Moving to Paris is not an ordinary relocation. Narrow streets, buildings without lifts, regulated parking, noise restrictions in co-ownership buildings: the constraints specific to the French capital demand rigorous preparation. Here is what you need to anticipate.
Parisian constraints
Building access
Most Haussmann-era buildings either have no lift or feature one too small for furniture. Staircases are often narrow, with tight turns between floors. A move to the 5th floor without a lift costs 30 to 50% more than one with a lift. Some movers use an external furniture hoist (platform lift), which requires clear access at the facade and an additional permit.
The carriage entrance and the passageway to the stairwell must be checked: some buildings have passages so narrow that a three-seater sofa will not fit through. This is a point our property hunters systematically flag during viewings.
Parking
In Paris, parking a moving truck without a permit is prohibited. The temporary parking permit application is made at the local town hall (mairie d’arrondissement) at least 15 days before the date. The cost is approximately 28 euros per day. Professional movers usually handle this formality, but you should verify.
Time restrictions
Co-ownership rules generally impose schedules for moves: Monday to Saturday, between 8am and 8pm. Some co-ownerships require communal areas to be protected (covers, cardboard on the floor) and the lift to be reserved for the day. It is advisable to inform the building manager and the concierge at least one week in advance.
Preparation timeline
2 months before
Request quotes from at least three moving companies. Prices can vary by a factor of three between providers. Check that the company is registered and insured. The trade register and professional liability insurance are mandatory. Start sorting: this is the opportunity to sell or give away items you no longer need.
1 month before
Cancel or transfer your contracts: electricity (Enedis), gas (GRDF), Internet (allow 2 to 3 weeks for installation at the new property), home insurance (cancellation of the old policy, subscription of the new one). Notify your employer of the address change.
2 weeks before
Start packing items you use infrequently (books, spare dishes, off-season clothing). Plan for enough boxes (allow 30 to 50 boxes for a one-bedroom). Professional moving boxes hold up better than salvaged ones. Newspaper protects dishes; bubble wrap protects fragile items.
Moving day
Reserve the entire day, even if the movers estimate 3 hours. In Paris, the unexpected is frequent: double-parked vehicles blocking the truck, a broken lift, rain. Prepare a survival kit (toilet paper, soap, phone charger, snacks, coffee) accessible immediately in the new property.
Administrative steps
The change of address must be made with numerous organisations. The government’s online service (service-public.fr) allows you to notify La Poste, the tax office, social security, the family allowance office (CAF), the employment agency and pension funds all at once. Setting up mail forwarding (La Poste) costs approximately 40 euros for 6 months.
Do not forget: vehicle registration (mandatory within one month), registration on the electoral roll at your new address, and updating the address on your identity card (optional but recommended at the next renewal).
The cost of moving in Paris
For a one-bedroom (50 m²) with few heavy items, expect 800 to 1,500 euros. For a two-bedroom (70 m²) on the 4th floor without a lift, expect 1,500 to 3,000 euros. For a three-bedroom or larger (100 m²) with a furniture hoist, expect 2,500 to 5,000 euros. These prices include transport, loading and unloading. Packing and unpacking are additional options (400 to 1,000 euros).
The most expensive periods are month ends (leases typically end on the 30th or 31st), the months of June and July, and weekends. A move on a Tuesday in the middle of the month can cost 30% less than a Saturday at the end of the month.
Settling into your new neighbourhood
Once the boxes are unpacked, take time to discover your neighbourhood. Locate the bakery, the market, the doctor, the pharmacy. Introduce yourself to the building’s concierge. Slip a note into the letterboxes of your immediate neighbours to introduce yourself. These small gestures ease integration into the life of the building and the neighbourhood.
Have you just purchased an apartment in Paris and are preparing your move? Contact our team if you need recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a move in Paris cost?
For a 50 m² apartment (one-bedroom), expect to pay between 800 and 2,000 euros depending on volume, floor level (with or without lift) and time of year. Prices increase by 20 to 40% in June-July and at month end. A two-bedroom of 70 m² on the 5th floor without a lift costs between 1,500 and 3,500 euros. Quotes are free, so request at least three.
Do you need a permit to park a moving truck in Paris?
Yes. A temporary parking permit must be requested from the local town hall (mairie d'arrondissement) at least 15 days in advance. The cost is approximately 28 euros per day. Without a permit, you risk a fine and having the vehicle towed. The moving company typically handles this formality.
When should you start preparing your move?
Ideally 2 months before the planned date. The key steps: cancel or transfer contracts (Internet, electricity, insurance) 1 month before, book the movers 3 to 6 weeks before, start packing 2 weeks before, and update your official address 15 days before.
