EU Moves

EU Moves
When you took the decision to move abroad, it must have been a pleasant moment, knowing that you’ll get to know a different culture, see how...

Man and Van

Man and Van
When you have to move some possessions that are not so many but they still can’t be loaded in your car simply because they wouldn’t fit there,...

Packing and Boxes

Packing and Boxes
When you think of packing supplies, the first two things that pop in your mind are probably cardboard boxes and bubble wrap. Yes, these are the...

UK Moves

UK Moves
There are two types of UK removals that Removals France can offer for its individual and corporate customers. The positive aspects of using...

The Challenges of Moving House to France

Posted on 20/08/2014

Moving abroad will be much more challenging than moving nationally, and will require a lot of organisation, planning and preparation in order to ensure a smooth transition to your new life in France. Below are some tips and advice on what you should avoid and important things that you’ll want to get in place prior to moving.

Being Prepared
The main thing that will mean the difference between a relatively straight forward move to France and a stressful experience is how well and thorough you are during the planning and organisational stage. It is advisable to start making preparations as soon s you can, preferably a good six months before moving day at the very minimum. Because you are not just moving down the road, but into a whole new country, the planning stage and organisational requirements for your move to France will require much more details than a normal move, so don’t make the mistake of leaving things until the last minute.

The first, and perhaps most obvious things to check are that your passport is valid and in order, and this goes for the rest of the family. You should also start researching what steps you need to take to make sure you are registered as a citizen in France and able to work, claim medical care and that you’re driving license is up to date. Being part of the EU, most of this can be fairly straight forward, as your driving license will be valid in all EU countries, and EU medical cards enable you access to healthcare fairly easily. If you are self-employed or retiring, then make sure you have found out what the tax rules in France are and how they will apply to you once you have relocated.

International Movers
While you may be able to get some of your items over the channel yourself thanks to the ease of getting to France via ferry and the channel tunnel, it is still advisable to make sure you have professional movers to deal with the bulk of your household goods. That said, this will really depend on how big your move is going to be. If you are moving from a furnished, rented property for example, you may not have that much stuff to take and it could be possible to transport everything you need yourself. On the other hand, for a full family move, this will simply not be practical, so sending your goods via shipping container is often the best alternative. One thing to bear in mind however, is that shipping schedules may dictate that your items will not arrive at your new French property when you do. As a result, it does make sense to pack and transport a few boxes of essentials with you. Ideally, you’ll want to keep the amount you have to take yourself to a minimum, but at the same time make sure you have everything you need for day to day life while you wait for the rest of your household items to arrive. This will often save you money, as by bringing things such as a kettle, some pans and basic kitchen ware, bedding and so on, you won’t have to go out and buy replacements that you’ll probably only need for a few days/weeks at most. A final tip is to try and learn some basic phrases in French so you are on your way to being able to fit into your new community easily.


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Even though moving is a stressful event, France Movers made it seamless. The team showed up on time and was ready for work, demonstrating commendable professionalism. The process unfolded smoothly and effectively.    
F. Cooley
Excellent service! The moving crew was fast and handled our furniture with care. No damage upon arrival. Also, their rates are better than most. Definitely recommend.    
Efrain C.
Using Removal Firm made our moving day easy. Their quote was transparent with no hidden fees, and they were reliable and professional throughout the process.    
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Outstanding service by Relocation to France! The team was very helpful, polite, and considerate from first contact through to post-move. Definitely recommend. Thanks again!    
Heriberto Mohr
Our move was entirely stress-free thanks to Removals to France. Thank you for such friendly and professional service! Thoroughly recommend them, look no further.    
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Flawless performance by Relocation to France. Friendly and efficient service made our move much easier. Highly recommend. Thank you!    
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We've employed this company three times, and they've been the best every single time. Their commitment to easing the stress of moving is remarkable.    
Ava C.
Quick to answer any questions. Affordable rates. The crew showed up on time. They were quite helpful, making the move worry-free. Strongly recommend them!    
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Relocation to France provided a first-rate service. Clear communication throughout. The driver was very professional and careful. Journey tracking was seamless. Highly recommend!    
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Outstanding service: hassle-free pick up and drop off, regular shipment status updates provided.    
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