Mastering the Move: 10 Pro Tips to Streamline Your Relocation Process

1. Plan Ahead

Start by establishing a detailed schedule of tasks to accomplish before, during and after the move. Note important dates such as the termination of the lease or the signing of the deed of sale, as well as the meetings with the various service providers (movers, energy suppliers, etc.). Don’t forget to inform those around you and your employers of your new address.

2. Sort your belongings

Take advantage of the move to sort through your belongings and get rid of what is no longer useful to you. This will not only allow you to lighten your load during transport, but also optimize the space in your new home. Consider donating, selling or throwing away what you no longer need.

3. Pack smartly

• Prioritize: start by packing the items you won’t need immediately (books, out-of-season clothes, etc.).
• Be methodical: pack room by room, clearly noting on each box its contents and the room where it must be placed.
• Make it safe: take care to properly pack fragile items (dishes, electronics, etc.) using bubble wrap or blankets.
• Optimize space: use suitcases, bags and other containers available to transport your belongings without multiplying boxes.

4. Anticipate administrative procedures

Remember to take all the necessary steps before the big day: change of address with the Post Office, termination or transfer of energy and water contracts, updating your home insurance, etc. Also inform the social organizations ( CAF, Pôle Emploi, etc.) of your new situation.

5. Choose a professional mover or seek help

Depending on your needs and your budget, call on a company specializing in moving or ask for help from loved ones to support you during transport. Do not hesitate to compare several quotes to find the solution that suits you best.

6. Prepare a “kit” for the big day

Set aside a bag containing everything you will need during the move: comfortable clothes, toiletry bag, important documents (rental/sale contract), tools (cutter, screwdriver…), refreshments… This will save you money lots of inconveniences on site!

7. Take care of the affected accommodation

• Former accommodation: make any necessary repairs, clean it thoroughly and read the energy meters before leaving the premises.
• New accommodation: carry out a precise inventory of the premises upon your arrival, check that the installations (electricity, gas, etc.) are functioning properly and clean them if necessary.

8. Organize yourself for receiving your boxes

To make unloading and settling into your new home easier, prepare a plan showing where each piece of furniture and cardboard should be placed. This will allow movers or your loved ones to know where to put each item without having to constantly ask you.

9. Manage the stress of the big day

Even if everything is well organized, it is normal to be stressed during a move. To limit this feeling, remember to breathe deeply, take regular breaks and don’t hesitate to delegate certain tasks so as not to exhaust yourself unnecessarily.

10. Take the time to settle into your new home

• Discover your neighborhood: take a few days to visit the surrounding area (shops, public transport, etc.) to better adapt to your new environment.
• Storage: proceed in stages to tidy up your belongings: start with the most important rooms (kitchen, bedroom, etc.) and gradually move forward into the rest of the home.
• Personalization: Don’t hesitate to decorate your new home to make you feel good there. This could include buying new furniture, painting the walls or simply hanging up souvenir photos.