How to move to Paris: the complete guide to successfully settling in the capital

Ah, Paris… its golden croissants, its walks on the quays, its 20 arrondissements full of charm… and his moves worthy of a headache. 

Because moving to the capital doesn't just mean finding a nice two-room apartment under the roof: it also means facing the parking jungle, the spiral staircases of Haussmann-style buildings, and sometimes even booking a furniture lift before having the keys.

Whether you arrive from Marseille, Lyon or a few streets further, this guide is here to support you in your move to Paris. Procedures, budget, tips, pitfalls to avoid… You will know everything.

Preparing for your move to Paris: the key steps

Moving to Paris is an adventure in its own right. Between the narrow streets, the spiral staircases and the parking permits to obtain, it's best not to leave anything to chance.

Find out how to anticipate the specifics of a move in the capital, avoid typical Parisian pitfalls, and choose the right time to pack your boxes (and transport them without stress).

Finding accommodation in Paris before moving

We're not going to lie to each other: find accommodation in Paris, it’s complicated. Between skyrocketing rents, the rush for visits and files worthy of a novel, it's better to be well prepared.

Where to look (and at what price)?

Each district has its style and price. From the calm of the 15th to the lively streets of the 11th, from the chic of the 7th to the village spirit of the 20th, rents can go from single to double.

To find your way, rely on a interactive map of average rents in Paris (like that of the City of Paris or SeLoger) which allows you to target a neighborhood according to your budget. Example: in 2025, a studio in the 19th rents for around €750/month, while the same in the 6th often exceeds €1200.

What if you're short on space or budget?

In Paris, each square meter costs a high price. Rather than aiming bigger (and blowing your budget), consider storage box !

It’s often more economical than renting an extra 10m². In addition, it frees up space while keeping your belongings accessible, especially those that you only use a few days a year (skis, surfboard, Christmas decorations, garden furniture, parasol, etc.)

Identify the specificities of a move to Paris

When you move to Paris, everything is possible, but nothing is simple. Before even thinking about boxes, you have to anticipate local particularities. Here are a few that should not be underestimated:

• Parking almost impossible without special authorization (and even with it, sometimes…).
• Administrative requests to anticipate several days in advance 
• Narrow, one-way streets, where maneuvering a utility vehicle can become an art.
• Legal time slots to respect to move 
• Often essential furniture lifts, especially if your furniture does not go up the stairs, and the price of the furniture lift is not always included in the movers' quote (sometimes charged extra + operator).

Regarding furniture lifting, some co-ownerships require a deposit to cover possible damage to the facade or common areas and it may be necessary to protect the windows or file an authorization with the trustee.

The hidden pitfalls of Parisian buildings when moving

Paris is the city of love… and spiral staircases. Here are the main pitfalls to be aware of:

Buildings without elevator, narrow staircases, impassable interior courtyards 

Many old buildings in Paris – particularly in the 5th, 6th, 18th or 20th arrondissements – do not have an elevator. 
Even with an elevator, watch out for crooked stairwells, to the tiny levels, and to the narrow interior courtyards where it is sometimes forbidden to transport furniture.

How to anticipate?

• When visiting the accommodation, take the measurements stairs, doors, landings (and your sofa).
• Check the ceiling height on the stairs (yes, it’s a real trap!).

Condominium regulations which prohibit moves on certain days or times

One point often forgotten : some condominiums in Paris prohibit moving on weekends, public holidays, or even during certain time periods (such as between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to “respect calm”). 

Choosing the right time to move to the capital

There is moving… and move smart. In Paris, good timing makes all the difference.

• July but especially August (between 1st and 20th): Paris is calmer, traffic flows smoothly, more space to park. Be careful, however, moving company holidays, And for summer work in certain streets. Even in “empty” neighborhoods, they can block entire streets. Check with the district town hall or the City of Paris.
• Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday): less traffic than Monday (return to the office) and Friday (weekend departures).
• Early morning (before 9 a.m.) or early afternoon (1 p.m.–3 p.m.) : we avoid traffic jams and leaving schools.
• Find out about neighborhood markets or events in your street (no point trying to move on a flea market day...).

Periods to avoid:

• THE weekends (traffic + parking more complicated, more expensive among the pros).
• THE public holidays or bridges (pedestrianized zones, increased restrictions, parking sometimes prohibited).
• THE back to school (end of August/beginning of September) 
• Avoid the 1st and 15th of the month : these are highly requested dates for moves (typical end of lease).

Finally, the equipment needed to move peacefully

Evaluate the cubage and volume to be moved

Before you lift your first box, take a moment to evaluate the volume to be moved. This is an often underestimated but crucial step: knowing whether you need a 10m³ utility vehicle or a 30m³ truck can make all the difference, both for your budget and for your stress.

Good news: free online cubing simulators (like those offered by movers or specialized sites) help you estimate the volume according to your furniture. Sometimes you just need to check “3-seater sofa”, “140 cm bed”, “10 book boxes”… and presto, the total is displayed!

Packaging and handling equipment

Essential to avoid breakage (of equipment or back): 

• Foldable hand truck : for heavy boxes 
• Carrying straps : for bulky objects or narrow stairs.
• Protective covers : for the beige sofa that you love so much.
• Work gloves : your hands will thank you.
• Boxes of various sizes and adapted
• Bubble wrap, stretch film, newspapers for wrapping dishes.
• Markers and labels : to avoid spending 3 hours looking for your teaspoons after moving in.

Reduce the costs of your move to Paris

Moving to Paris can quickly get (very) expensive. Between the truck, the boxes, any movers and the authorizations, the bill mounts quickly.

Fortunately, there are practical ways to limit spending without sacrificing your back or your couch. Should you move alone or call on professionals? What financial aid can you apply for?

Move alone or call on a specialized company?

It is the big question : better to move alone or entrust everything to professionals ? The answer depends on your budget, your organization… and your friends willing to carry a sofa up a spiral staircase.

Moving alone: ​​economical, but sporty

Moving alone is often the most economical solution, especially for small volumes. But be careful: it takes time, energy and a good sense of logistics. 

You have to rent a vehicle, transport the furniture (without an elevator, otherwise it's no fun), manage parking permits, and convince your friends with pizzas.

Professional movers: more expensive, but much more relaxed

Calling on professionals means save time, energy and less stress. This is particularly recommended if you have bulky furniture, complicated access or simply little time.

In terms of prices, count on at least between 1000 and 2000€ for a move to Paris, depending on the volume, floor and options chosen (packaging, dismantling, etc.).

What financial aid is available?

Good news: moving to Paris can be (a little) cheaper if you are eligible for certain aid. Whether you are a student, employee, family or retraining, several devices exist to cover the often hefty cost of moving to the capital.

• The CAF moving bonus
  For families with at least 3 children (born or unborn), under conditions.
• Mobili-Pass assistance from Action Logement
  For employees undergoing professional mobility (transfer, hiring, etc.). Take care of all or part of the move.
• Paris Housing assistance
  For low-income households living in Paris, subject to means testing.
• Help from your employer or works council
  Some companies offer logistical or financial support. Remember to ask!

Where to store your belongings between two accommodations in Paris?

Between two leases, during work or while you find the right apartment, self-storage is the ideal solution to avoid living among boxes... or with your parents.

Why the storage box is the most suitable solution

The storage box is a valuable ally, much more flexible and adapted to Parisian constraints than traditional storage units or temporary solutions between friends. It has many advantages for temporary rental: 

• Flexible access : the majority of boxes are accessible 7 days a week, sometimes during extended hours Ideal for delayed moves or unforeseen events.
• Located in town : unlike the storage units often on the outskirts, the boxes are available in almost all districts, sometimes just a few minutes walk from your home.
• Enhanced security : alarms, cameras, badges or personalized access codes ensure optimal protection of your property.
• Various formats : whether you are storing a sofa or just boxes, you will find box from 1 to 30 m², with prices adapted to your needs.

Administrative procedures and authorizations to be planned

In a dense and regulated city like Paris, every detail counts: a well-reserved parking space can make all the difference between a smooth move and a nightmare day.

Between parking authorization, choice of suitable vehicle and compliance with authorized times, it is better to anticipate the steps to avoid unpleasant surprises... and fines. Here’s what you absolutely need to plan before the big day.

Parking authorization, ideal for moving to Paris

Moving to Paris often requires AOT (Temporary Occupation Authorization). This authorization allows you to reserve a parking space, avoid fines, and facilitate maneuvering in narrow or busy streets. And don’t forget if you move from Paris to Paris : 1 address = 1 AOT, whether for loading or unloading…

Here is the procedure:

• Go to this page
• Create an account or log in via FranceConnect.
• Fill out the form.

Of course, think about request at least 15 days before the scheduled date, and not the day before, so that you can also display it to warn and reserve the place…

⚠️ Reminder: parking without AOT can result in a fine of €135 and/or impoundment.

Which vehicle to choose for moving to Paris?

Driving around Paris with a utility vehicle can quickly become a headache: narrow streets, rare parking, restricted access in certain areas (notably ZFEs – Low Emission Zones). Choosing the right vehicle is therefore crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises.

It all depends on the volume to be transported, but also on the street type where you have to load and unload. There is no point in renting a heavy goods vehicle if your street is one-way, with no possibility of maneuvering.

What time can you move to Paris?

The City of Paris authorizes moves:

• Generally, from Monday to Saturday, of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Prohibition generally in evening, Sunday and public holidays, except for exemption or emergency.

These times concern both the noise generated (noise of trolleys, furniture moved, etc.) and the temporary occupation of the public road. Co-ownerships may also impose specific restrictions: check the building regulations.

What rules should be respected in public spaces?

Moving isn't just about moving furniture. It also means respecting a certain number of rules of common sense... and good citizenship.

To do on the big day:

Secure the perimeter
Use “no parking” signs (available with AOT) and cones to demarcate the area. Think about pedestrians and cyclists.

Leave the premises clean
Empty cardboard boxes, plastics, old furniture? Nothing should be lying on the sidewalk. Use the city’s bulky waste if necessary.

Do not obstruct traffic
Avoid blocking an entire lane or intersection. If the planned parking is in the way, contact the municipal police to warn.

Limit nuisance
Be discreet, especially early in the morning. And if you use a furniture lift, make sure it is well installed, secure and fast.

Moving to Paris is sometimes an adventure. Between the choice of the suitable vehicle, the schedules to respect and the rules to follow in public spaces, better to be well prepared to avoid disappointments — and unwanted honking.

But rest assured, once these steps have been mastered, your installation in the capital will be smooth, with the pleasure of soon enjoying the sunny terraces, walks along the Seine, and perhaps even a croissant on the street corner. 

So, grab your boxes, your straps, and your best playlist to pass the time... and remember: with a little humor, everything goes faster — even when the elevator is broken!