If you’re planning to move across the Channel to France, you might be feeling a great sense of anticipation and excitement. However, let’s face it, making the transition to a new life abroad can be tricky, so it’s important you plan the details carefully.
As long as you’re organised in your approach, you can minimise any stress and starting your adventure to pastures new should be a straightforward process. For example, arranging reliable and good value furniture removals to France is crucial.
You’re not alone
One thing’s for sure, you’re not alone in relocating to France. Lots of Brits are opting to swap Blighty for our neighbour’s scenic and culturally rich shores. This is no great surprise. After all, as well as enjoying a better climate, the nation is only a short journey away from home, meaning expats can return to see friends and relatives within a few short hours.
According to new research from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, Britons for the first time make up the highest number of foreigners in the south-west of France. It revealed there are now around 16,000 Brits in Aquitaine, and this could be doubled if the neighbouring areas of Gers, Charente and Charente Maritime are taken into account.
Many of the new wave of immigrants are younger families who are keen to work in France and to forge strong roots in their new communities.
No surprise
Commenting on the findings, chief executive of Leggett Immobilier Trevor Leggett said: “I’m not surprised by the findings – our agents in south-west France have seen sales rise by around a third over the last couple of years and many of these have been to young families who are moving to France to escape the rat race and to see their children grow up in a safe, sunny and peaceful environment.”
He added: “Schooling and integration into the community are a big positive to come out of the findings, The Sud Ouest ran a case study of an expat who runs a Franco British club, teaches English in the local schools and is also involved in local life with the Lions Club.”
How we can help
Here at European Removal Experts we understand the appeal of this beautiful country and offer specialist removal services from the UK to France. We’re committed to providing superb value for money, which may be welcome news. After all, you might have a lot of expenses to contend with during this frenetic period, so the last thing you want is to pay over the odds for your removals to France.
We are flexible in our approach and can offer part loads or full loads, depending on your requirements.
Find out more
So, if you’d like to find out more about our European removals, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and professional team by phone or email. With our help, getting over to your destination should be that bit easier and less stressful.
Removals to Italy20/02/2025 - 16:26
Make your move to France that bit easier
If you’re planning to move across the Channel to France, you might be feeling a great sense of anticipation and excitement. However, let’s face it, making the transition to a new life abroad can be tricky, so it’s important you plan the details carefully.
As long as you’re organised in your approach, you can minimise any stress and starting your adventure to pastures new should be a straightforward process. For example, arranging reliable and good value furniture removals to France is crucial.
You’re not alone
One thing’s for sure, you’re not alone in relocating to France. Lots of Brits are opting to swap Blighty for our neighbour’s scenic and culturally rich shores. This is no great surprise. After all, as well as enjoying a better climate, the nation is only a short journey away from home, meaning expats can return to see friends and relatives within a few short hours.
According to new research from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, Britons for the first time make up the highest number of foreigners in the south-west of France. It revealed there are now around 16,000 Brits in Aquitaine, and this could be doubled if the neighbouring areas of Gers, Charente and Charente Maritime are taken into account.
Many of the new wave of immigrants are younger families who are keen to work in France and to forge strong roots in their new communities.
No surprise
Commenting on the findings, chief executive of Leggett Immobilier Trevor Leggett said: “I’m not surprised by the findings – our agents in south-west France have seen sales rise by around a third over the last couple of years and many of these have been to young families who are moving to France to escape the rat race and to see their children grow up in a safe, sunny and peaceful environment.”
He added: “Schooling and integration into the community are a big positive to come out of the findings, The Sud Ouest ran a case study of an expat who runs a Franco British club, teaches English in the local schools and is also involved in local life with the Lions Club.”
How we can help
Here at European Removal Experts we understand the appeal of this beautiful country and offer specialist removal services from the UK to France. We’re committed to providing superb value for money, which may be welcome news. After all, you might have a lot of expenses to contend with during this frenetic period, so the last thing you want is to pay over the odds for your removals to France.
We are flexible in our approach and can offer part loads or full loads, depending on your requirements.
Find out more
So, if you’d like to find out more about our European removals, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and professional team by phone or email. With our help, getting over to your destination should be that bit easier and less stressful.
Reality Bites
New country – new tasty explorations! The palette is a fickle thing, but few daily thrills compare to good food. Wherever you’re off to is bound to have a unique menu of oddities for your delicious judgement (except the USA, where everything is just… bigger!), and that are likely to be served in some eccentric restaurants!
Relocating to France
Snails! Ew! Has there ever been a different exclamation from a British person? Helix snails are perhaps the preferred snail in most French cuisine. The best snails are between three and four years old. In answer to any issues with their… digestive parts, the snails are strictly fasted for about two weeks before becoming your dinner to ensure all their tubes are clear of… you know!
Relocating to Belgium
You know about the fabulous chocolate of course. But Belgian restaurant concepts are fantastic and include “Dinner in the Sky” (eat whilst suspended with your table in the air!), a number of converted old planes, and the eccentric “’t Velootje” bar (the seats are all bicycles!)
Relocating to Switzerland
Swiss cuisine is influenced by its neighbours; it presents an eclectic old mix. As for restaurants, “Blinde Kuh” is basically Blind Man’s Bluff… but when eating. Dine in pitch darkness, in the care of experienced (usually blind) staff.
Relocating to Germany
Well they certainly love their themed restaurants in Germany! “Bollesje” (prisons theme), “Knoblauchrestaurant” (everything is made with garlic!), and I’m sure you can guess what the decoration theme is at “Klo” when that name is translated into English… “Loo”
Making Removals To Italy Simple
Romantic Italy
Italy is a beautiful place to move to and no matter where you are in the country it is full of distinctive architecture and lots of history. A move to Italy can really make for a change of pace that many people long for, or even want to return to after having been in the United Kingdom. Our European removals service is one of the best options for getting all of your belongings back to Italy, no matter whether you are in the South, the midlands or the North of either country. We strive to provide you with quality European removals that can allow you to forget about all of the minutiae that comes with packing belongings.
Any Size Any Time
Many people worry about the size of the objects in their homes, from the small to the large. We have an adaptable service however and can provide piano removals to Italy as well as for only a few boxes of items. We treat everything with absolute care and never treat anybody’s personal belongings as we wouldn’t treat our own. This means absolute respect for privacy and the delicacy of what you are taking. If you are transporting delicate objects like furniture or antiques, it is always best to advise us prior. If you have special requirements for certain belongings these can be arranged beforehand, or alternatively, you can provide any protective packaging and simply notify the driver of the item.
Quality And Care
Each of our drivers is insured to provide the quality removals Italy deserves. This means having thousands of hours of road time across Europe as well as extensive experience regarding traffic, directions and even breakdowns. We are covered across this zone as well, so even if the worst does happen, we can call for help and get things moving again in super-quick time. Unlike other removal companies we will not leave you wondering what is going on and will strive to provide you with a quality of service that gives you the peace of mind to relax on your travels. Of course, your belongings may travel by road but you can travel by air and be sure that your belongings will arrive at the time we say. As members of the Removers And Storers, we always strive to provide you with this level of service.
Extra Help
If you are wanting to store your belongings for a period before moving, then we can offer some unsurpassed deals. We won’t charge you for up to 2 weeks of storage, which can buy you some all important time before or even after collection. Long term storage is typically offered in London and is very competitively priced. If you find that you don’t have enough, or the right type of boxes or packing options at your disposal, we can also offer these. We also use the Eurotunnel to ensure the greatest likelihood that we won’t be held up by bad weather or transport issues beyond our control.
Moving to Belgium to further your career
The EU has created new jobs in the international market, and none more than its central administrative bases in Belgium – both in Brussels and Strasbourg. Whether you’re an intern working for a few weeks to earn some international experience, or if you’re a fully qualified bilingual worker who is an essential cog in the wheels of the EU or EC, then you’ll need to work out how you’re going to get you and your belongings across to Belgium.
Belgium is quite unique in that it has many long, straight roads, so many people choose to move by car. However it’s a long, tiring and arduous journey if you choose to do this yourself, and you’ll have several borders to cross and customs declarations to complete if you set off from the UK towards your new home .
Removals to Belgium can be made less stressful and more productive if you use a specialist removal company. You can leave at the last minute as your belongings go ahead of you, rather than having a stressful time packing and then launching yourself at a new job.
Another consideration is that most people live in small apartments in Brussels in the main cities, and you may need to scale down your belongings so it all fits. If not, you’ll be paying for storage on top of removals, which only adds to your costs in addition to the fluctuating Euro. At least by using a specialist removal service to Belgium, that’s one piece of the move puzzle already solved for you.
Thinking of Moving to France
Thousands of British people have moved for a new life in Europe over the last twenty years or so, and if you are thinking of starting a new life in the sun, you may be considering moving to France. As anyone who has been there will tell you, France is a country which offers you everything from fantastic weather in the south to gorgeous scenery in the Alps and Pyrenees, as well as other regions such as Provence or Limousine.
One of the reasons why relocating to France to start a new life has become so popular can be directly attributed to the author Peter Mayall, who wrote A Year in Provence in the late eighties. This was an account of his life with his family when they moved to the region and proved to be a best seller, as did the follow up book Tojours Provence, which was published three years later. Mayall’s story of his idyllic lifestyle was so alluring that thousands of Brits decided to sell up and live the dream themselves. If you are thinking of moving to rural France, there is something you should be aware of.
For example, you may find that if you are working on your new home, your neighbours will turn up and offer to help you. This is great on one level, but be aware that they will expect the favour returned when they need some help on their property. As long as you bear this in mind, moving to France should be a great experience for you and your family.
Destination Deutschland
Germany is the largest economy in Europe and therefore it has seen a considerable influx of British professionals moving to Germany in order to take advantage of its booming industries – not to mention its rich culture and stunning natural environments. Whatever your reasons for moving to Germany, however, there are a few British items that you just wont be able to find in Deutschland, so if you are a sucker for home comforts, you might just want to take them with you.
For example, it might surprise you to learn (considering that Germany is such a bratwurst loving country!) that you probably won’t be able to get British style bacon. Also, British staples such as brown sauce won’t be easy to come by, and if you do find some it won’t be cheap.
Anyone moving to Germany should also be prepared for the customary plug adaptors in order to get your electrical appliances working, but it might surprise you to learn that if you’re a Sky subscriber you should be able to get your system working in Germany! Of course bacon and Sky TV aren’t part of the major considerations, and you should enjoy adapting your lifestyle towards the German way of doing things – that’s part of the reason for relocating to Germany, after all.
So how exactly will you get all these home comforts to Germany, anyway? Well with European Removal Experts we can not only help you with your move, but we can do for affordable rates without compromising on quality. We can help you with moving to Germany, no matter how small or large your items are.
A Voyage of Discovery: Living Abroad
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” (Mark Twain)
Making the jump from whimsical daydream to bold reality can be more than a little daunting for the best of us, especially when such actions involve travel; perhaps uprooting a young family, and moving to Germany, moving to Belgium, moving to Egypt, moving to Japan – anywhere away from home! Here are few pros and cons we picked up from previous clients moving to Belgium, Spain, and our other noted destinations.
Pros
• Excitement! When travelling, the thrill of the new is something beautiful. It can’t be replicated, can’t be found through books, and can’t completely be explained verbally.
• The UK is going nowhere. So, perhaps relocating to Germany was wrong for your family. So what? Count your blessings, pack up, head home and settle back into a life you now KNOW you want.
• Difference. As Mark Twain professed above, travel and new cultural experiences go a long way to expanding the mind, soul and that little font of knowledge within. Children’s brains particularly are truly great information sponges!
Cons
• Fitting in. Taking the first step isn’t the only hard part! It can take months – years even – for an expat to feel truly settled.
• Homesickness. Time heals all wounds? Suddenly you forget how tedious the British drizzle was – “I miss the dull weather/late trains/familiar road signs etc!”
• Loneliness. Expat communities are common throughout most of the world, however being apart from trusted supports back home can be heart-wrenching.
Moving to the Netherlands: Essential Reading
There are many reasons to move to Holland. The modern, socially progressive country boasts a high standard of living, a high life expectancy rate, an excellent healthcare system, and a relatively healthy economy. The country also has a great agricultural, maritime, and trading tradition, and is a visual feat with a wonderful mix of modern and postmodern architecture, colourful flower fields, and a dense network of canals. And if you have children or are planning a family, it worth noting that the Netherlands has an excellent education system right up to university level, and that UNICEF have found Dutch children to be the happiest in the world.
However, relocating to the Netherlands may not be a stress-free experience. Moving home involves a lot of planning and organising, and moving abroad can involve even more work. Besides organising the purchase or rental of your new home, finding suitable employment, brushing up your Dutch language skills, booking your flight or ferry tickets, and making sure your passport is up to date, (and perhaps applying for a European Pet Passport for your furry friend), you will also need to arrange for a removals company to arrange for the transportation of your possessions to your new home.
European Removal Experts offers a simple, affordable and professional solution to your removal needs. The company specialises in Dutch Removals and offers door to door deliveries between the UK and Amsterdam, Amersfoort, and Almere. Your experience of moving to the Netherlands may be made easier by taking advantage of European Removal Experts’s services. Why not contact them for a quick and free quote?
Moving to Germany? Learn the Language First
One of the things that can be most isolating when moving to Germany is not being able to speak the language. Although learning a new language is easiest when you immerse yourself in it, you can give yourself a head start by learning some German before you move. Here are some ways you can get a grasp on the language before relocating to Germany:
• Teach Yourself
Prior to moving to Berlin, Munich or anywhere else in Germany, teach yourself as much of the language as you can. Read a few beginners books and listen to some audio to give you an idea of pronunciation and intonation. You should also try to learn some grammar as this will help you to structure sentences.
• Take Some Classes
Before you move, aim to take some German classes, both one-on-one and as part of a group. One-on-one classes will enable your tutor to focus on aspects of the language that you need to, or areas that you may be struggling with. Group classes will give you a feel of real world German conversations and knowing other learners will help to keep you motivated.
• Befriend a Native
Only by talking to a native speaker will you get an indication of how the language is used in the real world. Use the internet to get in contact with native German speakers, and aim to converse via email or via Skype before you move. This will give you a chance to practice your German in a low-pressure environment.
Living Abroad Can be ‘Addictive’
Moving to Germany, moving to Switzerland or heading to any other country can be a rewarding experience, it has been noted.
According to a Shelter Offshore article, there is something enchanting about living abroad.
It stated: “The one thing that is … universally true is that when you’re established abroad you discover that most of your fellow expats feel the same as you, and almost no one is in any rush to return to the UK.
“I would even go as far as to say that ‘once an expat, always an expat’ because there really is something addictive about living abroad.”
The news piece went on to claim that once an individual has gone through the challenge of establishing a new life abroad, they know they could do it again if necessary.
“This puts fire in the expat belly and inspires them to move forward and never look back,” it stated.
The article went on to suggest that those who are thinking of moving to Germany, moving to Switzerland or to anywhere else should be warned there may be no going back because once they are in a foreign country, they will discover the “grass really can be greener”.
However, it went on to note that it takes a particular kind of person to make the transition successfully. They have to want to do it, the news provider noted.
When individuals make the decision to live in another country, there are many issues they must deal with before setting off. For example, they will need to sort out accommodation, research the area they will be staying in and make sure all their tax and other financial affairs are in order.
Also, it is advisable for them to take note of the healthcare services available in the area and, if they have children, to find out what sort of educational facilities are available.