To ensure that your van is parked properly on moving day, you should arrange for a temporary no parking or no stopping zone at least 14 days before the big day. The cost of a temporary no stopping zone varies greatly from city to city. Estimate approximately 25 to 40 euros per day on average.

You can apply for this at the local Road Traffic Authority (Straßenverkehrsbehörde) or at the Public Order Office (Ordnungsamt) for your city. You can rent the appropriate no stopping signs from various companies.

Very important: The temporary no stopping zone is generally only issued for one removal vehicle! If you want to park more than one van in a residential area, you must be able to clearly justify this exception. You should also check in advance where you are allowed to set up the no stopping zone: The no stopping zone must not be set up in an area where no stopping at any time already applies: disabled parking spaces and in front of driveways. Escape routes are also off-limits.

You can apply for a temporary no-parking order in person at the service desk of the Road Traffic Authority (Straßenverkehrsbehörde). You can often find the forms online on your city's website – either as a PDF to download, fill out and send, or as a convenient online form. Essential information usually includes

• the reason for the no stopping zone (removal, furniture delivery, etc.),
• the period during which the no stopping zone is to apply (note the upper limits for the booking period!)
• the location and spatial extent – i.e. how much parking space your vehicle will occupy. If necessary, you can also attach a hand-drawn sketch to your application for van parking in a residential area, showing the exact position and length of the no parking zone. Important: Add a good four to five metres to be able to park, load and unload the van properly. The authorities will now review your application and, if everything goes smoothly, grant you permission for the no stopping zone.