Complete Moving Checklist for France: 8 Weeks Before to Day of Move

Moving in France involves a layer of administrative coordination that catches most first-timers off guard. Parking permits, ZFE restrictions, utility contracts, mandatory address updates with the tax authority — none of these are optional.

8 weeks before: scoping the move

Eight weeks out, your goal is clarity: how much you're moving, how much it will cost, and which mover you trust.

• Inventory your home, room by room. Use our volume calculator.
• Request 3 to 5 quotes from verified moving companies.
• Schedule a video or in-person inventory with your top two choices.
• Apply for parking permits in both your origin and destination cities. Paris, Lyon, Marseille and most French metros require an autorisation de stationnement temporaire (ASTT) requested 10 to 15 days in advance — but processing can take up to 4 weeks in summer.
• Notify your landlord in writing (registered mail) if you're renting. Standard notice in France is 1 to 3 months depending on the lease type and zone.

6 weeks before: booking and notifications

• Confirm your mover and sign the contract. A serious French mover requires a deposit (typically 30%) but never 100% upfront.
• Notify your employer if relocation impacts your work setup.
• Register your children at their new school (inscription scolaire).
• Order moving supplies if you're packing yourself.
• Sort and declutter. Every cubic meter you don't move saves you €30 to €80.

4 weeks before: utilities and address changes

This is the administrative heavy week.

• Set the move date with your electricity provider (EDF, Engie, or alternative).
• Same for gas, water, and internet. Internet activation in France often takes 2 to 4 weeks.
• Update your address with the tax authority (impots.gouv.fr). Mandatory.
• Notify the CAF if you receive housing aid (APL).
• Update your driver's licence and vehicle registration (carte grise) on ANTS portal.
• Forward your mail via La Poste's réexpédition service.

2 weeks before: confirmation and final checks

• Confirmation call with your mover.
• Final inventory walk-through.
• Confirm the parking permit is granted.
• Plan logistics for kids, pets, and plants.
• Withdraw cash if you plan to tip the team (€20 to €50 per mover is customary).

1 week before: packing and prep

• Pack non-essentials yourself.
• Pack a "first night" box per person.
• Photograph fragile and high-value items.
• Defrost your freezer 48 hours before moving day.
• Confirm parking signs are installed at both addresses.

Moving day: protocol and what to check

• Be present from the start. Walk through every room with the team leader.
• Verify the inventory list (inventaire de chargement) before loading.
• Photograph any pre-existing damage at both addresses.
• Don't sign blank documents.
• Check the lettre de voiture — it must mention the mover, the volume, the route, and any reservations.
• At delivery, walk through every box and piece of furniture. Note any visible damage on the bordereau de livraison before signing.

Day after: the claim window

You have 10 days from delivery to file a written claim for damages in France (Article L. 133-3 of the Code de commerce), sent by registered mail (LRAR) to the moving company. Attach photos taken before and after. Reference the inventory and the bordereau de livraison.

A serious mover has an RC pro insurance contract and a claims process. If the issue is not resolved within 60 days, mediation is available — and Mon Meilleur Déménageur provides a regulated claims path for all moves coordinated through the platform.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a moving company in France?

Book 6 to 8 weeks in advance for moves in May, June, and September (peak season). Off-peak, 4 weeks is sufficient. For Paris and other ZFE-restricted cities, parking permits alone require 10 to 15 days lead time.

What documents do I need to update after moving in France?

Tax authority address (impots.gouv.fr), driver's licence and vehicle registration (ANTS), CAF if you receive housing aid, social security (Ameli), employer, bank, insurance, and your mutuelle. La Poste mail forwarding covers transition.

Can I claim damages after a French move?

Yes. French law gives you 10 days from delivery to file a written claim by registered mail (LRAR) under Article L. 133-3 of the Code de commerce. After 10 days, your claim rights are sharply reduced.