It can't be said often enough: an efficient move requires organization. Especially if you don't have much time to move. If you prepare your move methodically, you'll be able to do a much better job. But where do you start? And how do you go about it? Discover our tips and tricks for efficient organization of the tasks involved in your move.
Organization: the key to a successful move
Preparing boxes, contacting movers or truck rental companies, dealing with administrative formalities linked to change of address.... Moving requires the completion of a wide range of tasks. To make sure you don't get bogged down in all the paperwork, you need to get organized and be ready for the big day.
If you're not organized, you run the risk of spreading yourself too thin and wasting a lot of time getting ready. Disorganized preparations will also have consequences for the move and the installation in your new living space.
Organization tailored to your move
As with any project, the method to be used depends on your situation. There isn't just one move, but many, each with its own specificities. For example, moving a student apartment doesn't require the same organization as moving a family home. So you need to adapt the organization of your move to your constraints.
How do you organize your move?
To make sure you don't forget anything, start by making a list of everything you'll need to do for the move. First, identify and write down all the tasks you can think of: for example, cancelling the lease, packing, asking for quotes... As you go along, you'll add to the list. You may even add to it along the way.
For each step, set a deadline: this will enable you to prioritize tasks and define a schedule you'll have to stick to. To help you save time, we've put together a standard moving checklist. Feel free to add to it according to your situation and constraints.
How should a move be organized?
Whatever the deadlines and your family situation, a move always involves 3 main phases:
- preparations, which are undeniably the longest and most strategic stage, since they determine the following steps;
- The actual move, which involves loading the truck, transporting your belongings and unloading them at your new address;
- tidying up all your belongings so you can start a new life.
Every step of the way requires a methodical approach. If you're well organized during the move preparations, you'll be more efficient on the big day and when you're settling into your new home.
Preparations are therefore a key part of the move. To help you get organized during this initial phase, we've put together a moving checklist. This chronological list has been drawn up over 3 months: this is the usual notice period for terminating a rental lease.
If you're buying your future home, the process may take longer. On the other hand, it's sometimes possible to move more quickly, within a month, if you meet certain specific conditions. In this case, you'll need to review your organization and concentrate your preparations on a shorter timescale.
Do's and don'ts of moving house
A few basic principles can help you make a success of your move. On the other hand, certain mistakes can cost you dearly.
Our tips for a successful move
- Anticipate as much as possible
Start moving as soon as you've given your notice, or as soon as you know the moving date. Ideally, you'll have some time to rest before the big day.
- Plan operations to meet deadlines.
The organization of your move also depends on the constraints of your environment. Advance notice of lease termination, deadline for sending the declaration of value for a move with a professional, time needed to open a water or gas meter, deadlines for processing a removal assistance application... To be ready on D-day, you need to have in mind or write down all the deadlines to be met.
- Proceed gradually and in stages
To keep track of progress and avoid getting discouraged or even panicking along the way, you need to set intermediate milestones, to be respected in the completion of your various tasks.
The 3 big mistakes not to make when moving house
- Waiting until the last minute to pack
If it makes you feel any better, emptying the cupboards and packing your belongings is a chore for everyone. It's a laborious and, admittedly, time-consuming process. But it's essential and unavoidable. So it's best to get rid of it as quickly as possible, without waiting until the last minute!
- Save time on preparations
To shorten the task, you may indeed be tempted to want to move quickly when preparing your move. For example, by rushing to fill boxes without protecting your belongings, and without noting the contents on the boxes. Once again, this is a miscalculation: remember that you may end up paying for it on arrival, through breakage or time spent looking for the right box to find your belongings.
- Underestimating the resources required for the move
Truck too small, human resources too weak, time too short... Here again, you could end up paying the consequences during the move. To deal with unforeseen events, which are more frequent than you might think, you always need to leave yourself some room for maneuver.
When renting a truck, always allow a small margin to accommodate any goods not included in the useful volume calculation. The same goes for packing: it's better to have more cardboard boxes and bubble wrap to avoid running out and risking breakage. Not to mention the labor involved in handling heavy, bulky furniture. This precautionary approach could prove invaluable in avoiding unpleasant surprises in the event of unforeseen circumstances!