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.
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.
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.
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:
For France you will need the following documentation to import your household goods:
Your mover should provide copies of all the forms you need and guide you through how to complete them.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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):
Your mover should provide copies of all the forms you need and guide you through how to complete them.
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:
Household goods imports into France are typically duty free when you are transferring your main residence, providing that:
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.
This depends on several things:
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.
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:
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.
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.