It can be just as much work to move around the corner as to move around the world. And whereas your company may have handled your initial move to France, you'll probably be on your own if you simply want to upgrade your apartment. Here are the basics for planning your move with a minimum of disruption to your life.

Moving companies

There's always the old-fashioned way, of course; packing your stuff yourself and renting a van to transport it. If you want to make it easier on yourself, you'll need to locate a moving company.

Start by collecting several quotes as prices can vary widely; companies will also offer several packages or formules that will each be priced differently.

The company will want to send a sales rep to look at your belongings, estimate their total volume in cubic metres, and explain the formules; these appointments should only take about 15 minutes, but you won't get a quote without one. Don't forget to review the insurance policy, for which you'll probably have to fill out a form estimating the value of your valuables.

The most common packages are:

- the do-it-yourself package where the company provides only the manpower to put the boxes and furniture in and out of the truck. The company should provide boxes and packing equipment.

- the breakables-only package, where you pack everything that doesn't break and the company packs everything that does, including lamps and pictures.

- the full-service package where all you do is show up. 

You'll be expected to unhook all your appliances yourself. (Don't forget to defrost your refrigerator the night before and empty the reservoir in your washing machine; the movers will be grumpy if they are confronted with clean-up problems the day of the move.)  

The team will include two or three movers; if you're moving in or out of a big city apartment building, remember that any extras will cost extra e.g. equipment to move furniture through windows, extra personnel to move furniture in buildings without elevators, parking problems, etcetera. Also keep in mind that moving on a Saturday will cost 15 to 25 percent extra and may not even be possible; many moving companies, especially in the provinces, work only Monday to Friday.

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