Between the administrative formalities to be completed, the boxes to be packed and the children to be looked after, if you have any, it's best to be well organized if you want to make a success of your move. To make sure you don't miss a thing during the many preparations, the easiest way is to have a checklist to keep track of the tasks you need to complete as you go along. Les Gentlemen du déménagement can help you make sense of all the steps you need to take when moving, with a downloadable to-do list.
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The key to success is good organization. Download our free moving checklist to find out the main steps you need to follow to be ready on D-day.
Prefer to make your own checklist? Read our professional tips.
To build a checklist for a project, we usually start by drawing up a list of tasks to be carried out, without necessarily organizing it. And for a move, the list is long. It covers administrative formalities, physical preparations for the move, and all the little things you need to do to organize your new life in terms of transport, school, leisure activities and so on.
Once the list is more or less complete, you can organize it as you see fit. Most checklists are organized chronologically (D-60, D-30, etc.), but there are also thematic checklists (housing, identity papers, insurance, subscriptions, etc.). It's up to you to decide what's most convenient for you, or what best suits your way of working. There's nothing to stop you making a thematic list and then adding deadlines to make it chronological at a later stage.
Whether you're a tenant or a homeowner, it generally takes 3 months to complete all the operations required for a move.
However, there's nothing to stop you thinking ahead and starting to sort out your furniture, clothes, papers, etc. beforehand.
This will avoid having to move unnecessary items and reduce the cost of the move, as well as reducing the amount of packing work that will needlessly clutter up your new home.
The countdown to a move usually begins with the formalities involved in moving out. If you're a tenant, this means sending a registered letter to your landlord informing him or her that you're leaving.
Depending on the circumstances, the notice period may be one month or 3 months. Plan well in advance, so you can rest easy.
If you're a homeowner, it may take longer to find a property, obtain financing, sign the notice of sale and the deed of sale.
You'll also need to take care of all the formalities concerning your subscriptions (water, gas, electricity, internet and telephone) and the forwarding of mail to your new address.
If you want to hire a professional mover, it's a good idea to ask for several quotes. This will enable you to compare services and find the mover best suited to your needs. The sooner you start moving, the better your chances of moving on the day you want.
Preparing boxes is the most time-consuming part of moving. Normally, the chosen mover will provide you with all the necessary materials: suitable boxes and tape. If you're in charge of packing your belongings, you'll need to have everything packed by D-day. Save as little as possible for D-day, so that you're always available to follow and inform the movers.
Don't forget to unhook pictures, undo curtain rods, dismantle light fittings, disconnect household appliances (electricity and water) and dismantle furniture, if this is your responsibility.
By law, movers are not allowed to carry out any electrical work, unless they are specifically authorized to do so, and this is specified in the service details attached to the estimate.
Remember to set aside what you'll need for the duration of the move: your keys, your papers, cleaning products for final cleaning, water and a snack to eat, and your pets if you have any.
You need to plan several months in advance to be sure of securing a place at school for your children. Once again, anticipate as much as possible, especially if the move takes place in the middle of the school year.
What's more, whatever the age of your children, you need to prepare them as well as possible for the upcoming change. Take the time to introduce them to their new surroundings, so that they can project themselves into their new life.
Once you've moved, you'll need to contact a number of authorities to report your change of address. Many formalities can now be carried out online: www.service-public.fr lets you notify the following organizations of your new address in just a few clicks: Administrations, La Poste, Impôts, CAF, Caisses de retraite, Pôle Emploi, etc. You can also notify your health insurance fund to update your file.
You should also register on the electoral roll for your new address (between September 1 and December 31), and have your new address entered on your vehicle registration certificate (carte grise). In addition, although it's not compulsory, you can ask to have your change of address indicated on your driver's license, national identity card or passport. And don't forget your banks and other service providers. Finally, don't forget to communicate your new address and telephone number, and to have your mail forwarded by "La Poste".
There's a long list of tasks and formalities to complete right up to D-day. Prepare your move well, as far in advance as possible, with a well-organized checklist to make sure you don't miss a thing!