One third of the movers in France pay a professional company to do the moving for them. To avoid some unpleasant surprises (such as too high pricing, damaged belongings or abusive practices of companies), the consumer should take precautions.
A. Before the move
1. Checking the quality of the company
Almost half of the moving companies in France are part of a Moving Trade Union. If your moving company is also member of this Union, then the Union could intervene as a mediator in case of dispute. Moreover, if your moving company filed a petition in bankruptcy after you have made the deposit, the Union could pay you back from their insurance funds. To verify if your moving company is registered in the Union, please check on the following website: www.csdemenagement.fr
Another sign of the company’s quality is the NF mark1. It is a collective certification mark which guarantees the quality and safety of the products and services. It also guarantees compliance not only with current standards, but also with additional quality criteria that meet consumers’ needs.
2. Estimates
The consumer can sign up for different services offered by a moving company, from loading the goods, transportation and unloading (in which case you will get a price offer) to full-service including your stay in a hotel and cleaning services (in this case you will get a price quote). In between there are various other options available. To make sure that the charges are not above normal, the consumer can visit websites such as www.1000demenageurs.com and www.mondemenagement.com to establish an estimate pricing.
3. Insurance against damage
On every price quote or offer document there should be a possibility for the consumer to mention the worth of his personal belongings. The moving companies usually have certain compensation limits for the loss/damage of goods. Therefore it is important that you check this information carefully.
The consumer also has the possibility to take a supplementary insurance. This will increase the compensation limits and will compensate the consumer when the moving company is not considered liable according to their insurance.
Note that some housing or account insurances that you already have could also include a moving insurance.
4. Storage
There are two different storage possibilities: regular storage which is a good solution on long term, but can become pricy when frequent access is necessary and self-stocking, in which case you rent a box and have permanent and free access to your belongings.
1: If you want to see the list of companies with the certification NF, click on these websites: www.marque-nf.com or http://services.afnor.org/demenagement/
B. During the move
The moving company sent a subcontractor to do the move. From legal point of view, you have the right to refuse the subcontractor’s services. Even if you accept, the moving company with which you made a contract remains liable for all problems caused by the subcontractor.
C. After the move
1. To avoid surprises,
it is advisable to follow the moving process closely (did the company ask for permission to block the street? Did your fragile belongings arrive in safety?). Before signing the delivery report inspect your belongings and describe all problems.
You noticed that some of your belongings were damaged or missing after signing the form. The French law grants 10 days to the consumer to make his complaints by registered letter. The reclamation is possible even after having signed the delivery form. Know that it is however important to collect proof confirming your complaint, such as pictures, expense claims, invoices, etc.
2. When it comes to paying,
know that generally the moving company is responsible for all wrong estimates of the costs. Some mistakes however can be charged at your expense: ex. You didn’t pack according to schedule; you gave insufficient or wrong information about the accommodation etc. In any case, the prices of all services should be displayed in the company’s office.
3. Do not forget...
...that in France a household with three children, one of which is younger than two, has right under certain circumstances to Personalised accommodation aid (Aide personnalisée au logement, APL).
Keep all receipts and place your demand within six months after the move. If you moved by yourself, send the bills of car rent, toll and fuel. The subsidy cannot exceed 934€ for a family with three children.
For more information, click here.
D. Alternative ways of moving
Though not very popular, but still worth mentioning, there are some alternative ways of moving such as joint use of the moving van or moving by train.
Joint use of the moving van can be useful for small-scale moves (less than 15m³) and when the exact date of the move is not of importance. The moving company will then look for other movers in your neighborhood so that you could share the van.
For those who are concerned by preserving Mother Nature, there is a more ecological way of moving. One moving company will load your belongings on a train and another one will pick them up at destination.
July 2010
