Depending on the situation, moving can be more or less complicated to manage, and sometimes take several months. In fact, it’s best to plan ahead and proceed methodically so you’re fully prepared on moving day. From signing the lease for a new home to moving in, including administrative formalities and packing, the process consists of a few key steps that are common to every move. To help you get organized, here is a summary of the major steps and formalities to complete at each stage so you don’t miss a thing.
Step 1: Finding a new home
This is the first step in any change of address. Whether you’re renting or buying a home, any move begins with signing a document:
- a lease for an agency tenancy or a direct tenancy with the owner;
- a deed of sale for the purchase of a property at the notary's office.
If you wish to terminate your lease, you will need to give notice. Please note that notice periods can be as long as 3 months.
If you're planning to move into a property in need of renovation, it may be a good idea to get some work done before you move in. That way, you won't find yourself in the middle of the construction site. Don't forget to take out home insurance on the day you move in, at the latest, to protect yourself against any claims.
Step 2: Organizing the move
Now that everything is settled on the housing front, you can start planning your move. Will you hire a moving company, or move on your own? To make the right decisions, feel free to contact several service providers to compare their services and prices (moving companies, truck rental companies).
To ensure you receive a moving quote tailored to your needs, request a site visit: this allows the company to assess the layout of the premises so they can provide a proposal that takes into account the site’s specific requirements. Once you have several quotes, you’ll be fully equipped to choose the moving solution that best fits your budget and expectations.
Step 3: Planning the move
Set the moving date according to your work schedule, if you're changing jobs, or school vacations if you have children at school.
Choose your moving company and sign the moving contract (or reserve the truck to make sure you have it on the day).
You can then inform your employer of your forthcoming move. Then plan your vacations so that you're available on the big day, or even a few days before or after, for greater peace of mind. Some companies offer specific days off for moving. Don't forget to ask your employer or HR department.
Last but not least, get the protective equipment you need to prepare the furniture, and especially the packing cartons.
Step 4: Packing and completing the declaration of value
Be sure to sort through your belongings to minimize the number of boxes and pieces of furniture you need to move: feel free to throw away or donate anything you no longer need to make room in your new home.
Fill out the declaration of value as you pack your boxes to estimate the value of your belongings to be insured during the move. Required if you hire a professional moving company, this step is essential to ensure you receive compensation in the event of an incident.
If necessary, you can contact companies during this stage to plan any work you may need to do to refurbish the property before you move in. This period should also be used to start reducing your food reserves (cupboard and freezer).
Step 5: Take care of all the administrative formalities involved in the move
Compare the prices of energy, telephone and Internet suppliers to find the best deals and sign your future contracts.
Notify the relevant government agencies of your upcoming move (city hall, tax office, etc.), starting with the Prefecture, which you should contact as soon as possible to update your vehicle registration within one month.
Contact the Post Office to set up a mail forwarding arrangement so you can continue to receive mail sent to your old address.
Request permits for parking moving vehicles on moving day.
If you don't have too many items to sort and pack, these tasks can be handled during the box preparation stage.
Step 6: Finally, the big day: all hands on deck for the move!
Have a good breakfast and unmake the beds. Then wash and put away the dishes before the movers arrive. All your household appliances should now be unplugged.
Once everyone is in place, it’s time to organize the teams and start carrying boxes and furniture, going up and down the stairs, loading the truck, driving to your new address, unloading, and putting everything back in its place.
Remember to read the water, gas and electricity meters in your old home when you close the door, so that you can inform your suppliers to terminate your contracts.
Once you've received your furniture and put it in place, check the condition of your belongings. Then sign the waybill provided by your mover if everything is in order. If you have any reservations, you can justify them.
Step 7: Moving into your new home: time for a new life!
Before settling into your new life, there are still a few formalities you’ll need to take care of in the first few days after the move. If you notice any damage after the movers have left, you must report it as soon as possible by certified mail: after 10 days, it will be too late!
You'll then have plenty of time to get your bearings, put your things away, and slip into new habits.
To create your moving checklist, check out our article on this topic. There, you’ll find detailed information on all the necessary steps and a timeline of tasks to complete in the three months leading up to your move.