Why Choose White & Company?
Planning to move to Berlin in the near future? Here’s just a few reasons why you should consider White & Company as your designated removals specialist:
- Offices & storage depots in the UK
- Door-to-door packing & removals
- Part of the FIDI & OMNI international relocation network
- Award winning service – Overseas Mover of the Year 2016
- Packing using our bespoke protective materials
- Comprehensive insurance
- Customs clearance arranged
- Tailored removals package to fit your needs and budget
We’re members of the British Association of Removers, FIDI & OMNI and have been providing removal and shipping services to destinations all over the world for more than 135 years.
Whether you’re moving from Portsmouth to Berlin, or the Essex countryside to Bavaria our highly trained removals team are equipped to deliver to any German city or town.
Our European removals service
Our extensive fleet of vehicles, specialist local knowledge and experienced staff make us the standout choice for all removals to Germany.
We can arrange a free no obligation home survey and quotation, carried out by one of our qualified surveyors. They will answer any questions you have and offer advice where necessary.
The survey will determine the volume of effects you will be shipping. The total cost of shipment is based on the space your effects will take up in our vehicles.
Regular removals to Berlin
We offer weekly removals services to and from Berlin.
This includes either full load consignments that take your belongings direct from point A to B, or part loads that are delivered shortly after your arrival.
Our extensive fleet of vehicles, specialist local knowledge and experienced staff make us the standout choice for all removals to Berlin.
We can arrange a free no obligation home survey and quotation, carried out by one of our qualified surveyors. They will answer any questions you have and offer advice where necessary.
The survey will determine the volume of effects you will be shipping. The total cost of shipment is based on the space your effects will take up in our vehicles.
Export Packing & Wrapping Service
When the client has accepted the quoted price and a move date has been secured, the vehicle and removal team will arrive at residence.
The removal team will proceed to export pack and wrap all items being transported in special breathable bubble wrap.
Special made-to-measure wooden creates can also be used for difficult to move or fragile items.
Customs Clearance
Our dedicated team in Berlin will ensure all the relevant paperwork and customs clearance is processed correctly. They will arrange the unloading and unpacking of your household goods.
Storage facilities
White & Company offers secure containerised storage facilities via its own depots.
We have 19 strategically placed storage facilities throughout the UK to choose from and our partners in Germany can also offer you storage should you require it.
All our warehouses are clean, dry, secure and accredited to European Standard BS EN 14873.
Insurance For Removals To Berlin
Despite our best efforts sometimes items get damaged or things go amiss. White & Company always try to minimise problems during the moving process. That’s why we offer limited liability insurance.
Marine insurance is a key consideration when shipping overseas. We recommend you consider protecting your valuable personal possessions while in transit or storage with our ‘All Risk’ Marine Standard Liability cover.
Marine Insurance Cover is offered to you on receipt of a completed Overseas Valuation Form. Such insurance cover is ‘Comprehensive’ and ‘All Risk’ and is based on the values as declared by you on the Overseas Valuation Form.
Moving to Berlin? Get a removals quote
Preparing for Your Move To Berlin
Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. The city has risen like a phoenix from flames to position itself as one of Europe’s truly ‘multi-kulti’ cities with up to 13% of its population having been born outside of Germany.
With cycle friendly roads, fresh beer on every street corner and more vegan eateries than the whole of Los Angeles, Berlin sports a laid back attitude and welcoming climate for people of all ages and cultures.
In fact according to the BBC Travel Website Berlin is described as “a fun, modern, extremely liveable city, with low rents, large apartments, sensible prices, good food, a thriving cultural and art scene, and excellent day-care and kindergartens”.
You will want the peace of mind which only comes from transporting your personal belongings with a major moving company and one which has stood the test of time.
Germany is a particularly busy destination for us. Currently we carry out 5-15 moves per week to and from Germany which means we have gained an intimate knowledge of the country.
You can rest assurance that mo matter what the challenge may be, there is nothing we have not already encountered.
Having said this, there are some things you will need to take into consideration before you depart the UK for Berlin.
Below are some useful tips to consider before you move:
- Register: Citizens of the EU do not need a visa to enter or live in Germany. However, this may change for UK residents when the UK leaves the EU. Keep abreast of developments on moving to Europe after Brexit here.
- Research: before you buy a property and consult independent legal advice – most properties In city centres will be expensive apartments but the further outside of the centre you venture you’ll find larger plots of lands and even some estates.
- Rent before you buy: This will give you time to decide which part of the city would suit your requirements: close to the busy centre or in the suburbs which cater more for families. There is something for everyone and much will depend on your personal circumstances.
- Healthcare: Your company may be covering the cost of private health insurance. If not, research what public healthcare you are entitled to or consider private options.
Popular Destinations We Cover in Berlin
- Charlottenburg
- Friedrichshain
- Kreuzberg
- Mitte
- Moabit
- Neukolln
- Prenzlauer Berg
- Schoneberg
FAQs
Several factors will be included when calculating the cost of your move:
Distance our vehicles have to travel to get to you
The volume of your effects (and the space they take up in the vehicle)
Customs documents
Sundry fees such as ferry crossing costs, and
Any special parking permit arrangements at destination
Difficult or heavy items like pianos, may require a hoist if stairwells or lifts are not large enough.
These extra services can be costly as they must be arranged independently on the German side. Our estimator will let you know if he thinks there could be any potential problems in this regard.
Although prices are not cheap, with no restrictions for foreigners those interested in buying property in Berlin may still do so and prices are cheaper than over European capitals, including Amsterdam and Paris.
Transaction costs can range from 7–12% for buyers on top of the purchase price. You must ensure you have a reliable real estate agent (Immobilienmakler) and a good lawyer.
When you have found a property, it can typically take four or five weeks to complete the deal. The steps are as follows:
Investigate mortgages and get an offer in principle.
Find a suitable property.
Make an offer.
The notary will draw up the sale contract.
Finalise the mortgage.
Sign the contract.
Notary registers the sale.
Finding a property may well prove harder than the actual process. You can search for flats and houses, based on your exact requirements (such as budget, rooms and location) online.
You need to register in Germany before you are able to open a German bank account. Make an appointment with the bank and take your passport and confirmation of your registration or (Meldebescheinigung) document.
The most common account is called a Giro account. It is like a checking account or current account and various banks offer various services for differing fees with a Giro account.
Some of the popular banks for those who speak English are Deutsche Bank (they offer all services in English). The N26 Bank, also called Number26 offer their services in English, but you have to specifically request an English-speaking employee.
Online accounts require you to have a basic command of the German language. Many Brits start with the basic account and once their German improves, they move to using the online system.
Berlin is divided into 12 different neighbourhoods, each with its own individual vibe and feel. Whether you are a student looking to party or an expanding family looking for a more chilled out part of town, Berlin has something for everyone.
Some of the most popular ‘neighbourhoods’ include:
Prenzlauer Berg: Once considered a rundown part of the city, the redevelopment of the area has taken some years but its closeness to parks and good schools means it is now synonymous with young families.
Steglitz and ZehlendorfL These are also areas best suited to those searching for a quiet neighbourhood to live in with children.
Friedrichshain: A favourite neighbourhood for students. The busy street of Simon-Dach Strasse is lined with bars and restaurants serving up diverse cuisine.
Mitte: Perfect for professional and located close to some of the largest companies in central Berlin. Homes here are mostly high-rise modern apartments not suitable for children. There are plenty of places for meet ups after work in the clubs and bars close by.
With a burgeoning economy built on migration the German job market has much to offer expats in a range of sectors, most notably in the automotive industry and finance services.
Looking for a job in Germany can be a cause of great frustration however due to the high levels of bureaucracy involved and your search will take time and patience.
Currently one in five expats in Germany work in the IT industry and people with the right skills are highly sought after. Other high demand areas of employment are managerial roles, researchers, engineers, doctors, nurses and medical assistants.
Knowing where to look for employment and what skills are in demand is just one piece of the puzzle. Despite being a multi-lingual country with high levels of spoken English, learning and having a good grasp of Germany will strengthen your chances of securing highly paid employment.
There are several good online recruitment agencies who will point you in the right direction, and can offer services such as CV preparation and useful interview techniques, tips and general advice.
Germany has greater support for tenants than many other countries, with three million tenants belonging to tenancy organisations that offer support on issues such as disputes with landlords.
Meeting your prospective landlord early in the process is a very good idea and it could save you money.
While most landlords will price their property to cover their expenses, some actually charge below market rate if they are sure their home will be in good hands.
Before you will be able to sign a proper contract (mieten) you will need to open a bank account in Germany. A German bank account and a German address are required to get a SCHUFA Auskunft (credit check document).
You will be asked to complete a form called a Bewerbungsbogen (registering your interest to rent).
The form is filled in, scanned and e-mailed through to the estate agent. In addition, some extra documentation is required.
A copy of your passport or ID card
A copy of your SCHUFA Auskunft
Proof of earnings for the last 3 months (payslips), or a letter from your accountant /Steuerberater
A letter from your previous landlord confirming you have no debts to them
As a guide to the cost of renting, according to Numbeo the cost of living web site, you can expect to pay €878 (£757) per month for an apartment in the centre of Berlin.
What Others Say…
” The service was excellent the boys were bright, cheerful and funny, they made the move easy for my husband and myself. “
“I am not prove to writing ‘gushy’ thank you letters but I cannot commend your removal team enough. From the beginning they were polite, hard working and positive. Nothing was too much trouble.”
“The removal guys were excellent throughout the day of the move. We couldn’t have asked for better!”
“A excellent firm that made our move as stress free as possible. The staff were friendly and courteous at all times. worked efficiently and carefully – couldn’t ask for more. Would certainly recommend them. “
