The Complete Guide to Moving Furniture and Belongings to France from the UK

At Bournes we've been moving families from the South East of England to homes all over France (and back again!) since the 1950's, so we've got lots of experience and tips to help you plan your move. In this article, we'll help you get started as you discover the essential steps and tips for moving your household goods from the UK to France seamlessly.

Using a removal company for moving UK to France vs. diy

While using a professional removal company has always been recommended for moves to France, it's become even more essential since Brexit due to the added customs formalities.

Here are some great reasons to use a professional removal company for your move.

• Reduced stress and workload
• Professional packing/loading/unpacking to reduce the risk of damage
• Secure transport with experienced drivers
• Customs clearance assistance
• Insurance coverage in case of damage

What is the process for removals to France?

Step 1 - Getting a quote

Before you can get a quote you'll need to have an assessment of what needs to be moved and how it needs to be done. This will include reviewing your list of items; asking about property access at origin and destination; understanding any fragile, awkward or high-value items; discussing move dates/scheduling requirements etc. The more the company can understand about how you want the move to happen and your individual circumstances, the better they can tailor your quote and move plan for a great experience with no unexpected costs. 

This assessment is usually made by either an in home pre-move survey, or sometimes this is done virtually or online. 

Once this is done the removal company should give you a written quote that will explain all the charges, inclusions and exclusions and explain their move plan. They should also include a copy of the terms and conditions. 

Step 2 - Packing and Preparation

In the run-up to the move your chosen removal company should help you prepare everything you need. Here are a few things you might need to do: 

Complete all the packing and preparation that you are responsible for.

• If you've opted for a full packing service everything can be left in situ and the movers will bring the materials to get everything packed when they arrive. 
• If you are self-packing make sure this is all done before the crew arrives as they won't have factored in any time or materials for last-minute packing on move day. 
• If you need packing boxes and materials ask your mover if they provide these and can deliver ahead of your move. 
• Dismantle any furniture that needs to be taken apart that you've not agreed your mover will do for you. Most will be happy to do this if requested in advance, but some customers choose to do this themselves to reduce costs. Items that may need to be dismantled include beds, wardrobes and oversized furniture. Think about items that were assembled in your house (i.e. flat pack furniture) that may not easily fit through doorways or downstairs. 
• If you change your mind and need any help with anything you were hoping to do yourself, let the mover know as soon as possible, they will often be able to add additional services like packing even if you didn't originally opt for them. 
• Book parking or reserve parking spaces for the removal lorry unless your mover has agreed to book this for you. Make sure to leave plenty of time for a booking as some councils can take a little time to approve. 
• Dispose of or clearly label / separate any items that you said won't be included in the move.

Work with your Move Manager to complete customs paperwork

For France you will need the following documentation to import your household goods:

• Copy of passport (main page)
• Visa (if applicable)
• Itemised inventory list (in French) with used item values
• Sales invoices for any new items (purchased within 6 months prior to import)
• Proof of residence in France
• Certificate of Non-Resale (to confirm your items are for your own use)
• Form "declaration sure l'honneur' 
• Employers attestation of transfer (if applicable)
• Certificate de radiation (returning French nationals)

Your mover should provide copies of all the forms you need and guide you through how to complete them.

Step 3 - Packing & Loading 

Your moving company will tell you what time to expect your removals crew. When they arrive it's a good idea to walk around your property with the Team Leader so they know where everything is. Try to point out:

• Any items you don't want to be moved
• Any items of particular concern (fragile/valuable/sentimental)
• Any hazards or things the crew should be careful of 
• Any areas you'd like them not to enter or that they are free to use (e.g. bathroom and handwashing facilities, somewhere to get a drink of water). 
• Any preferences you have (e.g., something you'd like to be loaded last for easy access as soon as your shipment arrives, for example children's toys) 

Once you're happy the team can get started. If you're having a packing service then the crew will move around your property carefully packing and wrapping items, Smaller items will be packed inside boxes and larger items will be wrapped carefully before loading onto the vehicle. 

Finally, everything will be carefully loaded and secured inside the vehicle ready for transport. 

Step 4 - Transport & Customs Clearance

If you have selected a direct moving service your crew will travel with the vehicle straight out France. They will stop on the way to clear customs before making their way to your delivery address.

If you've opted for a shared load service (or have requested a delay between collection and delivery) then your belongings will be taken back to your removal company's warehouse. 

For shared load / groupage services to France your belongings will be loaded with the other consignments that will be sharing your vehicle before departing for France, clearing customs and being delivered to you. 

Step 5 - Delivery & Unpacking

Once the consignment has cleared customs the removals crew will deliver your belongings to your new home on the agreed dates. They will typically unload everything and put the items in the room requested. If your move includes an unpacking service they will unpack everything (usually onto flat surfaces for you to put away) and remove all the packing materials before they leave. 

Selecting a reputable moving company for your international move

When moving household goods from the UK to France, it's essential to choose a reputable moving company.  This will ensure that your belongings are handled with care and that the entire process goes smoothly.

You should be looking for companies that: 

• Are experienced in European Removals, and moves to France.
• Are qualified and certified for Overseas Moving (there are some fantastic UK movers who provide excellent local and national moving services, but may not have the expertise to conduct a European Move smoothly). Look for members of the BAR Overseas Moving Group or FIDI FAIM removal companies for independent assurance that the mover is qualified for removals to France. 
• Have great reviews on independent sites like Google Reviews or Trustpilot. 

Check out our full guide to finding and choosing a European removal company for a detailed overview of how to find and select the best mover for you. 

Packing and preparing your belongings for the journey

If you're doing your own packing, then properly packing and preparing your belongings is crucial to ensure their safety during the move from the UK to France. Follow these tips to make the packing process efficient and protect your items:

•  Start by decluttering and organizing your belongings. Sort through your possessions and determine what you want to take with you to France. Donate or sell any items you no longer need or use.
• Gather packing supplies such as strong cardboard boxes (ideally specially designed moving cartons available from your removal company), packing paper, and tape.
• Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home. This will make delivery and unpacking easier.
• Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items. Wrap delicate items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper, and use cushioning materials to fill any empty spaces in boxes to prevent damage from movement during the journey. 
• Take inventory of your belongings and consider taking photos or videos of valuable items for insurance purposes.
• Pack essential items separately in a suitcase or overnight bag and keep it separate on move day.  This will ensure you have everything you need immediately upon arrival in France. Make sure to keep all your passports, travel documents, mobile phone chargers and money/credit cards with you!

Navigating customs regulations and documentation for importing HOUSEHOLD GOODS into France

Importing household goods into France from the UK requires navigating customs regulations and completing the necessary documentation. It's important to understand the process to avoid any delays or complications.

First, familiarize yourself with the customs regulations and restrictions that apply to importing goods into France. Your chosen European Removal Company should give you a full explanation of what's needed, or you can download a copy of the FIDI Customs Guide for France. 

Documents Required

These do change from time to time, so be sure to consult your move manager or the FIDI Customs Guide for France.

At the point of publication of this article the following documents are required for moves where you are transferring your primary residence (not second homes):

• Copy of passport (main page)
• Visa (if applicable)
• Itemised inventory list (in French) with used item values
• Sales invoices for any new items (purchased within 6 months prior to import)
• Proof of residence in France
• Certificate of Non-Resale (to confirm your items are for your own use)
• Form "declaration sure l'honneur' 
• Employers attestation of transfer (if applicable)
• Certificate de radiation (returning French nationals)

Your mover should provide copies of all the forms you need and guide you through how to complete them.

Restricted / Prohibited Items 

Customs regulations may include restrictions or additional processes for certain items, such as firearms or hazardous materials. Ensure that your belongings comply with these regulations as per the FIDI Customs Guide for France to avoid any issues.

These items may include:

• Alcohol (requires a separate valued inventory) 
• Medicine/Narcotics
• Arms/Ammunition
• Raw Materials/Semi-finished products
• Motor Vehicles
• Food

Duties / Taxes

Household goods imports into France are typically duty free when you are transferring your main residence, providing that:

• You have been living outside of the EU for at least one year (if you are moving from a non EU country like the UK). 
• The items have been owned/used by you for at least 6 months (excluding wedding gifts, inheritance or other gifts under €1000). 
• Goods are imported within 12 months of your transfer of residence.
• Are not intended for resale within 12 months of importation. 

Tobacco, Alchohol and related items may be subject to duties and taxes. 

Personal effects for a second home are subject to duties and VAT and may require alternative documentation. 

How long does a removal to France take?

This depends on several things:

• Your origin and destination - you need to allow enough time for driving between origin and destination, via a customs clearance facility (bear in mind there may be delays at Customs in peak periods). 
• Your chosen method of transport - if you've chosen a direct service then the above is all you really need to take into account. However, if you're using a shared load (often called groupage) service then you may need to wait for all other shipments to be packed and collected before the shared vehicle can depart. Your delivery timescale will also depend on where on the vehicles route you are scheduled - if you're the first drop off this may take a few days less than if you're the last. Your removal company should be able to give you a clear picture of timescale or explain how this works at the point of quoting. 

We've broken this down and given lots more detail in our article 'How long do European removals take' if you want to find out more. 

What belongings should I move with me to France and what should I leave behind

As we said previously, most household goods are allowed to be imported free of duty and taxes, so aside from restricted / prohibited items you can take most things with you if you want. However, many of our customers want to weigh up the cost/benefit of moving their household goods vs. replacing everything when they get there. Here are a few areas to consider:

• Restricted/prohibited items - are there any items you're not ALLOWED to ship? or would be a real hassle to do so?
• Items that will/won't work in France - are there any items that would be redundant if you moved them because they won't work?
• Cost of replacement - Is the cost to replace everything you won't move cheaper than moving it? Do some research on local pricing and styles/availability to find out. 
• Do you have the time/energy to shop for everything new when you're trying to settling in to your new home and life in France?
• What value do you place on having your own familiar things around you when living in a completely new country? This is especially important if you have young children. 

transport options for removals to France

Depending on the volume of goods you're moving, the area you are moving to and your target delivery time there may be several options for your removals service to France including direct and shared load services.

There are typically 3 main options for transport to suit your schedule and budget (often called different things by different companies, but generally the same idea!)

• Shared Load Services - Often referred to as 'economy' or 'groupage' services, this option is known for being the most cost-effective way to move when a full truck isn't necessary. By sharing a vehicle with other customers along a similar route, you only pay for the space you require. Flexibility with your moving dates is key to ensure efficient scheduling and coordination with other moves.

• Dedicated Dates Service - Similar to shared load services, this option allows you to only pay for the space you need by sharing a truck with customers moving along a comparable route. However, with a tailored dates service, you have the freedom to select the dates that work best for you, with other customers adjusting their schedules to accommodate yours. This flexibility not only helps keep costs down but also ensures your move aligns with your specific timeline.

• Exclusive Vehicle Option - With this choice, you have the ability to choose the dates and have sole use of the vehicle. Ideal for larger shipments or when sharing space is not preferred, this option allows the vehicle to be loaded at your residence and travel directly to the destination, including necessary stops at customs clearance facilities.

We've broken these options down and given lots more detail in our article 'European transport options for household goods' if you'd like help choosing which services are right for you. 

GET A QUOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS TO THE USA

If you're moving from the South East of England to the USA we'd love to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for your move. 

If you're moving from outside of the South East of England where we are based check out the FIDI FAIM international movers directory for a list of reputable movers in your area. 

Check out the Guide to European Removals to find out everything you need to know about finding and using a professional overseas mover.