Berlin

1. Furnishing Your Home in Berlin

1.1. Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments

• Unfurnished Apartments: Most rental apartments in Berlin are rented unfurnished, and this often means completely bare. In some cases, even the kitchen may not be equipped with appliances or cabinets (referred to as a "Kaltmiete" or "cold rent" apartment). Be prepared to furnish the space yourself.
• Furnished Apartments: Furnished apartments are available but are less common and typically more expensive. These are often short-term rentals aimed at expats or temporary residents.

1.2. Where to Buy Furniture

Berlin offers a wide range of options for buying furniture, from budget-friendly stores to high-end boutiques. Here are some popular options:

• Budget-Friendly Options:

  • IKEA: Multiple locations in Berlin (e.g., Tempelhof, Lichtenberg). IKEA is a go-to for affordable, modern furniture and home essentials.
  • Möbel Kraft: A large furniture store with a variety of styles and price ranges.
  • POCO: A budget furniture store with basic options for furnishing your home.
  • JYSK: Affordable furniture and home goods, with several locations in Berlin.

• Second-Hand Furniture:

  • eBay Kleinanzeigen: A popular online classifieds platform where you can find second-hand furniture at low prices. Many sellers offer free items if you can pick them up yourself.
  • Facebook Marketplace: Another platform for finding used furniture locally.
  • Second-Hand Stores: Shops like "Kaufhaus der Berliner Stadtmission" or "Oxfam" often sell used furniture and household items.
  • Flea Markets: Berlin is famous for its flea markets, such as the Mauerpark Flea Market or the RAW Flohmarkt, where you can find unique and affordable furniture.

• High-End Options:

  • BoConcept: A Danish brand offering modern, high-quality furniture.
  • Vitra: For designer furniture and home accessories.
  • Local Boutiques: Berlin has many independent furniture stores and showrooms, especially in neighborhoods like Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg.

1.3. Renting Furniture

If you’re staying in Berlin temporarily or don’t want to invest in buying furniture, renting is an option:

• Grover: Offers furniture and electronics for rent.
• Furniture Leasing Companies: Companies like "Roomhero" or "Lyght Living" specialize in furniture rental for expats and short-term residents.

1.4. Typical Costs for Furnishing

• Basic Setup: €1,000–€2,500 for essential furniture (bed, sofa, table, chairs, etc.) if you shop at budget stores or second-hand.
• Mid-Range Setup: €3,000–€6,000 for higher-quality or designer furniture.
• Kitchen Installation: If the apartment lacks a kitchen, installing one can cost €2,000–€10,000 depending on size and appliances.

---

2. Utilities in Berlin

2.1. Overview of Utilities

Utilities in Berlin typically include:

• Electricity (Strom)
• Water (Wasser)
• Heating (Heizung)
• Internet and TV
• Waste Disposal (Müllentsorgung)

2.2. Setting Up Utilities

• Electricity:

  • Electricity is not included in the rent unless explicitly stated.
  • You can choose your electricity provider. Popular providers include Vattenfall, E.ON, and EnBW.
  • To set up electricity, you’ll need your address, move-in date, and meter reading (found in your apartment or building).
  • Use comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox to find the best rates.
  • Average monthly cost: €30–€50 for a single person, €50–€100 for a family.

• Water:

  • Water is usually included in the "Nebenkosten" (additional costs) paid to your landlord. You don’t need to set it up separately.
  • Average monthly cost: €15–€30 per person (included in Nebenkosten).

• Heating:

  • Heating is often included in the Nebenkosten if the building has central heating. If not, you may need to set up a contract with a gas provider (e.g., GASAG).
  • Average monthly cost: €50–€100 depending on the size of the apartment and the season.

• Internet and TV:

  • Internet providers include Vodafone, Telekom, O2, and 1&1.
  • Contracts typically last 12–24 months, so choose carefully.
  • Speeds of 50–250 Mbps are common, with prices ranging from €25–€50 per month.
  • A TV license fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) of €18.36 per month is mandatory for all households, regardless of whether you own a TV.

• Waste Disposal:

  • Waste disposal is managed by the city and included in the Nebenkosten. Berlin has a strict recycling system with separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, organic waste, and general waste.

2.3. How to Set Up Utilities

1. Electricity and Gas:

   • Choose a provider and sign up online or by phone.
   • Provide your move-in date and meter reading.
   • You’ll receive a confirmation and monthly billing details.

2. Internet:

   • Compare providers online and sign up for a plan.
   • Installation may require a technician visit, which can take 1–2 weeks to schedule.

3. TV License:

   • You’ll automatically receive a letter from the "ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice" after registering your address (Anmeldung). Follow the instructions to set up payment.

---

3. Average Monthly Utility Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly utility costs for a single person in a 50m² apartment:

• Electricity: €30–€50
• Heating: €50–€100
• Water: €15–€30 (included in Nebenkosten)
• Internet: €25–€50
• TV License: €18.36
• Total: €140–€250

For a family in a larger apartment, expect to pay €250–€400 per month.

---

4. Local Considerations and Tips

• Recycling: Berlin has a strict recycling system. Learn how to separate your waste into the correct bins (e.g., yellow for plastics, blue for paper, brown for organic waste).
• Energy Efficiency: Many Berliners are conscious of energy usage. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use to save on electricity costs.
• Winter Heating: Heating costs can rise significantly in winter. Use curtains and draft stoppers to keep your apartment warm.
• Language Barrier: Many utility providers have English-speaking customer service, but contracts and websites are often in German. Use translation tools or ask for help if needed.
• Deposit for Utilities: Some providers may require a deposit (Kaution) for new customers, especially if you don’t have a German credit history.

---

5. Summary Checklist for Newcomers

1. Furnishing:

   • Decide between buying or renting furniture.
   • Explore second-hand options for cost savings.
   • Budget for kitchen installation if necessary.

2. Utilities:

   • Set up electricity and gas contracts upon moving in.
   • Check if water and heating are included in Nebenkosten.
   • Arrange for internet installation early.
   • Register for the mandatory TV license.

3. Budget:

   • Plan for €140–€250 per month for utilities.
   • Allocate €1,000–€6,000 for furnishing, depending on your preferences.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to furnish your home and set up utilities in Berlin, ensuring a smooth transition to life in the city.