Moving from Berlin to Cologne

On a long-distance move from Berlin to Cologne, the route sets a large part of the planning. When is the loading, when the driving and when the unloading? And who has the keys at both addresses?

The route: A115, A2 and A1

A usual route leaves Berlin on the A115 for the A2 towards Hanover and on into the Ruhr area, then takes the A1 to Cologne. The A2 is one of the busiest lorry routes in the country, and roadworks and jams around Magdeburg, Hanover and Bielefeld are not unusual. A car covers the distance without a break in just under six hours. A removal lorry is slower, and many removal vehicles fall under the EU driving and rest rules: after four and a half hours of driving at the latest, a break of at least 45 minutes is then compulsory. With loading and unloading, it becomes a long day.

One day or two?

A move from Berlin to Cologne in a single day is possible if loading starts early and unloading in Cologne can happen in the evening. For larger households, a two-day schedule may be more practical, depending on the volume of furniture, access at both addresses and the moving company's availability: loading in Berlin on the first day, driving and unloading in Cologne on the second. That can ease the schedule. If the moving team needs an overnight stay, its cost should be included in the quote.

If the new flat in Cologne is not free yet, the company can store the furniture in between. Ask about it before letting two tenancies overlap.

Part loads for smaller moves

Anyone moving only a room or a few pieces of furniture may be able to save costs with a part load, if a suitable transport is available. With a part load, your things travel in a vehicle that is on the route anyway. That is often cheaper, but the date is less your own choice. Say in your request whether that would suit you.

No-parking zones at both ends

Whether a no-parking zone is needed at one address or both depends on whether the vehicle can stop there legally and close enough. In Berlin you apply to the district office for the district of your old address, in Cologne to the city. The signs have to be up some days before the date, and the dates have to fit the plan, especially if the work runs over two days. Many moving companies make both applications.

What decides the price

The distance is fixed. What sets quotes apart is the amount of furniture and boxes, floors and lifts at both addresses, whether the work takes one day or two, and extras such as packing, furniture assembly or storage. How a long-distance move is made up is explained in Long-distance moves: planning the cost.

After moving in, you usually have two weeks to register at the citizens' office in Cologne.