Moving abroad is so much more than just transporting boxes from A to B - it's the start of a completely new life. To ensure that this adventure doesn't descend into chaos, clever planning and knowing the right steps are worth their weight in gold. Instead of letting bureaucracy and logistics overwhelm you, I'll show you how you can overcome the typical hurdles with a good structure.
A successful move abroad starts in the head
The thought of moving to another country is exciting, but can also quickly become overwhelming. It is a huge project that needs to be well prepared mentally and organizationally. Many Germans dare to take this step, especially often in neighboring countries such as Switzerland. But instead of sticking to rigid schedules, it's much smarter to divide the whole process into logical phases. This gives you a flexible framework with which you can always keep track of things.
By the way, Switzerland is not so popular for nothing. Many people from German-speaking countries have been drawn there for years. Around20,695 emigrationsof German citizens are expected to come to Switzerland in 2026 – in addition to the around324,000 Germans who already live there. This trend shows how important professional and smooth logistics are. You can find out more about the development of emigration goals atZDFheute nachlesen.
A well-planned move is not a rigid corset, but an adaptable timetable. Flexibility is the key to being able to react to the unexpected without losing sight of the big goal.
The following infographic shows you the four central phases that will serve as a common thread for your entireMoving abroadMoving abroad
As you can see, a move abroad begins long before you first pack and is only really complete when you move in You have arrived at your new home and are set up.
Every international move can be divided into four core phases. This overview will help you structure the process and not forget anything important.
The four phases of your move at a glance
| Phase | Time window before the move | Core tasks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Long-term preparation | 12–6 months | Research the target country, plan finances, obtain initial offers, clear out |
| 2. Concrete planning | 6–2 months | Cancel contracts (apartment, cell phone), book transport, apply for documents |
| 3. The hot phase | From 2 months | Pack systematically, create an inventory list, carry out address changes |
| 4. Arriving & settling in | After the move | Registering with the authorities, setting up an apartment, building a new social network |
These phases give you a clear structure that you can follow to tackle your move step by step.
Your foundation: the long-term preparation
A relaxedMoving abroaddoesn't just start with Packing boxes, but alreadysix to twelve monthsbefore. This early phase is crucial because this is where you set the course for the entire process. It's not about packing lists yet, but about the big strategy.
Take the time now to delve deeply into the research for your target country. Clarify the visa requirements, get a realistic picture of the cost of living and check the exact requirements for a work permit. At the same time, this is the perfect moment to take an honest inventory of your household.
Every item that you don't take with you will ultimately save you money and spare your nerves. Be radical and ask yourself: What is really indispensable and what is just baggage?
You can also start by getting initial offers from international moving companies. Don't just compare the price, but above all the depth of the service. Do you need complete customs clearance, or is flexible additional loading via a platform like TIXPI sufficient for a few favorite items? By usingdie ersten Schritte frühzeitig planen, you will keep costs under control much better.
Check important documents and insurance
At this early stage, you should definitely check the validity of your most important documents. An expired passport can throw the whole schedule off course.
- Passport:Is it still valid long enough, even for possible visa applications that may drag on?
- Driver's license:Does it have to be rewritten, or do you need an international version?
- Birth and marriage certificates:Are certified copies or even translations required? Clarify this early on.
An often underestimated but absolutely essential point is health insurance. Find out whether your protection abroad even applies or whether a new policy is necessary. For some, theAuslandskrankenschutz der Amex Platinumcan be an interesting option.
By the way, you are not alone with this big step. Emigration is an integral part of modern mobility and creates a high demand for reliable logistics. In the year alone2024were759,630 removalsregistered by people with German citizenship, as you can read inaktuellen Migrationsbericht des BAMF.
The critical phase: eight weeks before the move
Time is running out! About two months before yourMoving abroadthe hot phase begins in which plans have to become final decisions. Now you have reached the point where you are taking binding steps that are difficult or impossible to reverse. Your administrative marathon is reaching its climax.
Now is the moment to terminate all current contracts. Don't just think about the rental agreement, but really everything: electricity, gas, internet and all subscriptions such as newspapers or streaming services. My tip from experience: Never underestimate the notice periods. A single missed date can cost you unnecessary money that you could put to much better use in your new home.
A small but crucial trick that is often forgotten: Set up a forwarding order abroad at the post office. This way you can ensure that important letters from authorities or banks still reach you even after the move.
Approach your banks and insurance companies proactively now. Inform them about your move and clarify which contracts are perhaps even internationally valid and which you have to cancel and conclude again in the new country.
Finalize the transport and pack it systematically
You should now finally book the transport of your household goods. Think carefully about what is right for you.Sea freightis usually the cheaper option, but requires patience - expect it to take several weeks.Air freightis quick, but also significantly more expensive. It's not just about the price, but also about the delivery times and the associated risks.
At the same time the big packing begins. Create a detailed inventory list – ideally in German and in the language of your target country. This list is not only worth its weight in gold for insurance if something goes wrong, but also an absolute must for smooth customs clearance.
In order not to lose track of the packing chaos, a simple system has proven itself:
- Proceed room by room:Start where you need things the least. The basement, guest room or the bookshelves are a good starting point.
- Label clearly and clearly:Mark each box not only with the contents, but also with the target room (e.g. “Kitchen – glasses & cups”). This will save you hours of searching later.
- Pack a “first night box”:Everything you need to have at hand in the first 24 hours in your new home goes here: important documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, charging cables and some tools.
With this systematic preparation you will take up most of the moving day of his terror and ensure that arriving in your new life is much more relaxed.
Customs, transport and the art of safe packaging
Logistics is the heart of everyMoving abroad. To be honest: choosing the right transport partner is crucial to the success of your project. This is especially true when it comes to smooth customs processing.
A professional shipping company that takes care of the entire customs process is an invaluable help, especially when moving outside the EU. Familiarize yourself with the exact import regulations of your destination country early on. Although there are often generous allowances for personal belongings, significant fees can quickly arise for certain things.
A detailed and absolutely truthful inventory list is your most important document at customs. It is the basis for fast, problem-free processing and prevents expensive delays or additional payments.
The right packaging is the best insurance
A piece of advice from experience: Never skimp on packaging material. Every franc you save here can quickly be multiplied by transport damage. Stable, double-walled boxes, plenty of cushioning material such as bubble wrap and packing silk are the best insurance for your belongings.
For valuable or bulky pieces of furniture, a professional service for disassembly and assembly can be a huge relief. Providers like TIXPI provide experienced teams who ensure that your furniture arrives safely and is immediately ready for use in the new home. You will also find suitable solutions for more complex logistics such as moving from Switzerland to Germany. You can find out more in ourLeitfaden zum Umzug aus der Schweiz nach Deutschland.
Insurance and transport options
Be sure to check the transport company's standard liability. Often this only covers a fraction of the actual value. An additional, separate moving insurance that covers the new value of all your household goods gives you the necessary security and a more peaceful sleep.
Mobility in border regions is a strong driver for the transport industry. In 2023, for example, around27,100 GermansBaden-Württemberg left for abroad. Many of them also return, which only underlines the need for flexible and reliable cross-border logistics solutions. You can read more about these regional migration movements in theVeröffentlichungen des Statistischen Landesamtes Baden-Württemberg.
Arrive and master the first steps in your new life
The moving truck is empty and the boxes are in the apartment - but those who believe that the worst is over are often mistaken. Now the phase begins that turns a new place into a real home. Your first priority after theMoving abroad: going to the local authorities to register. Don't see it as a chore, but rather as the key to your new life. Without this registration, often nothing works - no bank account, no cell phone contract, no registration with electricity and water suppliers.
As soon as your goods arrive, you should check them immediately. Take the time to compare the freight with your inventory list. If you discover even the smallest scratch, document it immediately with photos. Report transport damage to the shipping company and your insurance company without hesitation. Attention: The deadlines for this are often extremely short, sometimes just a few days. Anyone who hesitates here will be left with the damage.
Start by unpacking your carefully prepared “first night box”. It contains everything you need for the first 24 hours - from toiletries to charging cables to important documents - and is worth its weight in gold for a stress-free start.
Then it's time for the big unpacking. My tip: proceed strategically. First, focus on the rooms you need most, i.e. the kitchen and bedroom. Everything else can wait.
Finding your way in a new environment
Settling in means more than just assembling furniture. It's about really arriving. So get out there and explore your new neighborhood carefully.
- Where is the nearest supermarket?Find not just one, but perhaps also the little shop around the corner with the better products.
- Are there doctors nearby who speak your language?An important question that should be answered before you need it.
- How does local public transport work?Do it Take a test ride on a bus or train to get a feel for the routes and frequency.
A social network is at least as important as a furnished apartment. Dare! Local clubs, sports groups or online communities for expats are invaluable resources for quickly finding connections. If you would like to know more about how to SPLIT, you will find many useful tips in our guide. In this way, the new place of residence is transformed into a home in no time.im neuen Quartier ankommen und sich schnell integrierenFrequently asked questions about moving abroad
Moving abroad is exciting, but it also brings with it a lot of questions. We have collected the most common concerns for you and provide our tried-and-tested answers here. This way you can safely navigate through the planning and avoid typical stumbling blocks.
How much does moving abroad really cost?
A general answer would be dubious, because the costs depend on many factors: the volume of your things, the type of transport (sea or air freight) and of course the distance.
But to give you a rough idea, here are a few guideline values from ours Experience:
Plan for this between
- Here the sum can quickly increase toA move within Europe:Moving within Europe.3,000 and 7,000 CHF
- The crucial tip is: Get at least three detailed offers from specialized shipping companies. Don't just compare the final price, but pay close attention to what is included. Are customs duties, insurance or packaging service already included? This is the only way to get a clear picture of the real total costs.Intercontinental Moving:Do I have to pay customs duties for my moving goods?10,000 CHF or more
That depends entirely on your destination country. Within the EU, things are simple: there are no customs fees for your personal belongings. However, if you move to a third country such as Switzerland, the USA or Great Britain, the world looks different.
The good news: Almost all countries know the regulations for so-called “relocation goods”. This means that your personal effects can usually be imported duty-free.
Das kommt ganz auf Ihr Zielland an. Innerhalb der EU ist die Sache einfach: Für Ihr persönliches Umzugsgut fallen keine Zollgebühren an. Ziehen Sie jedoch in ein Drittland wie die Schweiz, die USA oder Grossbritannien, sieht die Welt anders aus.
Die gute Nachricht: Fast alle Länder kennen die Regelung für sogenanntes „Übersiedlungsgut“. Das heisst, Ihre persönlichen Gebrauchsgegenstände können in der Regel zollfrei eingeführt werden.
However, certain conditions must be met for this to happen. In most cases, you will need to prove that the items have been yours for at least six months and are only intended for personal use. Be careful with new goods, vehicles or large quantities of alcohol and tobacco - customs duties and taxes are almost always due here. Your most important tool for a smooth process is a precise and complete inventory list.
What is the most important formality that I must not forget?
Among all the tasks, there is one whose importance is often underestimated: theofficial deregistration of your place of residencein the home country. This is more than just a bureaucratic obligation - it is the key to cutting ongoing costs.
Without the deregistration certificate, many contracts simply continue to run. For example, you cannot cancel your health insurance or various subscriptions early and you pay for services that you no longer use. It can also lead to tax problems if you are suddenly considered a tax resident in two countries. So be sure to take this step seriously and do it early.
How do I find a reputable international shipping company?
Choosing the right transport partner is half the battle for a successful move. You can recognize a reputable company by a few clear characteristics.
Look for internationally recognized certifications such asorganizes your entire move - from planning to transport to optional furniture assembly on site. Get your transparent instant offer now and take the first step into your new adventure at(Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux) or.(International Association of Movers). Such associations oblige their members to high quality standards. Also read current reviews on independent portals and ask specifically about experiences with moving to your target country. A professional will also always offer you an in-person or virtual viewing for an accurate volume estimate before a binding, written offer is made. With the right planning and a reliable partner, the start of your new life will be a success.
Moving abroadUmzug ins AuslandTIXPITIXPIorganisiert Ihren kompletten Umzug – von der Planung über den Transport bis hin zur optionalen Möbelmontage vor Ort. Holen Sie sich jetzt Ihr transparentes Sofort-Angebot und machen Sie den ersten Schritt in Ihr neues Abenteuer unterTIXPI.