Checklist for a stress-free move

That’s it: after many viewings you have finally found the lovely house or spacious flat of your dreams, and everything is signed and approved. The last step before enjoying your new home is organising the move, which can quickly become a real chore if you leave it until the last minute! The secret of a stress-free move lies in preparation and timing.

A leader in private removals for 30 years, Eurêka gives you a chronological list of the key steps so you do not forget anything:

2 months before your move:

• Lease: notice periods range from 3 months to 15 days, so take this into account when working out your moving date. Send your notice to your landlord or property manager by post with acknowledgement of receipt. Likewise, if you are renting your new home, check with your new landlord that all the paperwork is in order. If you have just bought, check with your notary that your file is complete.
• Choosing your removal company: the volume to move is generally half the floor area of the home you are leaving, i.e. 40 to 50 m3 per 100 m2. Compare prices from removal companies and pay attention to the services included, as this matters a lot: do the movers pack everything? Are you packing yourself? Are boxes supplied? Is insurance included? Eurêka provides wardrobe boxes and moving crates specially designed for fragile items. It is advisable to book your removal company at least 6 weeks in advance, especially in summer and at Christmas. Note that Eurêka can exceptionally take on last-minute moves.
• Start making an inventory of the furniture, belongings and personal items to be moved and those you will get rid of (for example the exercise bike you have not touched for 5 years…). Put what you no longer want up for sale online and, above all, think about giving to charities.

1 month before you leave:

• Contact insurers, internet providers, energy and water suppliers, mail forwarding, your bank… more details on all the administrative formalities in one of our upcoming articles.
• Look for schools or nurseries near your future home.
• Depending on how far away your new home is, it is wise to take at least 2 days off before and after the move.

15 days before you leave:

• Start sorting and putting your belongings into boxes and crates. Go room by room and write clearly what each box and crate contains and where it is going. Mark “DO NOT MOVE” on the boxes that will travel with you to the new home.
• Plan where the furniture will go in each room on the floor plan of your new home and give a copy to the movers. You can also put it up at the entrance of your new home.
• Do not mix heavy and light items, and protect fragile items well. If you dismantle furniture, number the parts or draw a plan so you can easily reassemble them. Keep keys, screws… in a small bag attached to the parts of the furniture concerned.
• Use up frozen food and what is in the fridge.
• Gather all your important documents (passports, property deeds, bank and medical documents, employment contract, etc.) and put them somewhere safe before moving, so you do not lose them among the moving crates.

10 days before you leave:

• Arrange childcare for young children and put your pets in boarding kennels, or have family or friends look after them on moving day to avoid extra stress.
• If you are moving to a completely different town or region, do not forget to collect clothes from the dry cleaner, shoes from the cobbler and any other items being repaired.
• Disconnect and empty the washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher, and defrost the fridge and freezer to give them time to dry. During the move, keep the hoses raised to avoid unwanted water leaks.
• Leave the pictures hanging on the walls; they will be packed at the end of the move.
• Confirm the appointment time with the removal company and check that you have a parking space for the lorry in front of your home. Let the neighbours know.

A few days before the move:

• If necessary, turn on the heating in your new home
• Prepare a bag with the essentials for your first night, plus a box containing a “survival kit” (essential items, medicines, phone and laptop chargers, torch, toilet paper).
• If you have a pet, update your address in the microchip database for dogs and cats

On moving day:

• Keep your money, bank cards and keys on you throughout the day.
• Make sure someone is at the new home to welcome the movers when they arrive and show them where the furniture goes.

When leaving your old home:

• Turn off the gas, water and electricity, and read the meters.
• Check that all doors and windows are closed
• Hand back your old keys
• Remove your name from the letterbox.
• Take a last look around the house and in the cupboards to check that nothing has been forgotten

When you arrive at your new home:

• Check that your furniture and other items have not been damaged in transit. If you notice any damage, note it on the delivery note. You have 3 days to confirm your observations by registered letter. Tip the movers and offer them a drink!
• Wait 24 hours before plugging your fridge and freezer back in
• Read the water, gas and electricity meters

If you follow this checklist, you should avoid any last-minute surprises or omissions and have more time to settle into your new home, meet the neighbours, get to know the area and finally relax!