Cologne

Comprehensive Guide to Furnishing and Utilities in Cologne, Germany

Cologne, one of Germany’s most vibrant and historic cities, offers a variety of options for newcomers when it comes to furnishing their homes and setting up utilities. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate these aspects effectively.

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1. Furnishing Your Home in Cologne

When moving to Cologne, you’ll need to decide whether to rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment. Most rental properties in Germany, including Cologne, are unfurnished, and in some cases, they may even lack basic fixtures like light fittings or kitchen cabinets. Here’s how to furnish your home:

a. Furniture Options

New Furniture

• IKEA: Cologne has an IKEA store located in Godorf, a southern district of the city. It’s a popular choice for affordable, modern furniture and home essentials.
• XXXLutz: A large furniture retailer offering a wide range of furniture styles, from budget-friendly to high-end.
• Höffner: Another major furniture store with a variety of options for all budgets.
• Local Stores: Cologne has many independent furniture shops, especially in neighborhoods like Ehrenfeld and Belgisches Viertel, where you can find unique, high-quality, or designer pieces.

Second-Hand Furniture

• eBay Kleinanzeigen: A widely used online platform in Germany for buying and selling second-hand furniture. You can often find great deals on sofas, tables, and other household items.
• Second-Hand Stores: Shops like Oxfam or Sozialkaufhäuser (social department stores) offer affordable used furniture.
• Flea Markets (Flohmärkte): Cologne is known for its vibrant flea markets, such as the one at Stadtgarten or the Flohmarkt im Autokino in Porz. These are great places to find vintage or second-hand furniture.
• Facebook Marketplace: Another platform where locals sell used furniture and home goods.

Rental Furniture

If you’re staying short-term or don’t want to invest in buying furniture, companies like Grover or Lyght Living offer furniture rental services.

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b. Essential Furnishings to Consider

• Kitchen Appliances: Many apartments in Cologne do not come with a fully equipped kitchen. You may need to purchase or install items like a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher.
• Lighting: Apartments often lack ceiling lights, so you’ll need to buy lamps or light fixtures.
• Bedding and Linens: Stores like IKEA, H&M Home, or Zara Home are good options for affordable bedding and linens.
• Decor and Accessories: For home decor, check out stores like Depot, Butlers, or Søstrene Grene.

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2. Setting Up Utilities in Cologne

Once you’ve secured housing, the next step is to set up utilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key utilities and how to arrange them:

a. Electricity (Strom)

• Providers: The default provider in Cologne is RheinEnergie, but you can choose from other companies like E.ON, Vattenfall, or EnBW. Use comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox to find the best rates.
• Average Costs: Electricity costs in Cologne are around €30–€50 per month for a single person and €60–€100 for a family, depending on usage.
• Setup Procedure:
  1. Contact the provider of your choice (online or by phone).
  2. Provide your address, move-in date, and meter reading (Zählerstand) from your apartment.
  3. Sign a contract and set up direct debit for payments.

b. Water (Wasser)

• Provider: Water is typically managed by the landlord or building management and included in your monthly rent (Nebenkosten). You don’t usually need to set this up yourself.
• Average Costs: Water costs are included in the service charges (Nebenkosten), which range from €2–€3 per cubic meter.

c. Gas (Gas)

• Providers: Like electricity, gas is often provided by RheinEnergie, but you can choose other suppliers. Use comparison websites to find competitive rates.
• Average Costs: Gas costs depend on usage but typically range from €50–€100 per month for heating and cooking.
• Setup Procedure:
  1. Choose a provider and sign a contract.
  2. Provide your meter reading and move-in date.
  3. Payments are usually made monthly via direct debit.

d. Internet and Phone

• Providers: Major internet providers in Cologne include Telekom, Vodafone, 1&1, and o2.
• Average Costs: Internet plans start at around €25–€50 per month for speeds of 50–250 Mbps.
• Setup Procedure:
  1. Compare plans online or visit a provider’s store.
  2. Sign a contract (usually 12–24 months).
  3. Schedule an installation appointment if necessary (some apartments already have active connections).
• Tip: Cologne has good fiber-optic coverage, so check if your building supports high-speed internet.

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3. Local Considerations and Tips

• Nebenkosten (Additional Costs): When renting an apartment, you’ll pay a monthly fee called Nebenkosten, which covers utilities like water, heating, and garbage collection. Electricity and internet are usually not included and must be arranged separately.
• Meter Readings: Always take note of your electricity, gas, and water meter readings when you move in and out of an apartment. This ensures accurate billing.
• Energy Efficiency: Many Germans are environmentally conscious, so energy-saving practices like turning off lights and using energy-efficient appliances are common.
• Recycling: Cologne has a strict recycling system. You’ll need to separate your waste into categories like paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste. Your landlord or building manager can provide guidance on the local system.
• TV and Radio License (GEZ): All households in Germany must pay a monthly fee of €18.36 for public broadcasting, regardless of whether you use these services. This fee is mandatory and will be billed to your address.

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4. Average Monthly Utility Costs in Cologne

Here’s an estimate of monthly utility costs for a single person in a one-bedroom apartment:

• Electricity: €30–€50
• Gas (Heating and Cooking): €50–€100
• Water: Included in Nebenkosten
• Internet: €25–€50
• Total: €105–€200 (excluding rent)

For a family in a larger apartment, expect to pay €150–€300 per month for utilities.

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5. Cultural and Practical Tips

• Punctuality: When scheduling installation appointments for internet or other services, be punctual. Germans value timeliness.
• Contracts: Utility contracts often have a minimum term of 12–24 months. Read the terms carefully before signing.
• Language Barrier: Many service providers have English-speaking staff, but it’s helpful to know basic German phrases or bring a German-speaking friend when setting up utilities.
• Community Support: Cologne has a large expat community. Join local Facebook groups or forums like Toytown Germany to get advice and recommendations.

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