Moving to Paris
The hardest part of moving to Paris is not the 1,350 kilometres from Wrocław, but the last twenty metres: from the kerb to a fifth-floor flat in a building with a lift that fits one person and a suitcase. 4RELO prepares this part as far in advance as the route itself – the parking permit, the method of carrying in the furniture and the time of entering the city.
A Parisian apartment building, or how to get a wardrobe up to the sixth floor
Most flats in central Paris are in 19th-century buildings with narrow, winding staircases. Lifts, if there are any, were added later in the stairwell and cannot take a sofa or a fridge. Flats on the top floors, former servants’ rooms, can often only be reached by the back stairs.
That is why, before quoting, we ask for photos of the stairwell, windows and balcony. Based on these, we decide whether the furniture can be carried in whole or needs to be dismantled, and whether an external furniture lift positioned under the window will be needed. Such a lift requires its own space on the street and an operator, so we arrange it in advance, not on moving day.
Parking permits and access to the centre
- Parking permit. You apply to the city authorities several days in advance to reserve a space for the move, and the space is marked with signs. Without it, the lorry has to double-park and risks a fine or being towed.
- Low-emission zone. Paris and the municipalities inside the A86 ring road require a Crit'Air sticker, and vehicles with poorer emission standards are not allowed in.
- Hours and vehicle size. Traffic by large delivery vehicles in Paris is restricted, so we often enter the very centre with a smaller vehicle, leaving the larger one on the outskirts.
- Concierge and residents’ association. It is worth letting the building’s concierge know the moving date. The building rules may set hours and require the lift and hallway to be protected.
Paris and the surrounding area – where we go
Central districts
Le Marais, Montmartre, the Latin Quarter – old apartment buildings, no lift or a very small one, narrow streets. Usually a smaller vehicle and extra people to carry.
Western suburbs
Neuilly-sur-Seine, Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the La Défense area – newer buildings with car parks and larger lifts, easier unloading.
Houses outside Paris
Versailles and towns in the Marne valley – detached houses with a driveway, where the lorry parks by the entrance and the work goes much faster.
The route from Wrocław to the French capital
We drive through Germany towards Saarbrücken, then on French motorways via Metz and Reims. The journey usually takes two days, and we enter Paris in the morning, before the ring road gets properly jammed. If your key collection date moves, the load can wait in our Frankfurt warehouse, which is less than a day’s drive from Paris. For a move from one EU country to another, there is no customs duty or clearance.
If you are relocating an office or company branch to Paris, see the office relocation page – for jobs like these, we work in stages and outside office hours.
Moving to Paris – frequently asked questions
Who arranges the lorry parking permit in Paris?
We advise you where and when to apply and provide the vehicle details needed for the application. In some cases the application has to be made by the resident, so we agree this when preparing the quote.
Is an external lift always needed?
No. For smaller flats and furniture that can be dismantled, the stairs are enough. A furniture lift makes sense for large wardrobes, a grand piano or high floors without a lift.
Will a large sofa fit up a Parisian staircase?
Often not. We measure the width of the stairs and turns from photos or dimensions. If a piece will not fit, we suggest bringing it in through the window or leaving it in Poland.
How long does unloading in central Paris take?
Longer than in Poland for the same volume, because of carrying from the street and the narrow stairs. We plan the time after looking at photos of the building and deciding whether we will use a lift.
Your Paris flat is waiting?
Send us photos of the stairwell and windows – we will choose how to carry things in and prepare a free quote.
Free quote