Packing Tips and Tricks for Moving to France

Moving to France can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. Packing your belongings can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be an efficient and stress-free experience. 

Whether you use a professional European removal service to pack your belongings or DIY your packing, moving to France from the UK is an exciting adventure. In this article, we’ll share some packing tips and tricks to help you master the art of moving to France.

Know the Customs Regulations for Moving to France

Moving to France from the UK involves crossing international borders, so it’s crucial to know what customs rules and regulations apply to your move. Be aware of customs limits on duty-free items – this allows you to bring personal belongings and household goods into France without paying import taxes. The duty-free allowance depends on your residence status when moving to France.

For EU citizens moving to France from the UK, there is no customs limit thanks to European free movement of goods policies. Your personal and household belongings can be imported duty-free. Non-EU citizens get a more limited customs and tax-free allowance based on the length of residence abroad, family size, and other criteria.

Work with a professional European removal service that is familiar with the latest customs paperwork required for moving household goods into France from the UK. If you own high-value items like art, you may need special customs clearance. Knowing the customs regulations ahead of time reduces stress and helps your move to France go smoothly.

Packing Tips for Moving

Packing up your belongings for a move can be a daunting task, but having a plan and strategy can make it much more manageable. The key is getting organised, knowing what supplies you need, and using packing techniques that maximise efficiency and protection.

Start well in advance of your moving date so you aren’t rushed. Develop a master to-do list and room-by-room packing timeline. Gather sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes, bubble wrap, packing tape, paper and other essential supplies. Pack one room at a time, starting with items not regularly used like items in storage and the attic. 

Label boxes clearly by room and contents. Wrap delicate items individually before packing. Fill boxes securely without overpacking. Keep heavy items in small boxes. Use furnishings like wardrobes and drawers to hold some packed belongings. By following a systematic approach, you can stay organised and make packing for your move as stress-free as possible.

Pack an Essentials Box for Your First Days

During the moving process it’s easy to have all your belongings packed away in boxes. Set aside one dedicated box to be an “essentials” kit that you can quickly access when you first arrive. Include things you will need right away before unpacking fully:

• Basic tools – scissors, box cutter, hammer, screwdriver, tape
• Plastic plates, cups, utensils, paper towels
• Snacks and water bottles
• Trash bags
• Cleaning supplies
• Toilet paper and towels
• Chargers for phones/laptops
• Change of clothes and pajamas
• Toiletries – soap, toothpaste, medications
• Pet food/supplies

Pack the essentials box separately from other boxes so movers know to take it with them and not load it on the truck. That way you can access it as soon as you arrive. Having your basics covered makes it easier to settle into your new home.

Use Appropriate Moving Boxes and Packing Materials

Selecting the right moving boxes and packing materials will help ensure your belongings arrive safely. For most household items, use new sturdy boxes designed specifically for moving. These come in small, medium, large, and oversized sizes so you can match boxes to items. 

Use speciality boxes with dividers or protective padding for dishes, artwork, mirrors, and electronics. Wrap furniture blankets around table legs or other protruding parts. Use stretch wrap on mattresses and furniture. 

Pack one room at a time, packing heavier items first, then lighter ones. Make sure boxes are labelled clearly. Only use strong packing tape designed for shipping. With the right packing materials tailored to the items you’re moving, everything will be well-protected.

Properly Pack Fragile Belongings

Take care of your fragile belongings: 

• Use bubble wrap appropriately – Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap, making sure bubbles face inward to provide cushioning. Pay extra attention to protecting corners and edges.
• Use packing paper – Crumple up packing paper to use as cushioning at the bottom and sides of boxes. Layer items in packing paper to prevent shifting.
• Pack heavy items first – Put heavy items like books and electronics at the bottom of boxes, then lighter fragile items on top.
• Fill empty spaces – Pack items tightly and fill in gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap so nothing shifts around.
• Use speciality boxes – Protect framed photos, artwork, mirrors etc. in speciality boxes designed for their shapes.
• Label “Fragile” – Clearly mark boxes containing breakables as “Fragile” so movers are extra careful.
• Double box – For very delicate items, first pack them with plenty of cushioning in a small box, then place that box into a larger one.
• Load last – Have movers load fragile boxes onto the truck last so they will be unloaded first at your new home.

To save you the stress, how about trusting a professional removal service to pack your fragile items? Cotswold Carriers offers just this, contact us to find out more. 

Label Boxes Clearly for Easy Unpacking

Take time to properly label every box you pack. On the top and at least one side, use a permanent marker to write a general description of the contents along with the room the box should go in. For example, “Kitchen – Plates and Glasses” or “Bedroom – Clothes and Shoes.” Numbering boxes is also helpful. 

This clear labelling system will let movers know where to place boxes when unloading. You’ll also be able to identify and find what you need more easily when unpacking in your new home. Proper labelling saves time and prevents mix-ups. Be sure to use bold, legible writing that won’t smear or fade during transit.

How to Choose a UK to France Removals Company

Packing up your life for an international move can be overwhelming. For a stress-free relocation to France from the UK, consider letting the professionals handle it. Cotswold Carriers offers a full packing service using high-quality materials specially designed to protect your belongings. 

Our experts will carefully pack, label, and load everything for safe transport across the English Channel. With decades of experience providing removals to France, you can trust Cotswold Carriers to get your household goods there damage-free. 

Contact Cotswold Carriers to learn more about their UK to France packing and removal services that will simplify your international move.