Moving to France: A Comprehensive Guide
Relocating to France is a dream for many, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in a country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine. However, moving to a new country involves more than romanticizing the experience. It requires detailed planning, pragmatic decision-making, and a willingness to adapt to a new culture. Here’s a complete guide to help make your transition to France as smooth as possible.
Planning Your Move
The foundation of a successful relocation lies in meticulous preparation. Moving internationally involves unique challenges, so having a well-thought-out plan is essential.
Hiring a Professional Moving Company
Transporting your belongings across borders requires professional assistance. A reputable moving company will handle packing, loading, and transportation, ensuring your possessions arrive safely. When choosing a moving company:
- Look for one experienced in international relocations.
- Confirm they offer insurance for your items.
- Read reviews and get recommendations to ensure reliability.
Managing Logistics and Paperwork
Relocating to France involves administrative tasks, including:
- Customs declarations for your belongings.
- Arranging a visa or residence permit.
- Securing health insurance that meets French legal requirements.
Start this process early to avoid unnecessary stress as moving day approaches.
Choosing the Right Location
When deciding where to settle in France, it’s vital to consider more than just your holiday memories. Living somewhere full-time often differs significantly from experiencing it as a vacationer.
Visit During Different Seasons
That charming village where you’ve spent idyllic summers might feel entirely different in winter. Before committing to a location:
- Visit during off-peak seasons to understand its year-round vibe.
- Assess whether local amenities, such as shops and restaurants, remain open.
- Consider the climate and whether it suits your preferences.
Assess Accessibility and Amenities
Ask yourself practical questions:
- Are essential services, like schools and healthcare, within easy reach?
- Is public transportation available?
- How far are you from major cities or airports?
Understanding the logistics of your chosen area can make day-to-day life easier.

Navigating the French Housing Market
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is finding a home. France offers a variety of housing options, but diving into the property market without proper knowledge can be risky.
Renting Before Buying
If you’re unfamiliar with the French legal system, renting is often the best choice. This approach allows you to:
- Experience life in the area before committing to a long-term purchase.
- Learn about the local property market.
- Avoid potential legal pitfalls.
Engage an English-speaking lawyer or notary to help navigate rental agreements and property laws.
Helpful Resources
For insights into the French housing market, visit:
Legal and Administrative Requirements
France’s legal system can be complex, especially for newcomers. It’s crucial to understand the basics or seek professional guidance.
Key Considerations
- Hiring a Notary or Lawyer: Work with an English-speaking professional to navigate contracts and understand legal obligations.
- Tax Implications: Research property and income tax requirements.
- Business Regulations: If you plan to work or start a business, ensure you comply with French labor and business laws.
Adapting to French Culture and Lifestyle
Moving to France means immersing yourself in a unique culture. Embrace the differences to make your transition smoother.
Language Skills
Although many urban French residents speak English, learning French will significantly enhance your experience. Fluency helps with:
- Building relationships with locals.
- Navigating day-to-day activities.
- Integrating into the community.
Consider online language learning tools such as Duolingo or Rosetta Stone.
Cultural Norms
French culture values traditions, especially in dining and social interactions. For instance:
- Meals are seen as a time for connection and should not be rushed.
- Politeness and proper greetings are highly valued.
Healthcare in France
France boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world. To access it:
- Register for the Carte Vitale, which allows you to use state healthcare services.
- Consider private insurance for additional coverage.
Visit Ameli for more information on healthcare registration and benefits.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to France is a journey filled with opportunities and challenges. By planning carefully, staying informed, and embracing the local culture, you can make your transition a rewarding experience. For further insights and resources, visit:
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.
Finding the Right Removals Company
Relocating abroad can be one of the best decisions you ever make, but to really make the most of it it’s important that you deal with the right people. Removals will surely be at the top of your agenda, so to make the whole process as easy as possible, whether you’re moving to Germany or anywhere else, make sure to find the right removals company.
This doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. A quick search on Google will be able to present you with numerous options, and it won’t take long for you to read their websites and weed out the inappropriate choices. This is certainly preferable to looking through the phonebook, as by going online you’ll be able to find reviews of your potential company as well to help you make the right decision.
Make sure you read the small print though, as not all UK removals companies will be able to help you when moving to Germany, Switzerland or elsewhere on the continent. You need to make sure they can deliver the service you’re looking for, and if you’re after anything additional (such as storage space) always ensure they can accommodate.
So, finding the right removals company when moving to Germany or anywhere else will simply require a bit of research. But, why not save yourself the hassle and come straight to us here at European Removal Experts? We’ll have no problem getting your possessions to anywhere on the continent whether you’re moving to France, Germany or just about anywhere else, so make sure to get in touch today to see how we can help.
Moving to Belgium to Improve Sporting Prowess
There are many reasons why Britons are planning on moving to Belgium, most of them connected with work. However, there is a small group of young athletes who are moving to Belgium to pursue their aims of racing with the best cyclists in the world. Belgium has long been seen as the place to go to hone the skills which are necessary of you want to reach the top ranks of the professional cycling scene. Even if you are connected with cycling and you are moving to Belgium, it won’t be long before you realise that cycling comes second only to football in terms of popularity among Belgian people, which is why there is a growing number of young Brits who want to get involved.
Between February and November just about every town and village in the country will host a bike race which will attract more than 200 competitors. With lucrative prize lists and a fantastic atmosphere – enhanced by the carnival which usually accompanies these races – it soon becomes clear why Belgium is the place to be for aspiring racing cyclists. Of course, many young British riders come to the conclusion that moving to France or moving to Holland will help them reach the top of the sport, but over the last sixty years Belgium has been at the top of the list for young Brits. If you are planning to join them, make sure that your furniture and belongings – especially those valuable bikes! – are entrusted to the experts at European Removal Experts.
Ensure You Have a Swift and Easy Relocation to Paris
Moving abroad can be an exciting and/or anxious time, depending on your reasons for moving. If you’re relocating to Paris, then it’s probably more likely to be for professional or business reasons than it is to retire. Paris is a marvellous city – the city of love, but also the nation’s capital and full of the opportunities that a capital city usually has to offer.
In economic terms, Paris represents continental Europe’s largest economy and is responsible for over a quarter of France’s total GDP. Numerous multinational companies have bases there, as well as several financial organisations. The job prospects are also extremely attractive – a 35-hour working week allowing the possibilities in many companies to work longer hours and take the time saved as ‘RTT’ (Réduction du temps de travail) to create a long weekend, and an earlier retirement age than here in the UK.
Having decided that moving to France, and specifically Paris, is for you, there will be a lot to organise. Despite being just over the channel, French cultural traditions do differ from ours and you’ll be well advised to spend some time learning French before you go, particularly if you’ve not yet secured a job offer in Paris. You’ll also need to organise some kind of healthcare insurance. France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world but unlike the NHS, it isn’t free. Your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) won’t cover you if you’re a resident, so health insurance is a must, even if you’re a healthy person generally – accidents can happen to anyone.
You’ll also need to sort out your accommodation, both here and there. Unfortunately, the city is well known for its expensive accommodation and it may take you a great deal of research to find something affordable and in the right location. If you know where you will be working, don’t worry if your apartment or house is located a fair distance away – just make sure that the transport routes between the two are suitable. Likewise, you could be fairly close and yet not on a convenient metro route.
With most Parisian accommodation being found within the city’s arrondissements, you may not relish the prospect of moving all of your belongings there. In fact, packing and organising removals to anywhere can be a stressful process. That said, moving in to a capital city makes the process harder to organise yourself, as you are unlikely to be taking your own car packed full of possessions – you’ll certainly not find anywhere nearby to park it!
Here at European Removal Experts we provide simple and cost effective removals to France. We also know that when you’re moving abroad, it can be hard to time the moving out of one property with the moving in to another. This is why we offer Long and Short Term Storage for up to two weeks and we can also sell boxes and packing materials if you require them. Our aim is to make the whole process of relocating to Paris as smooth and as easy as possible for you, including providing you with your furniture removal direct to your new door.
Some Advice if You are Moving to France
Moving to France: A Comprehensive Guide
Relocating to France is a dream for many, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in a country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine. However, moving to a new country involves more than romanticizing the experience. It requires detailed planning, pragmatic decision-making, and a willingness to adapt to a new culture. Here’s a complete guide to help make your transition to France as smooth as possible.
Planning Your Move
The foundation of a successful relocation lies in meticulous preparation. Moving internationally involves unique challenges, so having a well-thought-out plan is essential.
Hiring a Professional Moving Company
Transporting your belongings across borders requires professional assistance. A reputable moving company will handle packing, loading, and transportation, ensuring your possessions arrive safely. When choosing a moving company:
Managing Logistics and Paperwork
Relocating to France involves administrative tasks, including:
Start this process early to avoid unnecessary stress as moving day approaches.
Choosing the Right Location
When deciding where to settle in France, it’s vital to consider more than just your holiday memories. Living somewhere full-time often differs significantly from experiencing it as a vacationer.
Visit During Different Seasons
That charming village where you’ve spent idyllic summers might feel entirely different in winter. Before committing to a location:
Assess Accessibility and Amenities
Ask yourself practical questions:
Understanding the logistics of your chosen area can make day-to-day life easier.
Navigating the French Housing Market
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is finding a home. France offers a variety of housing options, but diving into the property market without proper knowledge can be risky.
Renting Before Buying
If you’re unfamiliar with the French legal system, renting is often the best choice. This approach allows you to:
Engage an English-speaking lawyer or notary to help navigate rental agreements and property laws.
Helpful Resources
For insights into the French housing market, visit:
Legal and Administrative Requirements
France’s legal system can be complex, especially for newcomers. It’s crucial to understand the basics or seek professional guidance.
Key Considerations
Adapting to French Culture and Lifestyle
Moving to France means immersing yourself in a unique culture. Embrace the differences to make your transition smoother.
Language Skills
Although many urban French residents speak English, learning French will significantly enhance your experience. Fluency helps with:
Consider online language learning tools such as Duolingo or Rosetta Stone.
Cultural Norms
French culture values traditions, especially in dining and social interactions. For instance:
Healthcare in France
France boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world. To access it:
Visit Ameli for more information on healthcare registration and benefits.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to France is a journey filled with opportunities and challenges. By planning carefully, staying informed, and embracing the local culture, you can make your transition a rewarding experience. For further insights and resources, visit:
Moving to Belgium Let the Experts Help You
Moving home can be a traumatic experience at the best of times, but when you are moving abroad the stress and trauma involved can be magnified many times over. If you are moving to Belgium there are some things you should be aware of before you organise your belongings to be transported across the North Sea. Although we have been members of the European Union since 1973, moving to Belgium – or moving to Germany and any other EU country – is not as straight forward as it could be, especially if you are living in Britain but you are not a UK passport holder. For example, when you are moving to Belgium you should know that for all visits of longer than 90 days a visa is required for non-EU citizens.
With the exception of Cyprus and Malta, nationals of the new European Union Member States are currently subject to transition arrangements which remain in place for two years and require a long-stay visa for those who are moving to Belgium. However, if you are self-employed you will be exempt from the visa requirement.
Now we have cleared up the boring bit about moving to Belgium, it’s time to start planning the logistics involved in getting your furniture moved. Of course, you could do it yourself by hiring a lorry, but why add to the stress by doing this? Get in touch with the people at Europemove.com and they will take care of everything for you, which means you will be free to concentrate on your new life.
Moving to Basse-Normandie
Encompassing the north-western departments of Calvados, Manche and Orne is the administrative region of Frace, Basse- Normandie (Lower Normandy). This region was created when the Normandy region was split into Upper and Lower Normandy in 1956.
The region stands out from a historical point of view because it is the birthplace of William I also known as the Conqueror, also its coast was where several landings were done by the Allied troops in 1944, during the Normandy Invasion. These have ultimately greatly contributed to the liberation of occupied France during the World War II. Lower Normandy suffered significant damage during the War, especially its villages and towns were damaged greatly.
The region still has a strong rural character although not many are still working in agriculture. Western lands of the region are used as a permanent pasture or forage crops are cultivated there because the most dominating is the animal husbandry. For example, Perche and Auge are one of the major producers of beef and also Camembert cheese is largely produced in Orne. Other types of cheese are produced in Livarot and Pont. Horses are also raised in both Orne and Calvados in a large number. The farm are mainly small ones and those which are bigger are used to farm cereal and grow apple that’s later used for cider and cider brandy. On the northern side of Mache the farms that are there grow vegetables and near the coast oyster farming takes place along with fishing.
Over in the late 50’s, metallurgical industries and traditional textile have declined, and because Basse-Normandie gained from the effect of decentralisation of firms based in Paris, it led to the growth of industries such as the electronics, electrical and mechanical engineering.
Other industrial activities that have grown are shipbuilding and repair, commercial vehicles and automobile manufacturing along with beverage and food processing. They even touched the topic of nuclear waste processing.
The Basse-Normandie’s main administrative and business centre is located at Caen, and around it is where the concentration o industry related activities take place.
Basse-Normandie is also well-known for its costal resorts areas that frequently attract tourists from all over the place. Some of these are the Deauville, the Granville, the Trouville and Mont-Saint-Michael that has an abbey that is situated high above the sea and which has Gothic style architecture.
Normandy had its own regional language called Norman and it is still in use to this day in Lower Normandy. Even dialects have formed, such as the one in Contenin which stands out the most among all others. Nevertheless French is still spoken and you can get around just fine if you know it.
For those who love to read Basse-Normandie has had its fair share of great authors that were born there, such as Marcel Proust, Guy de Maupassant and Jules Barbey d’Auverilly. And many important Norman-language authors attached to Basse-Normandie in a special way, such as Cotis -Capel, Alfred Rossel and even Louis Beuve.
The region also has several famous people in various cultural fields, such as the Jean-Francois in visual arts and the composer Erik Satie for music.
Basse-Normandie hosts several renowned events such as the Deauville American Film Festival and the Deauville Asian Film Festival.
If you want to move to Lower Normandy, no matter where you go you will be able to fully enjoy picturesque landscapes and buildings together with the rich culture and history. If you’re undecided about how to go about moving to Basse-Normandie let us help you.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.
You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668
Photographer: Sandra Lopes Martins
Moving Around The Global Village
It is becoming more and more common to change jobs or get a promotion at work which will involve moving house not just within the UK, but also throughout the world. When you are moving house onto the European mainland you are highly likely to want to take your furniture and personal belongings with you than to put them in storage. Logistically this is really much easier than you might first think. Generally it does not involve huge amounts of paperwork and it is just like moving house in the UK except that it takes a little longer for the journey.
If you are moving to Germany or perhaps moving to France, two of the most popular mainland Europe destinations, you just need to find a reliable removals company with experience of this type of move, like ourselves at European Removal Experts, who will collect and deliver for you. One thing that you should consider is whether you need your belongings to go into storage at any point, be it a day or a month or two, before they are delivered. When you make your move you may not be going directly to the house you are going to occupy long term so if this applies when you are moving to Germany or any other country it makes sense to use a company that can offer the whole package.
Of course, you may just want to follow the removal van in your own car and that can certainly be arranged. But we find it is more usual for our customers to want to meet us at their new European home. Once the furniture has arrived it can be placed in the correct rooms so that you can unpack and settle into your new home at your leisure, with a minimum of fuss. Bon voyage.
Belgium: Culture and More!
Europe has a lot to offer, and it is arguably the most diverse continent on the planet, with each European nations having its particular way of doing things. Surely one of the most interesting and perhaps underrated European nation is Belgium, which although one of the smallest countries in Europe certainly punches above its weight in terms of cultural intrigue, history etc.
Food and Drink
Whilst France might enjoy the title of gastronomic capital of Europe, if not the world, Belgium is is just as exciting when it comes to food and drink, and drawing upon its uniquely diverse culture, you’ll be struck by just how varied and delicious Belgian cuisine can be. In fact, there are some things that Belgium does best in the world, for example Belgium produces over 800 kinds of beer as well as lots of lovely, world class chocolate.
Culture
Belgium is unique in that it is an especially diverse culture, and there are several languages native to the country, including English, French and Flemish, and the capital of the nation Brussels is officially trilingual. Rather than seeing the abundance of language in Belgium as a challenge, anyone moving to Belgium should see it as a testament to the uniqueness and the cultural intrigue that Belgium, one of the most special European nations, has to offer.
So, relocating to Belgium could be one of the most exciting decisions that you ever make, and at European Removal Experts its our business to take the hassle out of that European move!
Moving to Berlin
How Moving to Berlin Should be Done.
Thinking about moving to Berlin, strolling and becoming mesmerized by the great sights it has to offer? How would you have to go about that?
Berlin is Germany’s largest city. It ranks second place as most populous city proper and is well known for its numerous cultural institutions such as the Museum Island or the Gemäldegalerie which paintings displayed are those of the “old masters “ and even the Deutsches Theater in Mitte. These all stand proud as legacy and proof of the long history Berlin has.
When you’ve decided to move to Berlin you will not only establish yourself in Germany’s historic capital but as an added bonus you will be able to experience the active, ever changing arts and music scene. Removals to Berlin, you will be introduced to a cosmopolitan capital where you’ll be encircled by so many different cultures that you might feel overpowered. Nevertheless, this offers you a great chance to experience exciting and new activities of a wide range.
Many people advise moving to Berlin during summer to truly partake in all the colorful experienced offered to you. From the lovely cafes and renowned restaurants to the buzzing nightlife that entices you, adding fuel to the raging love you’re starting to feel for Berlin.
When trying to decide in which part of Berlin you want to move in keep in mind that the historic capital is now subdivided in 12 districts. Each one of them has several neighborhoods you may choose from. People feel strongly about their own neighborhoods and identify with them. Therefore choosing in which part of Berlin you want to live is a most important task.
A neighborhood that is family friendly is Prenzlauer Berg in East Berlin. Everyone agrees that this place is annoyingly nice. You can encounter many well-off families here since it’s so wealthy. Although a wonderful place to raise a family or just enjoy life to its fullest, it is also quite expensive.
A trendy neighborhood is Kreuzberg in West Berlin since it’s bustling with students and well-known counterculture hangouts
such as Görlitzer Park. Kreuzberg is considered to release a certain amount of bohemian allure that can continuously attract people.
When talking about Charlottenburg, Zehlendorf or Grunewald you think of leisurely-spent days with your children passing time by strolling between the grocery stores and the summer waters only to return to a gorgeous villa. Although this might seem boring to some, it does have a certain charm that attracts rich older people who want to spend their time in a bourgeois environment. These are perfect for up-market business.
An immigrant neighborhood is what Neukölln is said to be. Usually home of the traditional working class, now is flourishing into a “respectable” place to live. Of course, as the rating gets higher, the prices raise with it so it is not such of a cheap place to leave in now a days. It is now slowly but surely being colonized.
These are just some of the choices you might confront yourself with but a better documentation is in order because the size of Berlin is no joke, and with this comes great diversity. So be aware of the perfect place to move.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers. You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668