Sometimes it is difficult to find time for moving during the week. For this purpose, it is best to do it at the weekend. But what about Sundays? Are you allowed to move at all on public holidays? Moving on Sunday/holiday: This applies to Germany.
- Moving on Sunday or public holiday
- What to look out for when moving on a Sunday or public holiday
- The best time to move on a Sunday or holiday
Moving on Sunday or public holiday
Those who have a busy professional life and find it difficult to take time off, or parents who have school-age children, often choose to move at the weekend or on a public holiday. Although this approach is perfectly reasonable, there are certain restrictions or rules that apply on these days.
Whether moving on Sundays or public holidays is permitted in Germany is not something that can be answered in one sentence. In general, the “Public Holiday Law” applies, which prohibits moving on Sundays or public holidays.
Here comes the big BUT: There are certain ” urgent” tasks and activities, which can include moving, which are also allowed (with restrictions) on Sundays and public holidays. For example, when certain deadlines or dates have to be met.
What to look out for when moving on a Sunday or public holiday
You should be aware when moving on Sundays and public holidays that numerous restrictions and even bans apply on these days. For example, there is a ban on driving lorries on these days, so the choice of moving vehicles is already limited. Furthermore, the Federal Immission Control Act (Bundesimmissionsschutzgesetz) must be observed, which regulates adverse effects on the environment (e.g. through noise). Room noise should not be exceeded and loud activities (such as drilling or hammering) should be avoided at all costs.
In general, it can be concluded that even if moving falls under the category of ” urgent” work, you should be considerate of the other tenants or flat owners. You should never carry heavy furniture, boxes full of dishes and other heavy objects up the stairs on a Sunday morning. By doing so, you could put your relationship with your neighbours to the test right from the start.
It is better to carry out all work that is associated with noise during the week or on a Saturday. On the other hand, small moving boxes and light inventory can be moved to the new flat on a Sunday. Cleaning the old or new flat can also be done on a Sunday or public holiday. However, you should bear in mind that even repeated use of the staircase or the lift can be perceived as a nuisance by some sensitive neighbours.
The best time to move on a Sunday or holiday
Am Sonntag schlafen viele Deutsche gern aus und genießen die Mittagsruhe. Auch wenn es in Deutschland keine gesetzlich geregelte Mittagsruhe gibt, bestehen im Rahmen des Bundesimmissionsschutzgesetzes Verbote für den Betrieb bestimmter Maschinen und Werkzeuge.
You should therefore restrict all noise-making moving activities on Sundays and public holidays to the time between 9 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 5 pm.
To prevent stressing other tenants on the day you move in, you can inform your new neighbours about when you will be moving by putting up a notice in the stairwell and asking for understanding in advance for any noise disturbances. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself and say a few words about yourself – in this way you will establish closer contact with the other tenants, create understanding and lay the foundation for a good neighbourly relationship.
