We’ve all experienced that moment where, three days before the move, half of the belongings are still lying around in the closets and the “fragile” box is still not closed. A successful move doesn’t rely on a generic task list, but on a few decisions made at the right time, well before the big day.
Access constraints to the new home: the point that no one checks early enough
Before booking a truck or comparing quotes from movers, start with a technical visit to the new home. Not a visit to admire the view, but to measure what will cause problems.
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The width of the staircase, the presence or absence of an elevator, the distance between the parking spot and the front door: these details change the choice of vehicle and the cost. A corner sofa that fits in a hallway of a house may not necessarily fit in a spiral staircase on the third floor without an elevator.
Also check if any interior doors need to be removed to allow the larger furniture to pass. In some narrow or sloped streets, the truck simply won’t be able to park in front of the building. You will then need to plan for carrying items over several dozen meters, which increases the duration and cost of the operation.
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To anticipate moving procedures, La Petite Maison dans la Prairie details the formalities to be undertaken in advance, particularly the request for a parking permit from the town hall, a point often forgotten until the last week.
Notice period: the actual deadlines depending on your rental situation
Everywhere you read “remember to give your notice.” But you need to know which one. The notice period varies depending on the type of lease and the geographical area.
For an unfurnished rental in a tight area, the notice period is shorter compared to a traditional rental. For a furnished lease, the deadline differs again. And if you are a selling owner, the constraint is no longer the notice but the date of signing at the notary’s office.
Confusing these deadlines risks paying double rent for several weeks. It is recommended to reread your lease first and check if the property is located in a tight area, as this information conditions the actual moving schedule, not the theoretical checklist.
When to send the cancellation letter to suppliers
Energy, internet, and home insurance contracts do not have the same cancellation deadlines. For electricity and gas, the cut-off can be scheduled a few days in advance. For internet, expect a longer delay depending on the provider, sometimes several weeks.
The classic mistake: canceling too early and finding yourself without connection in the last days in the old home, or too late and paying for an unnecessary subscription. Align the cancellations with the actual key handover date, not the planned moving date.
Sorting and boxes: the method that avoids chaos during unpacking
Sort before packing, not during. Start with the rooms you use the least (basement, attic, guest room) and finish with the kitchen and bathroom, the everyday spaces.
The question to ask for each item is not “will I need this one day” but “have I used it in the last twelve months.” This simple filter significantly reduces the volume of boxes, and therefore the transport cost.
- Label each box on the side (not on the top, which will be hidden once the boxes are stacked) with the destination room and a keyword about the contents.
- Reserve a “first night” box with sheets, towels, chargers, medications, coffee, and a few plates, so you won’t have to search for anything upon arrival.
- Keep a bag with your identification papers, keys to both homes, contracts, and valuables: these documents never travel in the truck.
Cold chain and appliances: a common trap
Empty and unplug the refrigerator and freezer the day before departure. Plan a cooler for perishable items you wish to keep.
At the new home, wait a few hours before plugging in the refrigerator after its transport, especially if it traveled lying down or tilted. Plugging it in immediately can damage the compressor. The returns vary on the exact delay depending on the models, but a few hours of patience is sufficient in most cases.
Moving day: protect the premises and coordinate the teams
Whether you hire professional movers or rely on friends, protect the floors and door frames of both the old and new homes. Thick cardboard on the floor and blankets on the corners are enough to avoid damages that can lead to deductions from the security deposit.
Assign a clear role to each person present. One person stays in the old home to supervise the loading, another waits at the new home to direct the boxes to the correct room. Without this distribution, you end up with kitchen boxes in the bedroom and a sofa stuck in the entrance.
- Check that the parking permit has been granted and that the spot is free on the morning of the move.
- Plan for water, snacks, and tape in quantity: these are the three things that are always missing.
- Do a final tour of each room, with closets open, before handing over the keys. Something is always forgotten in the top closet of the entrance.
The exit inventory ideally takes place once the home is completely empty and cleaned. Planning a separate time slot from the truck loading avoids rushing and disputes over potential damages.
A well-prepared move doesn’t depend on the length of the checklist, but on three decisions made early: checking access, aligning the right administrative deadlines, and sorting before packing. The rest is day-of logistics, and it can be managed if the foundations are laid.