Checklist and schedule before and after moving house

Are you about to move house or planning to in the next few months?

To make sure you don’t forget anything and avoid any unpleasant surprise, here’s our ULTIMATE checklist (link to the pdf at the end of this article) of all the things you’ll need to consider before, during and after moving house.

This includes:

• Logistics: moving conditions and organisation

• Administrative procedures: get in touch with relevant authorities and update your address

• Property-related requirements: inventory of fixtures, handover of keys, etc.

• And much more!

To make things really easy for you, we’ve included our checklist in printable PDF format at the end of this article.

Let’s make moving a breeze, shall we? ;)

• Set up a folder in which you will keep all the documents relating to your move: letters, estimates, contacts, etc.

• If you have no work commitments, block off the days you plan to move on

• If you are an employee, ask your company about moving leave and relocation assistance

• If you are a tenant, notify your landlord or agency and give notice if you are located in a high-demand area. If not, you can give your notice one month before you move

• If you are a co-owner, contact your property manager

• Calculate the resources and budget needed to move: asking friends for help, hiring a van, calling upon a moving company, etc.

• Ask for quotes from three or four moving companies or ask people you know to borrow a vehicle or equipment

• Sort through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, give away and sell

• If your children are small, look for a new daycare

• If they are in kindergarten or primary school, you can either keep them in their current school or enrol them in another

• If they are in middle or secondary school, you will have no choice but to comply with existing school zones

As you’re sorting through your belongings, if you realise that you don’t want to give away your bulky furniture, and you don’t want to part with it either, you could consider renting a self-storage unit for as long as you need.

• Select a moving company and arrange a date for them to visit your home

• Or arrange to borrow or hire a van

• Inform the authorities of your forthcoming change of address: this include your health insurance provider, state funded family benefits, tax authorities, employment centre, retirement fund, health care mutual, etc.

• Inform your bank and looking into the process if you need to change bank

• Think about how to handle the largest pieces of furniture. Will you need to move your king-size mattress through the window?

• Notify your general practitioner of your move

• Do you have a pet? Think about how you’ll handle it on the day

• Cancel your various subscriptions if you’re moving to a different city (gym, library, etc.)

• Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap and adhesive tape. HOMEBOX can provide moving boxes of all sorts and everything you need to protect your belongings, even the most fragile (special boxes for glasses, blankets, gloves, markers, etc.)

• Agree on a date with the moving company or your friends

• Make arrangements for your children and pets

• Start packing by putting away what you won’t need immediately in the weeks following your move

• Create a list of everything in each box and number them

• If you are renting, inform your landlord of when you will leave

• Empty your fridge and cupboards gradually

• Set dates for your meter readings with your various energy and water suppliers

• Plan means of transport for you and those who will help you on the day

• Notify your neighbours that you are moving

• Make a list of all the items that are still at the local dry cleaners, tailor, or are loaned out.

• Contact your town hall or the Préfecture de Police if you live in Paris to ask for a parking permit for the day

• If you are renting, agree on a date for the inventory of fixtures with your landlord

• Insure your new home and terminate your current policy

• Set up temporary mail forwarding for a period of 6 or 12 months

• Transfer your telephone and Internet contracts or change provider if necessary. Remember to test your fibre eligibility in your new home

• Return your Internet router if necessary

• Select your new gas and/or electricity suppliers and agree on a start date for each contract

• For an individual home, notify your future water supplier that you are moving in soon

• Plan the layout of your furniture in your new home to make handling easier on the day

• Agree on a time with the moving company, give them your phone number and make sure you get theirs

• Ask your landlord or agency for all the keys to your new home: house, garage, cellar, basement, etc.

• Keep important documents such as your ID, family records or driving licence safe and easily accessible

• Pack a suitcase with essential items: medicines, toiletries, clothes, sheets, cutlery, etc.

• Remember to change your pet’s address

• Switch off your fridges and freezers and defrost them

• Wash as many clothes, sheets and towels as possible

• Stop watering your plants (except in special cases) to make them lighter and prevent potential leaks

• Check that your washing machine and dishwasher are empty and drain the pipes

• Set aside valuables and important documents to take them yourself to your new home

• Cover floors with protective tarp

• Set aside a few cleaning products and tools to do the housework and minor repairs once the home has been emptied

• Make sure to fully charge your phone

• Pack a small basket with drinking water, sandwiches and snacks

• Go through your entire house or apartment to check cupboards, drawers, attic, cellar, garage, garden shed, etc.

• Take meter readings in your old and new homes with your energy suppliers (don’t forget to take photos)

Close all doors and windows

• Give your landlord the address of your new home so they can send your security deposit back and forward any forgotten mail

• Remove the name tag from your letterbox, doorbell, etc.

• Give your old home a thorough clean and carry out any minor repairs that may be necessary (fix skirting boards, fill in holes, etc.)

• Carry out an inventory of fixtures on your departure

• Carry out an inventory of fixtures before moving into your new home

• During the move, start by giving logistics and handling instructions to the movers or your friends

• Drop off furniture and boxes in the rooms for which they are intended

• Test all the keys to your new home

• Make sure the hot water and heating are working

• Open the first boxes, prioritising them according to how useful, fragile or valuable their contents are

• Go through your checklist again to identify any damage or missing items

• Write your name on your new letterbox, doorbell, etc.

• If you notice any damage or lost item, report it as soon as possible to the movers or your insurance company

• Have the locks changed if you own your home

• Change the address of your vehicle registration document on the government website. Please note that you only have one month from the day you move in to do this, otherwise you could be fined!

• Take a look around your new neighbourhood to discover green spaces, shops and other venues

• Introduce yourself to your new neighbours and invite them over for a drink

• Choose a new general practitioner so you can remain fully covered under the coordinated care pathway

• Take the necessary steps with your local council or on the government website if you wish to vote in your new city

And don’t hesitate to use technology to help you along the way. There are a number of apps that can help you move and manage your belongings.

We are true to our word: here’s our moving checklist in PDF format, which you can download for free. Good planning goes a long way to get the job done! :)

Download and print our moving checklist