Moving To France

Posted on 13th February 2026 at 11:45

Moving to France From the UK: A Simple, Helpful Guide

Moving to France is exciting. You might be picturing fresh bread, new places to explore, and a different pace of life. But the moving part can feel stressful if you’re not sure what happens first — or what paperwork you’ll need.

This guide walks you through the key steps in plain English, so you can plan your move with confidence.

Britannia Appleyards South Yorkshire can support moves to all regions of France — including Brittany, Normandy, Burgundy, Alsace, Rhône-Alpes, Provence, Côte d’Azur, Loire, Poitou-Charentes, Limousin, Auvergne, Languedoc-Roussillon and more — whether you’re moving to an apartment in Paris or Strasbourg, or a farmhouse near Nontron or Bergerac.

1) Start with the big questions

Before you book anything, get clear on these four points:

When are you moving? (and how flexible are you if dates change?)

How much are you taking? (full house, part load, or just essentials?)

Where in France are you going? (city centre access is very different to rural access)

Do you need storage? (many people do, especially if dates don’t line up)

If you’re unsure, a removal survey helps you avoid surprises later.

2) Know the 90/180 rule and visa basics

If you’re moving to France for more than a short stay, you’ll usually need a long-stay visa (and the right type depends on your situation). The official France-Visas site explains long-stay visas and how they work.

Even if you’re not moving permanently yet, it’s still worth checking the rules early so you don’t get caught out at the last minute. (Rules also differ if you’re working, retiring, studying, or joining family.)

3) Plan your “first week” essentials separately

When your main shipment is on its way, you still need to live. Set aside a small “first week” kit, such as:

Clothes and toiletries

Basic kitchen items

Important documents

Chargers, laptop, Wi-Fi details

Bedding and towels

Any key medicines (in original packaging)

If you need a few items to arrive sooner, air freight can sometimes help for smaller loads (weight and volume matter).

4) Understand customs and tax relief for your household goods

This is one of the most important parts of moving to France.

If you’re transferring your main residence, French customs allows relief (so you can bring your used personal belongings without paying duties/taxes), but there are rules — including having a proper inventory and bringing your goods within a set time window. French customs guidance explains the process and the 12-month timeline.

A simple way to avoid delays is to prepare:

A clear inventory (what you’re shipping)

Proof you’re moving your main home

Supporting documents requested for your move

If you’re not sure what applies to your situation, it’s always safer to ask before your shipment moves.

5) Choose the right transport option for your move

Your best option depends on how much you’re taking and how flexible your dates are. Common approaches include:

Dedicated transport (more control and simpler timelines)

Shared loads (often more cost-effective if you can be flexible)

If you’re moving to popular areas like Brittany, Normandy, the Loire, Dordogne, Provence, Côte d’Azur, or major cities like Paris, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Montpellier, Nice or Bordeaux, an experienced European removals team can help plan around access, local restrictions, and realistic delivery windows.

6) Packing: this is where damage is won or lost

Most moving problems come from rushed packing.

For France moves, packing needs to protect your items through:

Longer road journeys

More handling points

Different weather and temperature changes

Good options include:

Professional packing (best for peace of mind)

Part packing (kitchens, glass, pictures, fragile items)

Owner packing with the right materials and advice

If you’ve got sentimental items (family pieces, photos, keepsakes), it’s worth treating packing as a priority, not an afterthought.

7) Don’t forget storage can make life easier

Storage helps when:

You’ve sold in the UK but can’t move into the French property yet

You’re renovating

You’re moving in stages

You’ve bought new furniture and want it delivered later

Having storage ready means you don’t have to rush decisions or overload family garages “just for a few weeks”.

8) Healthcare planning (simple and early)

Healthcare is another area people leave too late. What you need depends on your situation (work, retirement, posted worker, etc.). GOV.UK has guidance on healthcare for UK nationals living in France, including S1/GHIC/EHIC routes in certain circumstances.

If you’re moving long-term, check this early so you know what cover you’ll have when you arrive.

9) A quick “moving to France” checklist

Use this as a simple plan:

Decide your ideal moving date + backup dates

Book a survey and get a written quote

Confirm what you’re taking (and declutter what you’re not)

Prepare an inventory (especially important for customs)

Set aside a “first week” essentials kit

Arrange packing (full, part, or self-pack)

Plan storage if dates don’t line up

Check visa/long-stay requirements if relevant

Need help moving to France?

Whether you’re moving to Paris, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nice, Cannes, Montpellier, La Rochelle, Rennes, Nantes, or a quieter rural area like Nontron or Bergerac, Britannia Appleyards South Yorkshire can tailor your move to the size, location, and timeline that suits you.

If you want a move that feels planned, calm, and stress-free, the next step is simple:

Call 01709 549718 to arrange a free, no-obligation survey and quote.

Tagged as: Moving Abroad, Moving to France

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