9 tips for a more peaceful move

For many of us, moving is often synonymous with stress and fatigue… There are so many things to manage, that although we can’t wait to leave, it’s rarely a pleasure. So to avoid last minute worries, nothing beats anticipation! Discover here all our tips to organize yourself better and approach it more calmly.

1. Carry out the work before moving in

If you have work to be done in your future home (painting, flooring or small finishes) we recommend that you carry it out before the move. Because once in your accommodation, you will easily be tempted to put things off until tomorrow only to find yourself at the same stage 2 years later. In addition, having an empty home will be more practical for carrying out your work and it will be much more pleasant for you to move in once cleared.

2. Organize your boxes well in advance

Filling your boxes seems simple, but it requires good organization. Caught up in everyday life, we often push back the deadline and due to lack of time, the sorting stage is sometimes neglected. However, it is essential for organizing your boxes according to the usefulness of the objects found there. Start by doing a little cleaning by getting rid of everything that no longer serves you (unnecessary papers, old clothes, etc.). Then remember to classify all your belongings to make your task easier. You will be able to fill your boxes according to the type of objects (dishes, books, shoes, trinkets) which will make things much simpler when you unpack them.

To be more efficient when moving in, of course remember to indicate on the boxes the type of objects that are there, but above all to  specify in which room they will go . This will save you valuable time.

Ideally, we recommend that you start sorting 1 to 2 months in advance, starting with the items you use the least. Furthermore, avoid overloading your boxes so that you can lift them and protect your back.

On the big day, first start by removing your bulky furniture and make sure to distribute it well in the new accommodation. The boxes can then be moved.

3. Take all measures in advance

To avoid possible dimensional errors when purchasing furniture, remember to tour the new home to take all the necessary measurements. Because in an excess of enthusiasm you could have your eyes bigger than the apartment, it is better to take your precautions before finding yourself with a sofa that is too big on your hands!  The priority areas to measure are the location of the refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine  as well as the  dimensions of the living room and bedrooms  for the sofa, beds and other large furniture…  Also remember to measure doors and windows to find out if certain furniture will need to be dismantled  or not for the move! Finally, know that there is free software such as  Homebyme  to make plans with your furniture; very practical for imagining the ideal arrangement of your furniture.

4. Don’t forget water, gas and electricity

A little before leaving your home, remember to cancel your contracts with your energy suppliers. On this occasion you will also be able to communicate your new address and negotiate a new contract adapted to your future accommodation. You can of course change suppliers, allowing a little more margin if necessary. This will prevent you from being deprived of a shower or light upon your arrival.

5. Install the telephone and internet before moving in

If you want to benefit from an Internet connection as soon as you arrive in your new home, a little anticipation is necessary. If the new home already had a telephone line, simply contact your landlord or your agency to retrieve the line number and the name of the previous occupants. You can then send them to your operator to set up the new subscription from your arrival date.

6. Announce your change of address

Once you have moved in, don’t forget to  send your new address to the administrations  (CAF, tax center, social security, etc.) and to the various services that write to you regularly (bank, insurance, etc.).  Little tip to know:  you can use the  Service-Public.fr site  which allows you to change your address online with several administrations and companies. Also, don’t forget to update your identity documents and notify your employer. If you change municipalities, also remember to register on the electoral lists.

Finally, to avoid having to do everything in a hurry, use the  Post Office’s postal redirection service  (accessible on the internet). You will thus benefit from a forwarding of your mail to the new address during the period of your choice.

7. Anticipate the state of affairs

If you are renting, do not neglect this step, in one way or the other. So, plan to clean your old apartment thoroughly, fill in any holes you may have drilled and do some small paint touch-ups if necessary. This ensures that you will find your deposit when you leave. Also, when inspecting your new home, pay close attention to all the details and note the slightest anomaly to report it to the owner as quickly as possible.

8. Take out a home insurance contract

This is a step that should not be neglected! Make sure your contract starts on the day you arrive in the new home to be covered as soon as you move in. To do this, simply notify your insurer of your change of address so that he can assess the risks to be insured and determine whether your current contract is suitable, whether it needs to change or even be renewed (if you move from an apartment to a house for example).