Four routes to a kitchen
Many rented flats have no fitted kitchen (Einbauküche). So you decide where your kitchen comes from. Each choice changes the move.
| Option | Route | Approx. lead time | What it means for the move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take the old kitchen | Dismantle, move, reinstall | Days to weeks, plus a fitter | Dismantling, wrapping, transport, refitting with a specialist fitter |
| Buy the previous tenant's kitchen (Ablöse) | Private sale at the new flat | Immediate | Often nothing; the kitchen already fits |
| Buy a new kitchen | Kitchen studio, furniture store, manufacturer or online planner | Several weeks | Receive the delivery; coordinate delivery and fitter dates |
| Buy a used kitchen | Online classifieds or specialist portals | Days | Dismantle at the seller, transport, reinstall |
Approximate planning values, not measurements. Your furniture and household can differ considerably. Delivery times depend on the supplier.
Planning a kitchen in five steps
- Measure walls, ceiling height, windows and doors; mark water, drain, power and gas points. See measuring your new home.
- Plan the layout: cabinet runs, appliances, worktop.
- Choose cabinets, appliances and worktop; confirm delivery and fitting dates.
- Have the cabinets fitted. Licensed trades connect water, electricity and gas.
- Inspect, sign off and dispose of the packaging.
Utilities, internet and handover
- Electricity, gas and water: set a start date and note meter readings at both addresses.
- Request internet early. Activation can take days or weeks.
- Order new furniture against your room measurements and have it delivered after the old furniture is in.
- Handover record (Übergabeprotokoll): note condition and meter readings in both homes. It protects your deposit.
Everything is linked: if the kitchen is late or the internet is missing, you cannot settle in, even when the van arrives on time. For help with dismantling and fitting kitchens, see our services.
In the moving planner
In the moving planner you list kitchen units like other furniture, or as your own items with dimensions. From the summary sent by WhatsApp or e-mail, we can see whether a kitchen is moving.
Plan your move