I write a lot about life in Paris. Paris for many is a dream destination. Many movies and TV series such as Emily in Paris make people fantasize about moving here. However, don’t let what you see on TV and movies fool you about the every day life of a Parisian. Today, I am sharing with you guys ten things regarding what you need to know before renting an apartment and make the move here.
ELECTRICITY IS EXPENSIVE
Many buildings in Paris are old and even some recent ones, aren’t properly isolated. While some use gaz for heating and cooking others use electricity. My building uses electricity. Even though according to a recent article regarding the cost of electricity French pay on average, 20% less than the rest of the European Union countries, I still find it expensive especially during the winter time due to faulty isolation. Feel free to check out my post regarding the costs of an apt. rental in Paris here. Most French people use EDF for their electricity although there are other companies out there that provide electricity.
THIN WALLS
Walls are thin in many apartments. You can hear what your neighbors are saying and doing. (which is so annoying by the way).
SHARED BATHROOM
Some appartments (although rare) in Paris have shared bathroom. Which means that you will have to share one with other tenants. How does that sound to you?
COZY APARTMENTS
Many apartments in Paris and its suburbs are cut small. Are you ready to adjust living in such narrow space? I used to live in a huge apartment in Brooklyn, New York, upon moving into my first studio in the suburbs, I was shocked to see how small it was. It took me some time to get used to living in one small room. However, I was so desperate for a place that I moved in right away.
APARTMENT /HOME RENTAL INSURANCE
Before moving into any apt., you are required by law to have a rental insurance. You will not move in without it. Owners want to make sure in case of a fire, water leaks and other important damages that your rental insurance will foot the bill and fix up the apartment. Read more on rental insurance here.
FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED
In Brooklyn, New York, I was renting an apartment that came with a fully equipped kitchen. All I had to do was to add a table and some chairs. Here, you may end up buying and installing a brand new kitchen. My current apartment came only with the sink. Right now, I am working to have a fully functioning kitchen before the end of the year.
PIDGEONS
Yes you heard right! We have a serious problem with pidgeons in Paris. It is annoying. They often built their nests on rooftops. They are loud and poop all over your windows. Ask any Parisians about their experience with these annoying birds and they will tell you their horror stories. I am still trying to figure out what’s the best way to get rid of them for good. I am fed up with them.
NO ELEVATOR
As I mentioned above many apartments are old which means you can forget about the elevator. Having an elevator in Paris is a luxury if you ask me. For four years I lived in an apartment on the third floor (which felt like the 4th floor) without an elevator and boy I dreaded grocery shopping and my trip to the laundromat. Now that mine has one, I feel spoiled. Haha.
PICKPOCKETERS
Paris is fairly safe despite all the terrorist attacks that made international news in the past. However, there are lots of pickpocketers especially on the metro, train, buses, trams, restaurants as well as in residential buildings. I got my mail stolen once inside of my building. After that incident I asked the gardienne (the person responsible to get the mail from the mailman/woman) to keep my mail until she could give it to me personally.
17 or 112
The number to call the police or gendarmerie to report the loss of personal belongings or to get help.
Now that I gave you a dose of reality, do you still plan on moving to Paris? Feel free to leave me a comment down below. Also don’t forget to share this article with friends.
