The cost of removals to France will depend on several factors, such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

There will also be additional costs to consider, such as optional insurance/shipment protection and French customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removal quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs.

We offer a fully comprehensive removal service to France, which will take care of everything for you. The removal service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door-to-port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates, and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service,

Additional fees that are not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties and port fees payable on arrival in France, storage services, and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover, which is recommended but not required.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to France via a lorry, as part of a part load / shared service. You can use a dedicated lorry, but it will be more expensive. 

Our France removal service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance, and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) For shared or part-load, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removal vans.

6) On arrival at the port (we ship to all major ports in France), our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

7) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or storage if required. Our partner, France Removals Service, will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in France.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards and toolboxes.

It does not, however include large items of furniture.

Navigating customs regulations is an essential part of your travel plans to ensure a smooth entry into France. Understanding what items are prohibited or restricted by French customs can help you avoid delays, fines and potential confiscation of goods. There are some items that require pre-approval for importation into France, including:

• Products derived from endangered animals and plants protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are strictly regulated in France. This includes items such as ivory, certain types of wood, exotic animal skins, and products made from endangered plant species.
• Live plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables are subject to restrictions when entering France. Some plants may carry pests or diseases that pose a threat to agriculture and the environment.
• Travelling with pets such as cats and dogs requires adherence to strict health and documentation requirements. Pets must undergo a mandatory health inspection upon entry into France, and owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination and identification through microchipping or tattooing.
• Certain animal products, such as raw meat and dairy, are subject to restrictions to prevent the spread of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and bird flu.
• Bringing firearms, ammunition, and weapons into France is heavily regulated and requires proper licensing and authorisation. Travellers must obtain permits from French authorities in advance and comply with all relevant firearms laws to avoid legal repercussions.
• The importation of narcotics and controlled substances into France is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. This includes illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic substances.
• Importing counterfeit goods and copyrighted material without proper authorisation is illegal in France. This includes counterfeit designer goods, pirated DVDs, software, and unauthorised reproductions of copyrighted works.

 For comprehensive guidance on import regulations, consult the official French customs website or contact local customs offices in France, which details items that can and cannot be imported

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to France, then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removal service but also the most expensive. 

You can check out our more detailed France Removals Guide below, or why not give one of our advisers a call on 01942 559960?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices, and arrange a home survey consultation to give you a more accurate price.

We recommend getting a few quotes for your move so you can compare the different styles of companies and ensure you are happy with their service. Make sure, however, that you are comparing like with like. For example, are the volumes the same? Is everything included?

Also, overseas removals are very different to domestic moves. It is therefore essential to ensure that your removalist is experienced, if not specialising in international moves.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive and can be assured that standards of service are second to none.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased, so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to France and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember, it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You need to think about the cost involved in replacing some of your items in France if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are many things.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive, and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in the UK or France?

Moving from one location in the UK to another is rarely the smooth process that people hope for, so it goes without saying that when you move to another country, the entire process can become a little trickier.

Often people find that they have a period once they have sold their property and before they move when they need to place their belongings in storage, and this is something we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in France after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

Suppose the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in France to ship your belongings to. In that case, we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in France whilst you sort out accommodation.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to France. The journey is a lengthy one, and they will be moved around from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is a chance items could move within your shipping container, and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore, essential so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers are expertly trained to deal with all the issues that can be encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export-wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your personal effects. This includes custom-built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates, if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to France
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Full inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export-quality cartons, and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

The French government is quite stringent when it comes to biosecurity issues in order to protect their unique environment, and as such, all of your items will need to be cleaned thoroughly in preparation for shipping. This is especially the case when it comes to any outdoor items.

If you are planning to ship tools, bikes, garden equipment and BBQ then these will need to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Our team can offer a professional disinfecting service that should clean all of your belongings thoroughly enough to keep the Customs inspectors happy.

Our international removal service is perfect for shipping your furniture to France from the UK.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables, and cupboards can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in France have built-in wardrobes so it might not be worthwhile shipping these.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to France from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in France especially since Brexit. This is something that we can help you with. You may find the following information useful when planning your move.

If you are an EU citizen you should have no problem with customs. For non-EU citizens moving to France you are able to import used personal effects and household goods duty-free but you should check that you meet the requirements and have all the correct documentation.

Customs regulations and duties are subject to change, so it can be a good idea to check for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.

If you do not meet the criteria for household effects, or it is deemed that your goods are commercial imports, then Customs duty and GST may be applied.

On arrival in France, your household goods and personal effects will require inspection and clearance from France Customs before they are allowed into the country.

In order for your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any French Customs inspections and customs fees, and also any quarantine fees. These will be payable locally. Our agents in France will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take to France and how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest service levels.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend a highly flexible Shipment Protection Cover that will provide you with many advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is completing a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value of the belongings you want to cover and whether you have packed them yourself or if they have been packed professionally.

France, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and high quality of life, is a dream destination for many. From vibrant cities to picturesque countryside, the country offers a diverse range of locations to suit every lifestyle and preference. With our expert relocation services, moving to any of the below destinations is a breeze.

1. Paris

Paris, the capital city of France, is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum. It’s a cultural and artistic hub that attracts visitors from around the world. With its bustling streets, world-class cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, Paris offers a dynamic urban experience unlike any other.

2. Provence

Located in the southeastern region of France, Provence is famous for its picturesque villages, rolling vineyards and climate. Popular destinations in Provence include cities such as Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Marseille, each offering its own unique charm and character.

3. Nice

Situated on the French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant street life, and year round sunshine. People flock to Nice for its relaxed lifestyle, outdoor recreational activities and picturesque Old Town. It boasts an international airport, cosmopolitan population, and close proximity to Monaco and Italy.

4. Marseille

Marseille is a diverse city known for its history, heritage and port. As France’s second largest city, Marseille boasts a unique blend of old world charm and modernity, with picturesque neighbourhoods, historic landmarks, and contemporary attractions. Visitors can explore the iconic Vieux-Port (Old Port), stroll along the scenic Corniche Kennedy, and immerse themselves in the city’s thriving arts and culinary scenes.

5. Bordeaux

Bordeaux is famous for its world class wine, historic architecture and urban renewal. It boasts a picturesque riverside setting, thriving arts scene and booming wine industry. With its growing economy and prestigious universities, Bordeaux offers a compelling mix of opportunities for those looking to immerse themselves in French culture and lifestyle.

6. Lyon

Lyon is celebrated for its UNESCO listed Old Town, thriving culinary scene and historic landmarks. People are drawn to Lyon for its high quality of life, affordable cost of living compared to Paris, and strong economy driven by industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and gastronomy.

7. Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence exudes charm with its tree-lined boulevards, elegant squares, and colourful markets. It boasts a Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage and laidback lifestyle. Known for its prestigious universities, art galleries and Provençal cuisine, Aix-en-Provence offers a tranquil yet vibrant place to live.

 From the boulevards of Paris to the shores of the French Riviera, France beckons with a range of possibilities for those embarking on a new adventure abroad. Whether you’re captivated by the vibrancy of urban life or the relaxed allure of coastal villages, France boasts an ideal destination for every preference, and our team of international removal specialists is here to ensure your seamless transition.

Relocating to France with pets demands meticulous planning and strict adherence to specific regulations. Ensuring your pet is equipped with an updated microchip and rabies vaccination is key, as these are obligatory for entry into the country. It’s also important to note that certain breeds might be subject to breed-specific guidelines, which is why it’s so important to conduct thorough research before planning your big move to France from the UK.

 When you’re moving to France, your pets must be accompanied by a valid pet passport issued by an authorised vet. It is also important to arrange for a health certificate from your vet shortly before travel to attest to your pet’s wellbeing, as you might be asked to provide this upon arrival.

Once you have arrived in France, pets may undergo inspection by customs officials. Opting for a pet relocation service can streamline the transition for your furry companions, ensuring a hassle-free journey and compliance with French regulations.

As you prepare to move to France, you need to consider finding employment. Researching the job market in France is key to your success in finding suitable employment opportunities, and this includes understanding the current trends, demands, and requirements of the job market.

 France boasts a diverse and dynamic job market, with opportunities available across various industries and sectors. From the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil countryside of Provence, each region offers its own unique employment landscape. It’s essential to research the job market in your desired location, taking into account factors such as industry presence, job availability, and economic conditions.

 In addition to understanding the broader job market trends, it’s also important to research specific job roles and industries that are relevant to your skills and qualifications. Assessing the demand for your skill set, as well as any additional qualifications or certifications that may be required, will help you position yourself as a competitive candidate in the job market.

 Plus, researching the job market in France will enable you to familiarise yourself with cultural norms, professional etiquette, and recruitment practices. Understanding these nuances will help you to navigate the job market effectively, whilst also ensuring that you present yourself in the best possible light to prospective employers.

EU citizens enjoy the privilege of staying in France for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. However, for longer stays or if you intend to work, it’s necessary to register with the local authorities and obtain a residence certificate. If you are a Non-EU citizen, such as a British expat, relocating post-Brexit is a more complex process, as a visa is required. Seeking assistance from an immigration specialist is advisable to navigate through the requirements and ensure all documentation is prepared correctly.

When moving to France, it’s typical to transfer funds from the UK. Numerous international banks and currency exchange services offer competitive rates for transferring significant sums from the UK to France. It’s important to compare these rates and associated fees to ensure the best possible deal. Additionally, obtaining a local bank account is beneficial, as it can simplify financial transactions and make transferring money much more convenient.

 We hope this information helps you with your move to France. If you need further assistance, or more information on the removals process, our knowledgeable team is here to help.