Questions and answers about moving

Many questions suddenly arise in the context of the upcoming move: after all, relocation and moving to a new property affects many important areas of our lives. As a professional removal service provider in and around Berlin, at Schwalbe Removals we not only have professional equipment and trained experts. We also have extensive knowledge and can answer all your common questions due to our many years of experience.

Do you have any other important questions you would like to ask us? Simply contact us by phone, WhatsApp or e-mail. If the question is of general interest to our customers, we will be happy to include it in our list of questions. Now we hope you enjoy reading our Transfer FAQ and get lots of valuable and informative information.

Your questions about moving boxes and packing

We usually require a lead time of two business days to send the moving boxes to you through our shipping service providers. In urgent cases, just call us and we will prepare everything for collection at our company headquarters. You can then easily collect the required boxes and packing materials from us during our regular business hours.

We will conveniently deliver the items for your move to your doorstep free of charge through the shipping service provider of your choice. Of course, you can also get moving boxes from us. You will find us at 13403 Kienhorststraße 99 in Berlin.

You can use normal moving boxes for packaging “normal” furnishings, accessories, stationery, folders, various shelf materials, and electronic equipment. You should pack light and small items in these types of boxes, as the maximum weight of these boxes is usually 15 to 20 kg. 

Book boxes should also be packed with approximately the maximum weight. 20 kg. Apart from books, boxes are also suitable for files, records and other heavy items. Clothes boxes are typically designed for “hanging” wardrobe items as well as bed linens, sheets and similar items. There are special inserts for shoes or you can put them in the bottom of clothes boxes.

Make sure to place heavy items on the floor and then “pile” lighter items on top of that. It is important to keep carrying handles free and label boxes accordingly so that everything ends up in the right place.

Don’t underestimate the weight of moving boxes. We recommend that you hire a professional removal company so that you do not injure your back while carrying the removal items. If you prefer to proceed with this step yourself.

Your questions about the moving process

It depends on the amount of your move and the distance to be covered. We usually perform small removals within a few hours. Generally, if you are moving around Berlin and the surrounding area and have regular commuting to and from management, you should count towards one working day. Apart from the pure working time to carry out the job, there is also the arrival and departure time and set-up time of our removal assistants.

The processing time at the responsible road traffic authority in Berlin should be as quickly as possible. At certain times, applications are backed up and wait times can be long. It is best to inform us a few months before the planned relocation date so that we can focus on the application for no-stopping zone with the relevant authority. The corresponding prohibition signs are usually erected 72 hours before the no-stopping zone comes into effect.

Please completely empty all drawers and bins of furniture. While transporting furniture, we may have to tilt it or place it on its side. If the furniture is not cleaned properly, the items inside may fall to the floor and break. We prepare empty cabinets and remaining furniture for the upcoming transportation. We remove the shelves and add supports so that the shelves can be placed back in their normal location after transfer. We secure drawers and cupboard doors with special straps and other devices to prevent damage and enable careful transportation.

Yes, we recommend that you empty the refrigerator and freezer in a timely manner and allow the appliances to defrost. After moving into your new apartment or house, wait for approx. 1-2 hours before restarting the refrigeration units.

Yes, as part of overloading (also known as small shipment Berlin), we transport your goods using free space in trucks or containers that are on the way to the same destination. This enables us to offer particularly favorable prices. Temporary storage is also possible at some locations to save additional costs. Simply contact our logistics experts so we can find the right solution to transport your goods.

No, for insurance reasons unfortunately it is not possible for you to travel to the new address in the removal van. Transportation of live animals is also not covered in insurance policies and hence is not possible. We ask for your understanding here.

Other frequently asked questions and our answers

If you are unable to take all of your furnishings or entire household items with you to your new home, we offer you a simple way to store them in our modern storage areas. Here, your household items can be stored in a dry and safe environment for a long time without getting damaged. Please contact us in advance so that we can reserve and have the appropriate storage capacity available for you.

Our removal crews take utmost care to prevent damage to removal items and your property as much as possible. Still, unfortunately damage can always happen. We are adequately insured against damage. The basic obligation is 620 euros per cubic meter of removal goods. This is stipulated by law in §451e of the German Commercial Code. Additionally, we have special commercial liability and transport insurance to ensure that you are comprehensively covered in the event of damage. Please let us know as soon as any damage is discovered so that we can take appropriate action and provide you with financial compensation as soon as possible.

Close the washing machine door and, if necessary, tape it shut to prevent it from opening during transport. Insert the transport lock or tighten the transport lock (these are the three long screws on the rear panel of the appliance) to prevent the drum from moving. Carry the washing machine in an upright position, not lying down.

Our fleet includes removal trucks of various sizes. Our removal trucks for inner city areas are usually around 8.40 meters long, 2.50 meters wide and 3.60 meters high. If you have particularly long or tall items to transport please contact us so we can have a suitable truck available in a timely manner. Removal trucks for long distance evacuation are usually approx. 9.70 meters long, 2.60 meters wide and 4.00 meters high and are also suitable for the transportation of additional loads.

You are of course free to provide food and drinks to our removal assistants. However, especially in hot summer temperatures, our team is happy to drink plenty of drinks. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Sandwiches and soft drinks are usually welcome. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity.

You can also find frequently asked questions about transfers on the homepage of our website. Our exclusive moving blog and our press reviews provide additional valuable information.


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Moving with the Schwalbe moving company: Everything is in the blue.

Start your move now with our professionals for commercial removals, laboratory removals or overseas removals. Our removalists will be happy to visit your premises in advance to inspect the items to be moved and provide you with a free fixed price quote.
Contact us today to arrange your personal consultation. We will of course be on hand to answer any other questions you may have before, during and after your move. Because we take our motto seriously at all times: “Moving made easy.”

Need more help? With us you will find many resources for your move

We see ourselves as an impartial partner and want your move to be completed on time and without complications. That’s why we support you with detailed information and other online services so that you can prepare for your move in the best possible way. Discover these services, among others:

  • Our practical relocation calculator to calculate the cost depending on the place of residence and the distance of your move.
  • Our informative moving checklist to help you complete all necessary tasks.
  • Our clear moving items list that moving companies can use to easily create a personalized offer.


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