Moving to France and into your French villa
Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful times of your life so imagine the hassle of moving to France. It need not be this way though. There are dozens of reputable removals companies dealing with International moves who can help with your relocation to France.
There are several options how to get yourself, your family and your belongings safely to your French villa.
Relocation to France – taking the car
France is a big country but its close proximity to the UK means moving to France by car is feasible. You have two options – to travel by Eurotunnel or by ferry. Taking the first option would cost somewhere in the region of £145 whilst a Dover-Calais ferry might be around half that.
Remember to allow for the petrol and insurance costs of driving to your French villa.
Relocation to France – flying
Flying is a cheap alternative for those planning on travelling light. Budget airlines fly to most areas of France and flights can be booked online. However, you must also think about how to get around once you arrive.
Of course, what you decide to take with you when moving to France may make your mind up for you.
Some people elect to cram as many of their possessions as possible in the car. Others only take the essentials, preferring to buy after moving to their French villa.
Relocation to France – the professionals
If you plan on taking more than just the essentials and a few bits and bobs when moving to France then it is unlikely to fit in the boot of your car.
Larger removal companies will take work to travel to any area of France. This option, though more expensive, takes care of many of the worries associated with moving to France. Some of these firms now operate facilities in France where you could store furniture for a short time whilst moving into your French villa.
Relocation to France – freighting your belongings
You may consider using air freight and sea freight when moving to France. Air freight is normally used for a small amount of goods to help you live until your sea freight arrives at your French villa. This option is more expensive than sea freight but is considered quicker and safer.
Shipping companies freight belongings to France on scheduled sailings. However, you must consider how to get your belongings to the port in the first place and then how to get them to your French villa.
Relocation to France – what to take
Some people choose to take nothing, or as little as possible, and start anew, others bring as much as possible to recreate the feeling of home. Take as little as possible with you when moving to France and get rid of as many electrical appliances as you can. Think about what clothing you really need for the French climate. Consider the storage space in your French villa and whether hefty wardrobes need be moved vast distances. Consider what other furniture you need, what can be replaced after moving to France and what items are of particular sentimental value to you.When moving to France remember to have the following with you:
- Driving licenses
- Car insurance papers
- Birth/Marriage certificates
- Passports
- Bank books/cheque and credit cards
- Several photocopies of all the above
Oh, and enough money to get home – just in case!
Relocation to France - pets
Pets coming with you to the French villa can do so without being quarantined. However, before a pet passport is granted a number of procedures and immunisations must take place and be verified. More information on pets moving to France can be obtained by the Department for Environment, food and rural affairs
