moving Apr 24, 2026

What does it cost to move out from home? Budget and hidden expenses

By Bolighub Published Apr 24, 2026 Updated Apr 24, 2026 Reading time: 5 min.
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Moving out from home is rarely expensive because of one single bill. It becomes expensive because several costs arrive at the same time: deposit, prepaid rent, first month’s rent, moving boxes, transport, furniture, insurance, internet, food and all the small things you only notice when you stand in an empty apartment.

Before you say yes to a rental, calculate both the move-in cost and your first normal month. If your budget only just covers the keys, the first weeks can become stressful very quickly.

Make three budgets

Start with three separate budgets.

1. The move-in budget

This is everything you need to pay before or around moving day:

  • First month’s rent
  • Deposit
  • Prepaid rent
  • Moving van, trailer or moving company
  • Basic furniture
  • Lamps, curtains and small household items
  • Internet setup
  • Cleaning supplies and kitchen basics

2. The monthly budget

This is your normal everyday cost:

  • Rent
  • Heating, water and electricity
  • Internet and phone
  • Home contents and liability insurance
  • Transport
  • Food and household items
  • Subscriptions
  • Personal expenses such as medicine, dentist or haircuts

3. The buffer

A buffer is money for the unexpected: a stolen bike, a higher electricity bill, a broken phone or an extra moving expense. One month’s fixed expenses is a good long-term goal, but even DKK 3,000-5,000 can make a big difference when you move out for the first time.

What is included in the move-in price?

In private Danish rentals, the landlord can often ask for a deposit and prepaid rent. The Danish Ministry of Social Affairs, Housing and Senior Citizens explains that the deposit is security for the landlord’s claims when the tenant moves out, while prepaid rent is meant to cover the final part of the tenancy after termination.

For private residential rentals, the landlord can normally require up to three months’ rent as deposit and up to three months’ prepaid rent.

Example with a monthly rent of DKK 7,500:

ItemExample
First month’s rentDKK 7,500
Deposit, 3 monthsDKK 22,500
Prepaid rent, 3 monthsDKK 22,500
Total before moving and furnitureDKK 52,500

Not every rental requires the maximum amount. Some landlords ask for less, and social housing uses different deposit structures. But the example shows why a manageable monthly rent can still require a large amount upfront.

Expenses many first-time renters forget

The overlooked costs are often small individually but expensive together:

  • Curtains or blinds
  • Lamps and bulbs
  • Towels, bath mat, shower curtain and toilet brush
  • Pots, pans, knives, cutting board and plates
  • Vacuum cleaner, mop and cleaning supplies
  • Trash bins and storage boxes
  • Basic tools, extension cords and screws
  • Moving boxes, tape and protective material

If you move from your parents’ home into an unfurnished apartment, set aside at least DKK 5,000-15,000 for basic setup, depending on how much you can buy used or take with you.

Can you get housing benefit or a deposit loan?

Housing benefit may be relevant if you rent a home with its own kitchen and meet the conditions. Borger.dk recommends using the housing benefit calculator because the amount depends on income, assets, rent, apartment size and how many people live in the home.

Apply quickly. If you apply no later than 30 days after moving in, support can be paid retroactively from your move-in date if you qualify.

If you move into social housing, a municipal loan for the resident deposit may be relevant. This is not the same as a private rental deposit.

Checklist before saying yes

  • Can you pay the full move-in price without emptying every account?
  • Do you know whether utilities are included or paid separately?
  • Have you checked whether electricity is paid to the landlord or directly to a supplier?
  • Have you added furniture and basic household items to the budget?
  • Have you checked the housing benefit calculator?
  • Have you looked into home contents and liability insurance?
  • Do you have money for food, transport and bills in the first month?
  • Have you planned your address registration?

Advice for tenants

Do not only look at the lowest rent. A cheaper home far from work or school can become expensive if transport takes over your budget. A slightly more expensive rental with low heating costs and a short bike ride may be cheaper in practice.

Always ask for a clear move-in payment breakdown before paying. Do not pay in cash, and be careful if someone pressures you to pay quickly without a proper lease.

Advice for landlords

Make the move-in price easy to understand. List rent, deposit, prepaid rent and utilities separately. It reduces misunderstandings and attracts more serious applicants.

If the home has high heating costs or special utility agreements, explain that early. Transparency prevents disputes later.

Common mistakes

  • Treating the deposit as money you will get back soon. You normally only get it back after moving out, and the landlord may deduct valid claims.
  • Forgetting that prepaid rent is usually used in the termination period.
  • Underestimating food and household basics.
  • Moving without home contents and liability insurance.
  • Applying for housing benefit too late.

FAQ

How much money should I save before moving out?

It depends mainly on rent and the move-in price. In a private rental, upfront costs can equal several months of rent before furniture and moving costs.

Can I use my deposit as the last month’s rent?

As a rule, no. The deposit is security for the landlord. Prepaid rent can normally be used in the final part of the tenancy.

When should I apply for housing benefit?

Apply as soon as possible after moving in. If you apply within 30 days, support can be paid from the move-in date if you qualify.

What is the biggest hidden cost?

Basic setup: curtains, lamps, kitchenware, cleaning supplies, small tools and storage. Together, these can cost several thousand kroner.

Do I need insurance when I move out?

You should look into home contents insurance with liability cover. Also check whether you are still covered by your parents’ insurance for a period.

Sources and further reading