How to Reduce Costs When Moving to France

Moving furniture internationally can seem expensive at first look. However, the total cost of moving to France from the UK depends on several factors, including how much you move, how it’s transported, and how well the move is planned.

From our experience supporting UK to France relocations for over 30 years, many of the highest moving costs can be reduced with a few simple planning decisions. Below are some practical ways to keep costs under control while still ensuring your belongings arrive safely.

Move Only What You Really Need

One of the simplest ways to reduce removal costs is to move fewer items.

International removals are usually priced based on volume and transport space, so the more furniture you move, the higher the cost is likely to be.

Before arranging transport, it’s worth reviewing what you actually want to take to France. Many people choose to:

• Move essential furniture and personal belongings

• Sell or donate low-value or bulky items

• Replace certain items once they arrive in France

Reducing the overall volume of your move can significantly lower transport costs and simplify logistics.

Consider Part Load Delivery

If you’re not moving an entire household, part load delivery to France can be one of the most cost-effective options.

Part load removals allow your furniture to share vehicle space with other consignments travelling along the same route. Instead of paying for a dedicated vehicle, you only pay for the space your belongings occupy.

For smaller or staged moves, this approach can reduce costs considerably while still ensuring your furniture is transported professionally and securely.

Use Storage to Move in Stages

Many people assume everything must be moved at once, but this isn’t always necessary.

Using furniture storage in the UK can allow you to move in stages. For example, you may transport essential items first and store the rest until you are fully settled in France.

This approach can help when:

• Property timelines don’t align

• You are renovating your new home

• You want to reduce the size of your initial move

Storage also removes the pressure of committing to a fixed delivery date, which can make planning much easier.

Plan the Move Early

International moves always run more smoothly when planned in advance.

Last-minute arrangements can limit transport options and lead to higher costs. Planning early gives you time to:

• Compare transport options

• Reduce the volume of items being moved

• Arrange packing or storage if needed

Early planning also allows removal companies to organise routes and schedules more efficiently, which can sometimes help reduce overall costs.

Pack Items Properly

Packing plays an important role in protecting your furniture during international transport.

Poor packing increases the risk of damage, which may result in additional costs or delays. Professional packing services ensure items are wrapped and protected using materials designed for long-distance transport.

For fragile or valuable items in particular, using experienced packing teams can provide valuable peace of mind.

Preparing for a Smooth Move

Moving furniture internationally doesn’t have to be unnecessarily expensive. In many cases, the cost of moving to France can be reduced through careful planning, sensible packing decisions, and flexible transport options.

From our experience supporting relocations between the UK and France, the most successful moves are the ones planned early. Deciding what to move, what to store, and how to transport your belongings can make a significant difference to both cost and overall stress.

Whether you’re moving from the UK to France or returning from France to the UK, our team at Anglo French can help you plan the most practical approach.

Moving Between the UK & France After Brexit

Brexit made UK and France moves more complex, but we handle it every day.

• Offices in the UK and France

• Pre-customs clearance on all moves

• Strong relationships with customs agents

• Proven systems to keep things moving

We know the process, and we keep it simple for you.

What You Need

To move duty-free, you’ll usually need:

• 12+ months living outside your destination country

• The correct visa or passport

• A ToR number (France → UK)

• Supporting documents (we’ll guide you)

When Charges Apply

If you’re moving to a second home or are already a resident:

• Duty + ~20% VAT

• Around 36% (±) on declared value

We’ll help you get this right from the start.

Why Anglo French?

We’ve been handling UK–France moves for over 30 years. We know the system and we know how to make sure your move runs smoothly.