Every year, approximately 3 million people move in France. Whether you're changing cities or just neighborhoods, a move involves many administrative steps that are best anticipated. This guide accompanies you step by step to ensure you don't forget any essential stage.
1. Electricity and Gas: Opening Your Contracts
Electricity and gas are essential from day one. It's recommended to start 2 to 3 weeks before the move to ensure you have energy on moving day.
For the Old Home
- Contact your provider to cancel or transfer your contract
- Communicate the contract end date (day of the exit inventory)
- Read the meter on the day of departure
- Cancellation is free and requires no notice
For the New Home
- Choose your provider (EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, etc.)
- Subscribe online or by phone with the following info:
- Full address of the new home
- Desired move-in date
- PDL or PCE number if available
- Meter reading if known
Service Activation Fees
| Type | Standard (5 days) | Express (24-48h) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity (Linky) | €14.18 incl. VAT | €52.53 incl. VAT |
| Electricity (old meter) | €30.37 incl. VAT | €141.92 incl. VAT |
| Gas | €19.57 incl. VAT | €61.27 incl. VAT |
2. Internet and Phone
Having internet from the first days makes settling in much easier. Plan ahead 2 to 4 weeks before the move, as installation can take time.
Check Eligibility
Before subscribing, test your new address's eligibility:
- Fiber optic: Coverage rapidly expanding (90% in 2026)
- ADSL/VDSL: Available almost everywhere
- 4G/5G Box: Alternative if area is not covered by fiber
Transfer or Cancel?
Line Transfer
- ✓ Keep the same provider
- ✓ Landline number conservation possible
- ✓ Fees: €50 to €100 depending on provider
- ✓ Timeline: 2 to 4 weeks
Cancellation + New Offer
- ✓ Opportunity to compare offers
- ✓ Cancellation fees if under contract
- ✓ Legitimate reason = no cancellation fees
- ✓ New promotions available
3. Home Insurance
Home insurance is mandatory for tenants and highly recommended for owners. Your new home must be insured from the day you receive the keys.
Your Options
- Transfer your current contract: Contact your insurer to change the address. Coverage and premium will be recalculated based on the new home.
- Cancel and subscribe elsewhere: Moving is a legitimate reason for cancellation (article L113-16 of the Insurance Code). You can cancel without fees even during a commitment period.
4. Change of Address
Online Address Change Service
The service-public.fr website offers a free address change service that automatically notifies several organizations:
- Taxes (DGFIP)
- Social Security (CPAM)
- Pôle emploi (France Travail)
- CAF
- And many others...
Mail Forwarding
La Poste offers a permanent mail forwarding service to your new address:
| Duration | Indicative Rate |
|---|---|
| 6 months | ~€35 |
| 12 months | ~€58 |
5. Administrative Steps
Organizations to Notify
Mandatory
- • Taxes (income declaration)
- • Vehicle registration (within 1 month)
- • Driver's license
- • Prefecture (residence permit if applicable)
Recommended
- • Bank(s)
- • Health insurance
- • Employer
- • Primary care physician
- • Schools (if you have children)
Vehicle Registration
Changing the address on your vehicle registration is mandatory within one monthof moving. The process is free on the ANTS website (ants.gouv.fr). After 3 address changes, a new registration card will be issued.
6. Moving Day: Inventory and Meter Readings
Exit Inventory
- Compare with the entry inventory
- Photograph each room
- Report any pre-existing damage
- Recover your security deposit (max 2 months for return)
Meter Readings
On moving day, read:
- • Electric meter (old and new home)
- • Gas meter if applicable
- • Water meter (for the landlord)
Submit these readings to your providers to avoid paying for the previous tenant's consumption.
7. Complete Checklist
2-3 months before
- □ Give notice to landlord (1 to 3 months depending on area)
- □ Compare and book movers
- □ Start sorting and collecting boxes
- □ Review contracts to transfer/cancel
2-3 weeks before
- □ Subscribe to electricity/gas for new home
- □ Subscribe to internet box
- □ Transfer/subscribe to home insurance
- □ Change address online (service-public.fr)
Moving day
- □ Complete exit inventory
- □ Read meters (electricity, gas, water)
- □ Return keys to old home
- □ Complete entry inventory
- □ Collect keys to new home
8. Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start the procedures for my move?
How much does transferring energy contracts cost?
Do I need to cancel my home insurance?
How do I forward my mail after moving?
Which organizations should I notify of my address change?
Sources
- • Service-public.fr - Address Change: service-public.fr
- • Enedis - Service Activation: enedis.fr
- • ANTS - Vehicle Registration: ants.gouv.fr
- • La Poste - Mail Forwarding: laposte.fr
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. Rates, timelines, and procedures may vary by provider and change over time. We recommend verifying information with the relevant organizations.