Three months before the move
1. Confirm your moving date
Set a specific date for your move. If you are a tenant, check the notice period in your lease, which is usually one to three months depending on the type of accommodation. If you are buying, the date of signing the deed of sale will determine your schedule. Also check the calendar of events in Monaco if you are moving to the Principality, to avoid complicated periods such as the Grand Prix in May.
2. Notify your landlord or agency
If you are a tenant, send your notice letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. Although not mandatory, registered mail provides legal proof of the date of dispatch. Keep the acknowledgment of receipt and a copy of your letter in a safe place. If you are a homeowner and are selling, coordinate with your notary regarding dates and formalities.
3. Get several moving quotes
Contact at least three moving companies to compare services and prices. In Monaco, choose local movers who are familiar with the constraints of the Principality. Request a free home visit to obtain an accurate quote based on the actual volume of your belongings. Check that the quotes include all necessary services, such as a furniture lift if you live on a high floor.
4. Book your moving company
Once you have made your choice, book your moving company as early as possible, especially if you are moving during a period of high demand. The best professionals are often booked several weeks in advance. Sign the quote and pay the deposit if requested. Ask for written confirmation of the booking with the date, times, and services included.
5. Take out appropriate moving insurance
Check the insurance coverage offered by your mover. Basic insurance generally covers standard damage but is calculated by weight, which may not be sufficient for valuable items. If you own artwork, antiques, musical instruments, or designer furniture, take out additional ad valorem insurance that covers the actual declared value of your belongings.
6. Start sorting through your belongings
Three months before the move is the ideal time to methodically sort through your possessions. Go through each room and separate your belongings into three categories: keep, give away or sell, throw away. The lighter your move, the less it will cost and the easier it will be. Clothes you no longer wear, books you won't reread, decorative items you no longer like—all of these can find a second life.
7. Organize a sale or donate items
For items in good condition that you no longer want, organize a sale on online platforms or donate them to charities. In Monaco and the surrounding area, several organizations collect furniture and items in good condition. You could also consider garage sales or peer-to-peer donation platforms. Get rid of bulky items as soon as possible to free up space and simplify packing.
8. Cancel your internet and phone subscription
Contact your provider to cancel or transfer your subscription. Cancellation periods vary depending on the contract, but are generally between ten days and one month. If you are moving to an area covered by the same provider, request a line transfer rather than a cancellation. Find out about any fees and early termination conditions if you are still under contract.
9. Cancel your electricity and gas subscription
Notify your energy supplier of your move at least two weeks before you leave. Give them your departure date and your new address so they can issue a final bill. Take a meter reading on the day you leave and take photos as proof. For your new home, sign up for a new contract or request a transfer if the supplier covers both addresses.
10. Notify your home insurance company
Contact your insurer to inform them of your move. Your current contract will end on your departure date, but you will remain covered during the move itself. For your new home, take out a new home insurance policy that will take effect as soon as you arrive. As a tenant, home insurance is mandatory and your landlord may ask you for proof of coverage.
Two months before the move
11. Notify the property manager of your current building
If you live in a condominium, inform the property manager of your move within the time frame specified in the condominium rules, which is generally a minimum of two to three weeks. In Monaco, this step is particularly important because property managers often impose strict rules on schedules, protection of common areas, and reservation of the freight elevator. Some buildings require a security deposit.
12. Notify the property manager of your future building
Also contact the property manager of your future residence to find out the rules that apply to moving. Ask about the authorized time slots, the protection required for common areas, and whether a freight elevator reservation is necessary. Some buildings limit moving to certain days or hours so as not to disturb other residents.
13. Request parking permits
In Monaco, this step is crucial and must be completed at least three to four weeks before your move. Contact Monaco City Hall to request a parking permit for the moving truck in front of your departure address and your arrival address. Provide the necessary documents: lease or deed, mover's estimate, property manager's contact information. For Le Rocher, additional specific permits may be required.
14. Reserve a storage facility if necessary
If your departure date and arrival date do not coincide perfectly, or if your new home is smaller and you need to temporarily store some furniture, reserve a storage facility. In Monaco or La Turbie, secure storage units must be reserved several weeks in advance during periods of high demand. Visit the facilities and check the security and storage conditions before committing.
15. Gather important documents
Put all your administrative documents in a secure folder that you will carry yourself on moving day. This includes identity papers, insurance contracts, bank documents, diplomas, health records, important bills, and any other documents you absolutely do not want to lose. Never put them in the boxes that will be loaded onto the truck.
16. Carry out an early exit inventory
If you are a tenant, agree on a date for the exit inventory with your landlord or agency. Ideally, set this date a few days after your move so that you have time to clean and make any minor repairs. Reread the entry inventory to identify any issues that could cause problems. Be prepared to discuss any damage and deductions from your security deposit.
17. Order boxes and packing materials
Ask your moving company if they provide boxes and packing materials, or buy them yourself if you prefer to pack your belongings in advance. Plan ahead: people always underestimate the number of boxes they need. For a three-room apartment, allow for around 50 to 80 boxes, depending on how much stuff you have. You will also need bubble wrap, newspaper, strong packing tape, and markers for labeling.
18. Notify schools and educational institutions
If you have school-age children, inform their current school of your move and the date of their last day of class. Ask for a certificate of withdrawal, which will be necessary for enrollment in the new school. Contact the new school to find out about the enrollment process and the documents you will need to provide. In Monaco, places in schools are limited and early enrollment is often necessary.
19. Transfer your medical records
Notify your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers of your move. Ask them to send your medical records to you or transfer them directly to your new providers if you have already identified them. For ongoing treatments, make sure you have enough medication for the transition period and ask for the necessary prescriptions.
20. Update your address with government agencies
Start notifying government agencies of your change of address. The Post Office offers a mail forwarding service for a limited period, giving you time to notify all your correspondents. Notify the tax authorities, social security, your pension fund if applicable, and any other government agencies with which you are in regular contact.
One month before the move
21. Start packing non-essential items
One month before your move, start packing items that you don't use on a daily basis. Books, decorations, out-of-season clothing, and serving dishes are good candidates for early packing. Fill boxes without overloading them, seal them securely, and label them clearly with the name of the room they are going to and a brief description of the contents.
22. Photograph your valuables
Take photos of all your valuables before packing them. These photos will serve as proof in case of damage during the move and will facilitate the processing of any insurance claims. Photograph furniture from several angles, works of art, expensive electronic devices, and any items that are particularly important to you.
23. Arrange childcare and pet care
Moving day will be stressful and tiring. If you have young children or pets, arrange for someone to look after them on that day. Children will be happier at a friend's or relative's house than in a chaotic apartment, and pets will be less stressed and safer away from the commotion. Pack a bag with their essential items.
24. Make any necessary repairs to the rental property
If you are a tenant, carry out any minor repairs that could result in your security deposit being withheld. Fill any holes in the walls, touch up the paintwork if necessary, replace any burnt-out light bulbs, and clean thoroughly. These small details can make the difference between getting your deposit back in full or having part of it withheld for repairs.
25. Empty and clean your basement and parking space
If you have a basement or parking space, start emptying and cleaning them. We tend to accumulate forgotten items in these spaces, and now is the time to sort through them. Gradually bring up to your apartment what needs to be moved and get rid of the rest. On moving day, these additional spaces should be ready to be emptied quickly.
26. Cancel your various subscriptions
Go through all your subscriptions: gym, swimming pool, clubs, associations, newspapers, magazines. Cancel those that are linked to your current place of residence and find out about the terms and conditions for transferring or renewing those you wish to keep. Check the cancellation clauses and any fees.
27. Notify your employer
Inform your employer of your change of address so that they can update your administrative file. If your move involves a change of tax residence or region, this may have implications for your paycheck. Also discuss with them whether you need a day off for the move.
28. Update your bank and insurance accounts
Log in to your online customer accounts or contact your banks and insurance companies directly to update your address. This will ensure that you receive all important mail and that your new payment methods are sent to the correct address. Take this opportunity to check whether your new address affects your car or home insurance conditions.
29. Organize the cleaning of your old home
Plan a thorough cleaning of your current home. You can do this yourself after the move or hire a professional cleaning company, which is particularly recommended if you want to get your security deposit back without any hassle. Make an appointment with the company now to ensure they are available on the date you want.
30. Prepare your new home
If you already have access to your new home, take advantage of this to do some work or renovations before your furniture arrives. This is the ideal time to repaint, redo floors, install light fixtures, or make small repairs. Take precise measurements of the rooms and openings to plan the placement of your furniture.
Two weeks before the move
31. Confirm all details with your moving company
Call your moving company to confirm the date, exact times, number of people in the team, and equipment that will be brought along. Check that they have received all the necessary authorizations and that they are aware of any access restrictions at both addresses. Give them your cell phone number so they can reach you on the day of the move in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
32. Inform your neighbors
As a courtesy, notify your current and future neighbors of your move. A quick note in their mailboxes or a message on the building's WhatsApp group is sufficient. In Monaco, where residences are often small and everyone knows each other, this courtesy is particularly appreciated. It will also prevent complaints to the property manager on moving day.
33. Plan your meals for the last week
In the last few days before the move, you will need to empty your refrigerator and cupboards. Plan your menus accordingly to gradually use up your supplies. Avoid making large purchases that would generate waste. In the last few days, opt for simple dishes or takeaway meals rather than cooking with kitchenware that is already packed.
34. Pack a bag with essentials
Pack a bag or suitcase with everything you will need for the first few days in your new home. Change of clothes, toiletries, essential medications, phone chargers, first aid kit, important documents, a few basic kitchen utensils, coffee or tea, and anything else that will help you get through the first few nights without having to search through boxes.
35. Empty and defrost your freezer
Two weeks before the move, stop filling your freezer and start using up its contents. A week before, unplug it and let it defrost completely. A defrosted freezer will be lighter to transport and you will avoid damage from defrosting water. Clean it thoroughly once it has defrosted and leave the door open to prevent unpleasant odors.
36. Pack fragile items carefully
Fragile items such as dishes, glasses, mirrors, frames, and decorative objects require particularly careful packing. Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or newspaper. Pad the bottom of the boxes with crumpled paper, place the heaviest items at the bottom and the most fragile at the top, and fill any gaps to prevent items from moving around. Clearly mark these boxes as “FRAGILE.”
37. Disassemble furniture that needs it
Disassemble flat-pack furniture that cannot be transported whole: beds, wardrobes, shelves, desks. Put all screws, bolts, and small parts in plastic bags that you tape directly to the furniture in question or place in a clearly labeled box. Take photos of the assembly before disassembly, as this will help you when reassembling. Protect the disassembled parts with blankets to prevent scratches.
38. Arrange for your mail to be forwarded
Sign up for the USPS mail forwarding service if you haven't already done so. This service gives you time to notify all your correspondents of your new address without risking losing important mail. Mail forwarding can last from six months to a year, depending on the plan you choose. At the same time, continue to notify your usual correspondents of your change of address.
39. Collect items you have lent or left in storage
Take stock of anything you have lent to friends or family, or left in storage somewhere: books, tools, clothes, sports equipment. Now is the time to collect everything before you move. Conversely, return anything you have borrowed. This will avoid complications and oversights after you leave.
40. Back up your computer data
Before unplugging and packing your computer, make a complete backup of all your important data. Use an external hard drive or an online storage service. Moving is a risky time for electronic equipment, even with the best precautions. A backup ensures that you won't lose anything if something goes wrong.
The last week
41. Finish packing everything that's left.
In the last few days, gradually pack everything you still use on a daily basis. Save toiletries, the clothes you wear, and the minimum kitchen utensils for last. Everything else should be in closed, labeled boxes. The sooner you finish, the less stressful the day before the move will be.
42. Fill up your vehicle's gas tank.
If you have a car, fill up the gas tank the day before the move. You may need to make several trips between your old and new homes, and you don't want to run out of gas in the middle of all the chaos. Also, check that your vehicle is in good condition and starts without any problems.
43. Take readings of all your meters
The day before or on the day of your departure, take accurate readings of all your meters: electricity, gas, water. Take photos with your phone to have time-stamped proof of the readings. Send these readings to your suppliers so they can issue your final bills. Do the same in your new home when you arrive to avoid paying for the previous occupant's consumption.
44. Check the weather
Check the weather forecast for your moving day. If rain is expected, notify your moving company and ask them to bring extra waterproof protection for your boxes and furniture. Also bring a few towels or rags to wipe up any water. Moving in the rain is more complicated, but it's entirely manageable with the right precautions.
45. Prepare a floor plan of your new home
Draw a simple floor plan of your new home with the planned location of the main pieces of furniture. You can even number the rooms and write these numbers on your boxes. This will help the movers place the boxes and furniture in the right place, saving you considerable time when unpacking. Display this plan in a prominent place in your new home on moving day.
Moving day
46. Be present and available throughout the day
Plan to be present from the beginning to the end of the move. Your presence is essential to answer the movers' questions, tell them where to place the furniture, check that nothing has been forgotten, and sign the documents. Stay reachable on your cell phone at all times. If you really can't be there, designate a trusted person with power of attorney to act on your behalf.
47. Check the truck's load
Accompany the movers while they load the truck. Check that everything that needs to go is loaded and that nothing is left behind. Count the number of boxes and make a note of it. Identify any fragile items to ensure they are properly secured. If you have any particularly valuable items, you can ask for them to be loaded last so they can be unloaded first.
48. Do a final inspection of your old home
Before leaving for good, do a final thorough inspection of your old home. Open all the cupboards, check all the rooms, the basement, the parking space, and the balcony. It's common to forget items in unusual places. Check that all the windows are closed, the lights are off, and the heating is turned off. Collect all your keys to return them to the landlord.
49. Supervise the unloading at your new home
Upon arrival at your new home, guide the movers room by room as they place the furniture and boxes. Refer to the floor plan you prepared. Check the condition of your belongings as they are being unloaded. If you notice any damage, report it immediately to the team leader and take photos. Only sign the delivery slip after checking everything, or add any reservations if necessary.
50. Conduct the move-in inspection
If you are a tenant, the move-in inspection is usually carried out on the day you move in or in the following days. Be extremely careful during this inspection and note absolutely everything: the slightest scratch, mark, or defect. Take plenty of photos. This inspection will protect you when you move out by proving that any damage already existed when you arrived.
The days after the move
The move itself is over, but there are still some important tasks to complete in the days and weeks that follow.
Start by unpacking the essential boxes first: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom. Take your time with the other rooms and settle in gradually. Test all your electrical and electronic devices to make sure they weren't damaged during transport.
Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. In Monaco, where residential communities are often close-knit, making a good impression from the start will make your integration easier. Locate local shops, your new bakery, your supermarket, your pharmacy.
Register to vote in your new municipality if you have moved. Update your vehicle registration if you have a car; you have one month after your move to do so. Change the address on your driver's license.
Continue to update your address with all your contacts as you receive forwarded mail. Magazines, insurance companies, various organizations, notify them all gradually.
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