A few small details may make us spend less money on moving from England to Germany than in the case of last-minute actions.
A few previously foreseen situations may prevent excessive spending.
Moving from England to Germany – saving money
After moving from England to Germany this will surely be an important issue – nobody likes to spend more money than necessary. But the transition to completely “cheap” (things) may turn out to be more expensive in the long term unless you plan everything carefully, or you’ll just get lucky. Planning your moving carefully can save you not only money but also time and trouble.
- You will probably communicate with many people: by phone, e-mail, etc. Start maintaining a register by entering the date, time, who you have talked to and what will happen next. Create files on your computer, one for emails and a notepad, instead of having single pieces of paper at home. This can save you time.
- Throw away everything you don’t use or need. Why bother with rubbish transportation? The transport costs of relocation are closely related to size, so the biggest saving can simply be to sort out your stuff, into the useful ones and into the “rubbish” ones.
- Opt for a moving company in advance. The company representatives will be able to provide you with the best packaging materials and tips. If you decide to do it all by yourself – you’ll have to hire a lorry, write down all your belongings for customs clearance, check parking at both ends of the trip, and do all the hard work.
Moving from England to Germany – currency exchange, taxes, insurance
- You can lose a lot while exchanging money, without previous research in the foreign exchange market. There are international banks that can deal with this for you, or you can simply ask a bank in England to pay your bills and open a bank account for a new, German use.
- If you use a credit card, make sure there are no hidden costs when you use it abroad – this way you can easily arrange your expenses.
- You must notify HMRC. You may face an unpleasant surprise if you do not inform the tax authorities about your moving. If you have savings – the best option is probably getting professional advice about moving.
- Health and social insurance are unavoidable – moreover, treatment is very expensive. You may be entitled to benefits – for your children, for your retirement, but you will have to look at it carefully. Your employer will share the costs, so talk to him and make sure you understand what you have to do, what you have to pay and what benefits you will be entitled to.
- If you speak German, it will be a great advantage. Another advantage may be that you have friends in Germany who can help you with some small things in a foreign country. They will tell you what you should already get in the UK (subject to transport costs) and what is best to buy in Germany.
- Germany is a well-ordered country, so it is not worth acting against the law and risking penalties.
- Before moving from England to Germany, make sure your pets are properly prepared – i.e. documents, rabies vaccines and all other requirements. Remember to plan your trip in advance and do not book last-minute offers because they are much more expensive.
