SAYING GOODBYE

As your time living in Lyon, France draws to an end, remember these tips to bring things
to a smooth close.

Your home

•  In most situations, three months notice is required for terminating a lease for a
residence or parking.
•  Terminating a commercial lease may require six months to one year.
•  List your house or apartment for sale in the France Property Weekly ,
published by The Anglophones.

Your belongings

•  List your items for sale in the Petites Annonces section of The Anglophones.
•  Second-hand stores called “ brocantes ” will sell used furniture, appliances, and house
wares for a percentage of sale prices.
•  Thrift stores accept donations of goods and use profits for charities.

Your contracts

•  Remember to cancel your contracts with EDF/GDF, telephone, internet, cell phone,
satellite, and insurance companies.
•  Also cancel your French subscriptions and memberships.

Your paperwork

•  Are your passports and travel documents up to date?
•  Don't pack any documents that might be needed for closing or transferring accounts.
•  Notify your child's school by letter of their withdrawal and request transcripts and records.
•  Request your family's medical records from your doctor in Lyon .
•  Notify the embassy of your departure.

Note: A tax clearance statement ( quitus fiscal ) will be required upon your departure to
prove that your taxes have been paid through your date of departure and allow you
to retrieve your belongings from customs. A tax inspector will give you an estimate
of what you owe, and if this estimate turns out to be high you may seek a refund.