Organising your move

Calling in a removals firm is the easiest solution, because it leaves with you with (almost) nothing to do apart from unpack the boxes, although some companies will even do that for you!
Naturally though, these services come at a cost.

1. Estimate the volume of possessions you have to move
   You can do this over the Internet and get a quote directly. However, it is important that the remover visits your home to see the volume to be moved, the layout of the rooms and any special characteristics of certain items of furniture or objects.
   
2. Compare quotes
   There are no standard charges for removals and they can vary considerably from one company to another. Don’t forget to take account of the cost involved in hiring equipment, like a lift if your furniture won’t fit down the stairs.
   Our advice: choose an approved remover from the list offered by Chambre syndicale du déménagement.

Moving yourself? If you’re planning to rent a van, remember to book it (well) in advance!

Good to know: a house moving grant is available for large families. Subject to meeting the conditions, the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) will refund part of your costs.

• Schools and nurseries
  As soon as you know your exact moving date, register your children at a school or nursery close to your new home. Please contact your Bouygues Immobilier advisor, who will be able to give you full information about local schools.
  

• Your old home
  If you are renting, you must give your landlord 3 months’ notice by registered letter. If the move is due to job relocation, the notice period is reduced to 1 month. The period of notice for furnished lets is shown in the rental agreement.
  If you own your home, you should notify the syndic of your building so that your co-ownership account can be made up to the date you leave.
  

• Your home insurance
  You can either transfer your current insurance policy to your new home or take out a new policy with another insurer.
  

• Your car: carte grise and insurance
  
  • Carte grise : unless you move to a new département, have the address shown on your carte grise changed by the commissariat or préfecture. If you do change département, you must obtain your new carte grise at the préfecture by submitting the old one, together with evidence of your new address, an item of identity and a certificat de non-gage (certificate of ownership) from your previous préfecture.
  • § Car insurance : premiums vary from region to region, so ask your insurer before you move.

• Administration: tax, allowances, social security, etc.
  Caisse d'Allocations Familiales, unemployment insurance, health insurance, tax office… A single governmental web site lets you notify several public bodies of your change of address in just a few mouse clicks.
  Visit: www.changement-adresse.gouv.fr
  Our advice : remember to notify your mutual insurer, pension company, employer, etc. directly.
  

• What about the bank?
  There’s no need to close your bank account: just ask for your account to be transferred to a branch near your new home. Ask you bank before you move.
  

• Your regular payments: water, electricity, gas, telephone, TV, etc.
  Remember to cancel or transfer your existing contracts or take out new ones in good time, so that they are up and running on the day!
  

• Your mail
  You can ask La Poste to redirect your mail automatically to your new address in return for a fee: you can find out more by visiting a Post Office or the La Poste web site. You can register and pay for the redirection service on the La Poste web site.
  

Please contact your Bouygues Immobilier advisor, who will help you with your planning so that your move goes as smoothly as possible.