Moving to France is an exciting adventure, but packing up your life and shipping your belongings overseas can feel daunting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to move home and ship your stuff to France.
Plan early
The key to a successful international move is planning early. Once you’ve made the decision to move to France, start by organizing your belongings. Decide what you need to take with you, what can be sold or donated, and what you might need to store. International shipping can be costly, so downsizing is a smart move.
How to ship your belongings to France
Once you’ve decided what to take, it’s time to choose your shipping method. There are several ways to ship your stuff to France, depending on your budget, time, and the volume of items you’re shipping.
Common shipping methods
- Air freight: Air freight is the fastest way to ship your belongings to France, but it’s also the most expensive. If you need your items to arrive quickly, air freight is your best option. This method is ideal for smaller loads or high-priority items.
- Sea freight: If you’re shipping large items like furniture or a significant number of boxes, sea freight is a more affordable option, though it takes longer. It typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks for items to arrive by sea.
- International moving companies: Hiring a professional moving company that specializes in international relocations can take the guesswork out of shipping. They offer services ranging from packing your items, handling customs paperwork, and delivering everything directly to your new home in France. However, this type of service is usually quite pricey.
- Courier services: If you’re only shipping a few boxes or personal items, services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS might be a good solution. They can handle small shipments and offer tracking and insurance options.
Key things to keep in mind
- Customs: When shipping to France, you’ll need to prepare a detailed inventory of your belongings and ensure you have all necessary paperwork for customs. Failing to do so can lead to delays or extra charges.
- Insurance: Consider purchasing insurance for your shipment, especially if you’re sending valuable or fragile items.
- Shipping costs: Shipping costs can vary greatly. Make sure to get multiple quotes from different companies to find the best deal for your situation.
What you can and can’t send to France
Before you start packing, it’s crucial to know what items you’re allowed to send to France and which are prohibited or restricted. French customs, like other countries, have strict rules on what can enter the country.
Items you can send:
- Personal belongings: Clothes, books, electronics, furniture, and other household items.
- Documents and paperwork: Essential paperwork, legal documents, and personal letters.
- Non-perishable goods: Some packaged food items may be allowed.
- Electronics: Laptops, phones, and other consumer electronics.
Items you can’t send or require special approval:
- Firearms and weapons
- Perishable goods: Fresh fruits, meats, and dairy products.
- Hazardous materials: Chemicals, flammable liquids, and explosives. This includes certain types of batteries, especially lithium-ion, which may be considered dangerous goods.
- Medications and medical supplies: Prescription drugs are generally not allowed without special documentation. Read more about it here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/bring-medication-to-france/
Customs and documentation
When shipping your belongings to France, it’s crucial to follow customs regulations to avoid delays, fees, or confiscation of your items. You’ll need to provide a detailed inventory list of everything you’re shipping, including the value of each item, as well as proof of residence in France.
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official French customs website: http://www.douane.gouv.fr/french-customs-information-available-english
Getting it to the right place
It’s important to understand how French postal addresses work. A French address typically follows a consistent format to ensure proper delivery. Here’s the standard structure:
Name of recipient
Street number and name
Postal code and city
Country
In some cases, additional details such as apartment or building numbers are included. For example, “Apt” refers to “appartement” (apartment), and “Bat.” is an abbreviation for “bâtiment” (building). These details are placed after the street number and before the postal code.
Example:
Jean Roger
Apt. 5, Bat. B
12 rue de la Paix
75008 Paris
France
Read our article here to learn more about the French address system: https://gogofrance.com/blog/how-to-send-a-parcel-to-france/
