What are the key stages in a move?

Depending on the situation, a move can be more or less complex to manage, and can sometimes take several months to complete. That's why it's best to anticipate all the steps involved and take a methodical approach, so that you're perfectly prepared on D-day. From signing for a new home to moving in, from administrative formalities to packing, there are a number of key stages in the process, which are systematically repeated from one move to the next. To help you get organized, here's a summary of the main stages of a move and the formalities to be completed at each stage, so you don't miss a thing.

How does a move work?

Step 1: Finding a new home

This is the starting point for any change of address. Whether you're renting or buying a home, every move begins with a signature at the bottom of 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's ready on the accommodation side, you can start organizing your move. Are you going to call in a removal company, or move on your own? To make the right choice, don't hesitate to contact several service providers to compare services and prices(moving companies, truck rental companies). Don't forget to use a checklist to make sure you don't forget anything. Take a look at our moving checklist, where you'll find details of all the formalities to be completed and a timetable of steps to be taken in the 3 months leading up to the move.

To make sure you get a moving quote tailored to your needs, ask for a technical visit: this allows the company to get a feel for the layout of the premises, so they can draw up a proposal in line with the site's constraints. Once you've received several quotes, you'll be perfectly equipped to choose the moving solution that best suits 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

Remember to sort your belongings to limit the number of boxes and pieces of furniture you need to move: don't hesitate to throw away or donate what you no longer need to save space in your new home.

Complete the declaration of value as you fill your boxes, to estimate the value of your belongings to be insured during the move. Compulsory if you use a professional mover, this formality is essential to guarantee you 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.

Inform the public services of your forthcoming move (Mairie, tax authorities, etc.), starting with the Préfecture, which you should contact as soon as possible to change your vehicle registration document within a month.

Contact the Post Office to set up a redistribution contract so that you can continue to receive mail sent to your old address.

Request parking permits for removal vehicles on the 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 up and downstairs, loading the truck, driving to your new address, unloading and putting things back.

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 you settle into your new life, there are still a few formalities to be completed in the first few days after the move. If anything goes wrong after the movers have left, you must report the damage as soon as possible by registered letter: after 10 days, it'll be too late!

You'll then have plenty of time to get your bearings, put your things away, and slip into new habits.

7 steps to a successful move