The complete checklist for a successful move

Getting ready: 2 months before the move

A successful move starts with good preparation. Two months before moving day, here are the first steps to take:

Choose your removal company

• Ask for several quotes (at least 3)
• Check the insurance cover on offer
• Compare what each service includes
• Book your date early

Have a clear-out

This is the ideal time for a big clear-out of your belongings. Keep what is genuinely useful to you and sell what can be sold. For bulky items you do not want to take with you, our house clearance service takes them to the déchèterie (the local waste disposal site) and gives you the drop-off receipt.

Start on the boxes

Begin packing the things you do not need day to day: books, ornaments, out-of-season clothes…

One month before: the paperwork

The essential formalities

• Cancel or transfer your contracts (electricity, gas, internet)
• Give notice to your landlord (1 or 3 months' notice under French tenancy rules)
• Report your change of address (La Poste, tax office, bank…)
• Enrol your children at their new school

Practical organisation

• Order your boxes and packing supplies
• Arrange childcare for moving day
• Book an external furniture lift if needed

Moving week

Final preparations

• Empty and clean the fridge 48 hours beforehand
• Pack a bag with your essentials
• Carry out the check-out inventory (the état des lieux de sortie)
• Confirm with your removal company

Moving day

• Check every room before you leave
• Take the meter readings
• Collect all the keys
• Supervise the loading

After the move

The first few weeks

• Carry out the check-in inventory (the état des lieux d'entrée)
• Unpack the priority boxes
• Register on the electoral roll
• Update your vehicle registration certificate (carte grise)