Moving

Think about the last time you moved to a new house or apartment. You probably needed to pack everything. Arrange movers. Switch your utilities. Change your mailing address.

{Boys watching TV while we signed up for Internet service at TMobil}

{We moved via suitcases and blue IKEA bags using car shares and Uber}

Now imagine doing that in a foreign country. Without a car. Where you need to reregister with the authorities within two weeks of your move.

{Successfully getting our new Anmeldung}

As well as furnish the entire place from scratch including linens (how many hand towels will we need?), kitchens wares (wine opener!), electronics (don’t forget the hairdryer), furniture (will the mega couch fit?) and light fixtures, as Germans usually take their light fixtures with them. And often their kitchens. I was not willing to instal an entire kitchen, though.

{The boys playing with the Virtual Reality Kiosk at Saturn when we picked out our major appliances.}

{We became regulars at the IKEA of Lichtenberg (we have four IKEAs in Berlin). One day, I took the mini convertible there and drove the hatch back home.}

Luckily, we had two months between lease signing and move in date to prepare. Spreadsheets, vision boards and floor plans were key in preparing for our move.

{Our oak dining table from Home 24 Outlet. Finally found one two meters long!}

There were countless trips to IKEA, Home 24 Outlet, Saturn and Media Max. Friends tipped me off on sales at places I had never heard of like Urbanara and Bolia. I went to a handful of designer stores such as Bo Concept for inspiration that I copied at a fraction of the price at IKEA.

{Home 24 Outlet}

Moving became my full time job, while still managing to pass my driving test, organize end of school activities as one of Isaac’s room parents and taking a German course two nights a week. {Finding our dining room light at the Home 24 Outlet}

{We even scored a great table off the curb after our new neighbor, Isabel, tipped us off.}

The day of the move finally arrived. Thankfully, it coincided with Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt, 40 days after Easter), so we had a four day weekend with no school to worry about.

{Moving day coinciding with a four day holiday at school meant that Tech Time got a little out of control.}

{Electronics being delivered}

{We put together our couch from IKEA}

{The kids helped put together furniture}

{My body, unfortunately, paid the price of doing so much of the work myself.}

We are finally in. With all of our furniture. And appliances. Light fixtures, curtains and shelving installed. Utilities on.

{Boys’ room. I call it the biggest bedroom in Berlin.}

We look forward to your visit here in Berlin!