7 Tips for a successful move: tips and organization

Moving can be as exciting as it is stressful, requiring careful preparation and efficient organization. Whether you’re moving house or moving to a new city, it’s essential to be well prepared. Here are seven tips for a successful move, along with advice on how to move with peace of mind, and information on how Stockeet can help make this transition easier.

1. Plan your move in advance

Planning is the key to a successful move. The earlier you start, the less stress you’ll have to deal with as D-Day approaches. Start organizing your move at least two to three months in advance, so you have time to anticipate every step and avoid the unexpected.

Create a detailed calendar

Write down all the tasks you need to accomplish, breaking them down week by week. For example, start by sorting your belongings and booking a mover in the first few weeks.
Add reminders for important administrative procedures such as change of address, contract cancellation or new subscriptions (water, electricity, internet).

Book your service providers as soon as possible

If you’re planning to use a professional mover, contact them early to compare quotes and guarantee availability, especially during the high season (spring and summer).
You should also consider renting a truck or reserving a storage unit if necessary.

Set a precise budget

Take into account all the costs associated with the move: equipment rental (boxes, tape, protection), transport costs, insurance, and any fees for service providers.
Set aside a margin for unforeseen expenses, such as repairs or additional costs related to the old home.

Anticipate logistics

Evaluate the total volume of your belongings to determine whether you need a moving truck or an extra crew to help you.
Study the access conditions of your homes (old and new): presence of elevators, parking possibilities for the truck, authorized moving times in the buildings.

Prepare an administrative file

Gather all the essential documents relating to your move in a file: lease contract, movers’ quotes, insurance, list of useful contacts.
Don’t forget to inform the authorities (post office, banks, insurance companies, energy suppliers) of your change of address in advance.

By investing time in meticulous planning, you can save yourself a lot of worry and approach this transition with greater serenity. Effective organization is your best ally in transforming a potentially stressful move into a smooth, positive experience.

2. Sort through your belongings

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to clean out your belongings. It’s the time to get rid of unnecessary clutter, so you can start afresh in your new home. An efficient sorting process will reduce the volume of your boxes, simplify transportation and even save you money on moving costs.

Adopt an organized sorting method

Create three main categories: to keep, to give/sell, and to throw away. Take the time to sort by room, focusing on the items you actually use.
Ask yourself some useful questions: Have I used this object in the last 12 months? Does it have sentimental or practical value? If the answer is no, it’s time to part with it.

Reduce your business volume

Unused items: Get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in years, broken gadgets or bulky furniture that won’t fit into your new space.
Documents and papers: Take the opportunity to sort out your administrative papers, keeping only what’s necessary. Scan your important documents to free up space.

Add value to what you don’t take with you

Organize a garage or online sale: Sell your items in good condition on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Ricardo or local flea markets. This will give you some money to finance your move.
Donate: Donate clothing, furniture or other usable items to local associations or collection centers. Not only will you lighten your boxes, but you’ll also be doing a good deed.
Recycling and bulky items : Remember to recycle your unusable items properly, or contact your local council to get rid of bulky items.

Be strategic in your sorting

Prepare your future space: Think about how each item will fit into your new home. Keep only what suits your lifestyle and space.
Anticipate your needs: If you’re moving to a smaller home, be even more rigorous to avoid being overwhelmed by unnecessary belongings.

Rigorous sorting before a move allows you to begin this new stage with greater lightness and clarity. The fewer items you have to transport, the faster, cheaper and more efficient your move will be.

3. Pack strategically

Packing your belongings properly is a key step in protecting them and making your move smoother. Careful organization when preparing your boxes will save you time when unpacking and minimize the risk of breakage. Here’s how to optimize this crucial step:

Invest in quality equipment

Suitable cartons: Choose sturdy cartons of different sizes. Use special boxes for fragile items such as crockery or electronics.
Protective equipment: Bring along bubble wrap, blankets, plastic film and sturdy adhesive tape. These tools are essential to prevent damage during transport.
Labels and markers: Prepare colored labels or a permanent marker to clearly indicate the contents and destination of each box.

Organize your boxes by priority and category

Sorting by room: Pack each room’s belongings separately to facilitate their distribution in your new home. For example, don’t mix items from the kitchen with those from the living room.
Box hierarchy: Identify “priority” boxes that contain essential items for the first few days, such as clothing, basic kitchen utensils or toiletries.
Group similar items: Put books, clothes from the same season or electronics together to simplify storage.

Efficiently protect your belongings

Fragile objects: Wrap each fragile object individually in bubble wrap or towels. Place them in the center of the box, surrounded by padding to prevent them from moving.
Heavy objects: Limit the weight of each box to 20 kg to ensure easy handling. Place heavy items at the bottom of the box and add lighter items on top.
Dismountable furniture: Store small parts, such as screws and bolts, in labeled, airtight bags, then attach them to one of the furniture components so they don’t get lost.

Optimize carton transport

Cut out handles: Create handles on heavy cardboard boxes to make them easier to transport. You can also use cardboard boxes with integrated handles.
Intelligent stacking: When loading onto the truck, stack the heaviest cartons at the bottom and the lightest at the top to avoid crushing.
Space for valuables: If you’re carrying valuables or important documents, prepare a dedicated box to keep handy.

Save time with precise labelling

Clear labels: Label each box with its contents and destination room. For example, write “Kitchen – Plates” or “Bathroom – Toiletries”.
Color coding: Use a color coding system for each room (e.g. red for the kitchen, blue for the bedroom). This will enable movers to place boxes directly in the right rooms.

By following these tips, you’ll reduce the stress of unpacking and protect your belongings in transit. Strategic preparation of your boxes ensures a more organized and less stressful move, both for you and for your helpers.

4. Manage administrative procedures

There’s much more to moving than transporting your belongings: the administrative formalities are just as important in ensuring a smooth transition from your old home to your new one. Managing these formalities properly will help you avoid long-term inconveniences, such as cuts in essential services or disputes with your former landlord. Here’s how to get organized:

Prepare the exit inventory of fixtures

Plan an inventory of fixtures: Before you leave your old home, arrange a visit with your landlord or estate agent. Clean every room and make sure everything is in good condition so you can get your security deposit back.
Visual evidence: Take photos or videos of the premises before you leave to keep a record in case of disagreement.
Meter readings: Make a note of your meter readings (water, gas, electricity) to close your contracts and avoid surprises.

Organize the transfer of your subscriptions

Electricity and gas: Inform your suppliers of your move. Set dates for termination in the old home and opening in the new one.
Internet and telephone: Contact your provider to avoid service interruption. Some providers offer rapid installation in your new home.
Water: Check with your local water authority to find out whether any special procedures are required.

Change your address

Administration: Inform the post office, your local council or the prefecture. Consider temporarily redirecting your mail via La Poste.
Banks and insurance companies: Update your contact details with your bank, mutual insurance company and insurance companies.
Schools and services: If you have children, enroll them in their new school. Transfer your memberships to local clubs or services.

Take out a new home insurance policy

New policy: Contact your insurer to adapt your policy to your new home. Make sure it covers the risks associated with the move.
For tenants: Provide your landlord with a copy of your new home insurance certificate.

Regularize your tax situation

Tax authorities: Inform them of your new address to ensure you receive your tax documents correctly, such as income tax and council tax.

Take local conditions into account

Local regulations: Find out about local rules (moving times, waste management) to avoid conflicts or fines.

Anticipate deadlines

Planning: Certain procedures, such as opening an electricity contract or an Internet line, can take several weeks. Plan ahead to avoid any inconvenience.

Dealing with administrative formalities may seem tedious, but meticulous organization will make your transition much smoother. By anticipating every formality, you’ll be able to move into your new home with complete peace of mind, without having to deal with last-minute administrative problems.

5. Organize transport on moving day

Moving day is often the most stressful, combining physical exertion, tight time management and the risk of unforeseen events. Efficient organization of your move will allow you to live this day with greater serenity. Here are the essential steps to ensure smooth, safe transportation of your belongings:

Prepare your transport vehicle

Choose the right truck: If you’ve got a lot of stuff, opt for a truck with sufficient volume (usually measured in cubic meters). Too small and you’ll have to make several trips back and forth, while too big and you’ll be hard to maneuver.
Rent in advance: Book your truck or van several weeks in advance, especially during periods of high demand (summer and month-ends). Check that the vehicle is equipped with straps, a hand truck and a tailgate to facilitate loading.
Park smart: Make sure there are parking facilities near your old and new homes. If necessary, request a temporary parking permit from the mayor’s office.

Load the truck strategically

Start with heavy furniture: Place heavy, bulky furniture (sofas, wardrobes, appliances) first, to ensure load stability. Use straps to secure them and prevent them from shifting during transport.
Stack boxes sensibly: put heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter or more fragile ones at the top. Balance the load to avoid tipping.
Protect your belongings: Wrap furniture in blankets or plastic to protect it from scratches. Use bubble wrap or cushion padding for fragile items.

Coordinate tasks with your team

Assign clear roles: Divide up tasks right from the start, for example, one person supervises loading, another handles small items and another communicates with the driver.
Call on friends or professionals: A well-organized team can speed up the process. If you hire movers, provide them with a precise plan of the rooms and priority boxes.

Prepare an emergency kit for the day

Survival box: Keep a box of essentials close at hand: water bottles, snacks, basic tools (screwdriver, tape), and basic necessities (phone charger, important papers).
Personal bag: Pack a bag with a change of clothes, toiletries and valuables. This bag will stay with you all day.

Plan your journey carefully

Estimate travel time: Take into account distance, traffic conditions and necessary stops.
Plan an alternative route: Have a backup route in case of roadworks or traffic jams to avoid delays.

Ensure efficient unloading

Unload in room order: Move boxes directly into the corresponding rooms to avoid having to move them several times.
Use a floor plan of your new home: if the team knows the layout of the rooms, unloading will be quicker and more organized.
Check your belongings as you go: Make a note of the items unloaded to make sure nothing has been left behind in the truck.

By anticipating every logistical detail, you’ll minimize unnecessary effort and reduce the risk of complications. Meticulous organization of transportation transforms moving day into a well-controlled phase, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new home.

6. Settling into your new home

Settling into your new home is an exciting stage, but it can also be exhausting after a day of moving. An organized, step-by-step approach will help you quickly transform this new space into a warm, comfortable home. Here are a few tips to help you manage this crucial phase:

Start with the essentials

Unpack priority boxes: First, set up the essentials for the first 24 to 48 hours, such as clothes, sheets, basic kitchen utensils and toiletries. These items will allow you to live comfortably before unpacking the rest.
Assemble the essential furniture: Concentrate on essential furniture such as the bed, table or sofa. Having a place to rest and eat makes the transition to your new home easier.

Organize your boxes room by room

Place boxes directly in the rooms concerned: If you’ve followed a precise labeling system, it will be easy to unpack your belongings room by room without wasting time.
Unpack gradually: Avoid trying to put everything away in a single day. Concentrate on one room at a time, starting with the ones you use most, like the bedroom and kitchen.

Set up your new routine

Personalize your space: Arrange your decorative objects, photo frames and souvenirs to make your new home more welcoming. This helps you feel at home quickly.
Adapt the layout: Take the time to think about the ideal furniture layout to optimize space and improve your day-to-day comfort.
Test your equipment: Check that appliances, heating systems and electrical outlets are working properly as soon as you arrive.

Carry out a thorough inventory of fixtures and fittings

Take photos: Document the initial state of the property, in particular any defects or damage, to avoid any misunderstandings with the landlord or estate agent.
Notify your landlord promptly of any necessary repairs or adjustments.

Update your subscriptions and services

Connect your essential services: If you haven’t already done so, activate your water, electricity, gas and internet contracts to ensure a seamless transition.
Recycling boxes: Once you’ve emptied your boxes, drop them off at recycling centers or give them to people planning to move.

Familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood

Locate nearby services: Explore your surroundings to identify supermarkets, pharmacies, schools, public transport and other useful amenities.
Get to know your neighbors: A friendly introduction can help establish good relations right from the start.

Take the time to rest

Moving can be exhausting: Give yourself time to relax and adjust to your new surroundings. A successful move takes time, so there’s no need to do everything in a single day.

By following these steps, you’ll quickly transform your new space into a place where you’ll feel at home. Careful, gradual installation will enable you to take full advantage of this new stage in your life.

7. Anticipate the unexpected

Even with meticulous organization, a move can be full of surprises. The unexpected, though stressful, can be managed effectively if you’re prepared. By anticipating possible hazards, you’ll give yourself the means to deal with unexpected situations calmly and efficiently. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

Prepare a survival kit for the first 24 hours

Group together the essentials: A dedicated box or bag of essentials is essential to get through the first few days without having to search through all your boxes. Include:
- A change of clothes
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, soap, towel)
- A first-aid kit
- Snacks, bottled water and a few simple kitchen utensils
- Your chargers for phones and electronic devices
- Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, tape) for minor adjustments
Keep the box handy: Place it in your car, or ask the movers to carry it last, so that it’s immediately accessible.

Get moving insurance

Protect your belongings: Moving insurance covers any damage or loss during transport. If you use professional movers, check that their insurance is included in the contract. If you’re moving on your own, check with your insurer for temporary coverage.
Keep a list of valuables: Take photos or videos of your most valuable possessions before the move, to make things easier in the event of a problem.

Allow yourself some time

Handle logistical contingencies: On moving day, delays can occur due to traffic, access problems or forgotten important items. Prepare a flexible schedule with room for maneuver to avoid stress.
Anticipate the weather: If you’re moving in winter or rainy weather, bring tarpaulins to protect your belongings and appropriate clothing for you and your team.

Have a plan B for transportation

Alternative to the truck: In the event of a problem with the rented vehicle (breakdown, unavailability), identify a rental service or a back-up mover.
Fragile or bulky objects: If certain items of furniture or objects cannot fit through staircases or doors, consider renting a furniture lift or calling in specialized professionals.

Keep in touch with service providers

Follow-up with the movers: Maintain regular communication with the moving company to ensure that everything goes according to plan. If you’re moving alone, keep your friends and family informed of any changes.
Emergency numbers: Keep contact details for service providers (truck rental companies, movers, electricians, etc.) and local services (police, hospital, etc.) handy in case of need.

Plan a small budget for unforeseen financial events

Unexpected expenses: Keep a dedicated envelope or card to cover extra costs, such as an unexpected errand, a team meal or the purchase of missing equipment.

Stay calm and adapt

Be flexible: The unexpected is normal in any move. Adopt a positive attitude and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Involve the people around you: If friends or family are helping you, their support can be invaluable in resolving minor incidents quickly.

Anticipating the unexpected means reducing its impact on your moving day. By preparing in advance and remaining adaptable, you can turn potential obstacles into simple adjustments, for a smoother, more successful move.

How Stockeet can help you move successfully

Stockeet plays a crucial role in the success of your move by offering you the right self-storage solutions. Whether you need to store furniture, moving boxes or valuables temporarily during the transition, Stockeet offers secure self-storage units accessible 24/7.

Self-storage at Stockeet is perfect for those looking for a flexible and secure solution to store their belongings, with no long-term commitment. This solution is ideal for those who have a gap between vacating their old home and moving into their new one.

Contact us to find out how Stockeet can make your move easier. Our teams are on hand to offer moving advice and help you choose the best storage solution for your needs. Contact us on 021 800 30 00 today for a quote or to visit our facilities.