially secured transport for fragile items such as pianos, works of art, or server systems. Anyone planning a move into a high-rise condominium should definitely check the elevator dimensions and, if necessary, consider reserving a special vehicle (external elevator, furniture lift).

Costs and Pricing

The cost of a move is calculated based on time spent (hourly rate × hours) or as a flat rate. Relevant factors: volume of belongings, distance, floor level, and elevator availability in the old and new apartments, no-parking zone (may need to be applied for separately with the public order office), season (May through September is peak season), and additional services. For a local move within Nuremberg involving a two- to three-person household, €800 to €2,500 is a realistic estimate for the moving service; a full-service move can cost two to three times as much.

When obtaining comparative quotes, you should ensure that all quotes cover the same scope of services-price differences often arise because one provider includes packing and unpacking, furniture assembly, or the provision of packing materials, while another does not. Only by comparing apples to apples can you get a fair picture. Reputable companies always conduct a free on-site visit or at least a detailed video assessment before preparing a quote.

Liability and Insurance During a Move

Professional moving companies are liable for damage to your belongings; however, liability is limited under ADSP and HGB-often to 620 SDR (Special Drawing Rights, approx. €750) per kilogram of damaged goods. For high-value items (artwork, antiques, electronics), we recommend taking out separate transport insurance or declaring their value. Make sure the company has up-to-date liability insurance.

A useful addition is first-risk transport insurance, which reimburses the actual replacement value of damaged or lost items-regardless of weight. Such policies typically cost 0.5-1% of the declared total value and can be purchased directly through the moving company or an independent insurer. We recommend this insurance especially for households with high-value furnishings.

Practical Tip for Homeowners in Nuremberg and Franconia

In Nuremberg, moving dates should be booked as early as possible-at least 6-8 weeks in advance-since good moving companies book up quickly during peak season (spring/summer). Please note: To set up a no-stopping zone in front of the entrance, you must submit an application to the City of Nuremberg’s Public Order Office (lead time approx. 1-2 weeks, cost approx. €30-60 per sign per day). Without a no-stopping zone, moving trucks risk getting tickets and are often forced to double-park, which significantly slows down the move.

We recommend obtaining at least three quotes from local, recommended moving companies and checking for membership in the Federal Association of Furniture Forwarding and Logistics (AMÖ). AMÖ members are committed to uniform quality standards and often offer an arbitration board for disputes. As real estate agents in the Nuremberg metropolitan region, we are happy to provide recommendations for reliable local moving companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a moving company is reputable?

Key indicators: a physical office in Germany, a VAT ID number and business registration, membership in the AMÖ or similar associations, a written quote following an on-site inspection (not just over the phone), clear liability terms, and proof of insurance. Be cautious of extremely low prices without an on-site inspection-additional charges or quality issues are common in such cases. Dubious providers sometimes demand full payment in advance and then fail to show up on moving day.

Can I deduct moving costs from my taxes?

Yes, for a work-related move, the actual transportation costs can be deducted as income-related expenses. Alternatively, clients can claim the moving company’s labor costs under Section 35a of the German Income Tax Act (household-related services)-though only the labor portion of the invoice, up to a maximum of €4,000 in expenses for a 20% tax reduction. Important: The invoice must be paid by bank transfer; cash payments are not tax-deductible.

What to do if the moving company causes damage?

Document any damage immediately after delivery in the presence of the driver in the delivery report, take photographs, and notify the company in writing. The company’s liability generally applies to proven transport damage; the scope of liability under ADSP/HGB is limited. In cases of significant damage, we recommend seeking legal advice from an attorney specializing in transport law. Damage discovered days after the move must be reported within the statutory period (7 days after delivery), as claims may otherwise expire.

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