Moving involves a number of formalities that must be completed in good time. To help you with these formalities, Les Gentlemen du Déménagement has compiled a list.
Before moving out, if you are a tenant, you must terminate your lease, usually 3 months before your departure date. Please note that some cities, and even some districts of larger cities, have shorter notice periods (reduced to one month). You can obtain this information from your local council), but in all cases the procedure for terminating your lease remains unchanged: by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, addressed to the landlord. Some leases have different provisions. You should therefore refer to your lease before taking any steps to initiate your move.
If you're moving to a new town, it's important to think about enrolling your children in their new school, and to inform your current school of your move. Depending on the school level, you'll need to contact the town hall (primary) or the rectorat (secondary). There's no legal deadline, but the sooner the better, especially if you want to enroll your child in a private school.
The moving bonus is intended for large families who are moving to accommodate the arrival of a new child. 3 conditions must be met in order to benefit from the moving allowance within 6 months of the move:
The amount of the moving allowance, paid by the CAF, corresponds to the expenses incurred for the move, up to a maximum of 988.61 euros for 3 dependent children (82.38 euros for each additional child). Applications for the moving allowance must be made within 6 months of the move. You'll need to provide a mover's invoice, or proof of other expenses incurred if you made the move yourself (car hire, hotel, petrol, tolls, etc.).
To transfer or cancel your Internet, TV and telephone subscription, you need to check the terms of your service provider's contract. Generally speaking, the formalities are straightforward if you're transferring your subscription, but a delay may apply if you're cancelling to change operator (one to two months). When you decide to move, the first thing to do is log on to your customer area, which usually has a "move" section where you can complete the formalities online. You can also call customer service by telephone.
If you keep the same insurance company, the formalities are generally straightforward and can be settled by telephone, e-mail or post. If you transfer your home insurance when you move, the insurer will take care of everything! If you cancel your policy, there's no notice period. The policy will end on the date on which you move into the insured property, but you must notify your insurer within 15 days of your move.
To change your address, you need to notify the tax office where you used to live. This can also be done via your taxpayer space on the https://www.impots.gouv.fr/ website, or when you file your tax return following your move. This change of address will be effective for all your taxes (local and national) as well as for TV licence fees.
For a water subscription, you need to cancel the subscription at the home you're leaving and open a new subscription at the address you're moving to. This requires a meter reading, and the process differs depending on the water manager (mayor's office or delegated company). You can usually find all the information you need on the local council's website. Plan to make your request 1 to 2 weeks before the move.
The electricity and gas markets have recently been liberalized. Perhaps this is an opportunity to take advantage of your move to change supplier? In any case, you'll need to terminate your current contract (no notice period, it will end on the date the supply is cut off), with a meter reading, and open a new contract in your new home (allow 2 to 15 days, depending on the operator).
If there's one thing that doesn't change when you move, it's your cell phone! Just be sure to notify your operator of your change of address following your move (by phone or internet).
Don't forget to notify your employer of your change of address. This may give rise to an amendment to your employment contract, but above all it will enable the employer to send pay slips to the right, new address!
If you don't change banks when you move, banking formalities are very simple. All you need to do is provide your banker with a new proof of address. If you're changing banks, or more commonly, bank branches, this will be more or less straightforward, depending on the bank. In most major banks, it is now possible to change branch without changing account number. This is very practical when you consider the number of direct debits you won't have to change following your move. However, some banking networks are organized on a regional basis, and bridges between these regions are not always easy. In any case, talk to your bank advisor before you move, so you can anticipate any steps you may need to take. Transferring accounts can also be organized long after the move, when all the boxes have been unpacked...
Please note: you must change your vehicle registration documents within one month of moving house. Good news! When you move house, this formality is free! You can do it online at the prefecture. If you have an "AB 123 CD" registration, known as SIV, the prefecture will send you a label with the new address, to be affixed to your current carte grise. Happy moving!
Don't hesitate to consult our tips and advice on the formalities involved in moving abroad.