Moving to France, Paris

Moving to France: Why It Could Be the Best Decision of Your Life

Are you dreaming of a life filled with breathtaking landscapes, world-class cuisine, and a slower, more relaxed pace? Moving to France offers all this and more. From its unparalleled quality of life to its rich cultural heritage, France remains one of the most desirable countries for relocation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of living in France, debunk misconceptions about the cost of moving, and offer actionable advice to help you plan your relocation seamlessly.

Why Move to France?

1. A Relaxed and Enriching Lifestyle

France is synonymous with a laid-back way of life, perfect for those looking to escape the high-pressure environments often found elsewhere. The culture in France is less about competition and more about savoring life’s moments. Forget the rat race—here, you’re free to be yourself without worrying about keeping up appearances.

Whether you’re sipping coffee in a quaint Parisian café, strolling through lavender fields in Provence, or enjoying a long lunch with friends, the French way of life encourages balance and well-being.

2. Unmatched Quality of Life

France consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life. It boasts excellent healthcare, high safety standards, world-renowned gastronomy, and a variety of recreational activities. The diverse geography means you can choose between beaches on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the Alps, or vineyard tours in Bordeaux.

Living in France doesn’t just offer a change of scenery—it provides a complete upgrade to your lifestyle.

Moving to France Is Easier Than You Think

For residents of the EU, relocating to France is straightforward, with minimal bureaucracy involved. However, even if you’re moving from outside the EU, France offers clear processes for securing visas and residency permits.

The ease of moving doesn’t stop at paperwork. Many international moving companies specialize in relocations to France, making the logistics of transporting your belongings stress-free.

Debunking the Cost Myth

1. Affordable Moving Options

One common concern about moving abroad is the cost. However, the reality might surprise you. Many online removal companies offer competitive rates, making the cost of moving to France comparable to a domestic move within the UK. Services range from packing assistance to full relocation packages, allowing you to choose what fits your budget.

2. Lower Living Costs in Many Areas

While Paris can be expensive, many regions in France offer an affordable cost of living. In rural areas and smaller towns, housing, groceries, and dining out are significantly cheaper than in major cities in the UK or US.

For retirees or remote workers, this affordability allows you to stretch your income further while enjoying a higher standard of living.

Planning Your Move to France

1. Research Is Key

The appeal of France’s diverse regions can make it challenging to decide where to settle. Whether you’re drawn to the sunny climate of the South, the cultural richness of the North, or the bustling energy of Paris, it’s crucial to do thorough research.

Key questions to consider:

Does the area have the amenities you need, such as schools, healthcare, and public transport?
Is the region’s climate suitable for year-round living?
Does it align with your lifestyle and personal interests?

2. Visit Before You Commit

Before making a purchase or signing a long-term lease, spend time in the area you’re considering. Visit during different seasons to get a true sense of what living there will be like.

For example, Provence may be idyllic in summer, but how does it feel during the quieter winter months? This firsthand experience will help you make an informed decision.

Steps to Make Your Move Seamless

Step 1: Create a Comprehensive Moving Plan

Break your move into manageable steps. Your plan should include:

Organizing paperwork (passports, visas, residency permits).
Researching schools or jobs if applicable.
Creating a timeline for packing and transportation.

Step 2: Choose a Reliable Moving Company

Work with a professional international removals company. Look for one with experience in moving to France and positive customer reviews. Confirm they provide insurance for your belongings and can handle customs requirements.

Step 3: Secure Housing

If you’re not yet ready to buy property, consider renting first. Renting allows you to explore the area and settle in without the pressure of a long-term commitment. Over time, you can assess whether purchasing property is the right step for you.

Step 4: Learn the Language

Although many French people speak English, particularly in urban areas, learning French will greatly enhance your experience. Language skills help you:

Build relationships with neighbors.
Navigate everyday tasks, such as shopping and healthcare.
Integrate into the community.

Online platforms like Duolingo or in-person language schools can help you build fluency.

Benefits of Living in France

1. Exceptional Food and Wine

France’s culinary reputation needs no introduction. From freshly baked croissants to gourmet dinners paired with local wines, every meal in France is a celebration of flavor. Moving here means you’ll have access to markets overflowing with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and fine wines.

2. Better Weather

France’s climate varies by region, but many areas enjoy a mild and pleasant weather year-round. The Mediterranean coast, for instance, boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually.

3. Cultural and Recreational Opportunities

Living in France opens the door to a wealth of cultural experiences. Whether it’s visiting world-famous museums like the Louvre, attending festivals in Cannes, or exploring medieval villages, there’s always something to discover.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, cycling, and water sports.

Common Concerns About Moving to France

“Will I Fit In?”

France is welcoming to expatriates, particularly in areas with established international communities. Making an effort to learn the language and engage with locals can help you build connections and feel at home.

“What About Healthcare?”

France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. As a resident, you’ll have access to high-quality medical services. Registering for the Carte Vitale gives you access to state healthcare, while private insurance can provide additional coverage.

“Is It Hard to Adapt?”

Relocating to a new country always involves adjustments, but the rewards are worth it. Embrace the cultural differences, from dining habits to social norms, and you’ll find the transition enriching.

Conclusion: Why Moving to France Could Transform Your Life

Moving to France is more than just a change of address—it’s an opportunity to embrace a better quality of life, immerse yourself in a rich culture, and enjoy a slower, more fulfilling lifestyle. From the beautiful countryside to the vibrant cities, France offers something for everyone.

With proper planning, a move to France can be surprisingly affordable and straightforward. By researching your options, choosing the right location, and preparing for cultural adjustments, you can make your dream of living in France a reality.

For a seamless moving experience, explore online resources, connect with relocation experts, and take the leap toward a life filled with joie de vivre!

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.

Things You Should Know Before Moving to France

France is one of the world’s most beautiful countries, with stunning scenery, thriving cities and friendly village communities. If you’ve made the decision to make the move to France then you’re at the beginning of an exciting journey. But, even though it’s extremely exciting, moving to a foreign country takes a lot of preparation. Here’s what you should know before moving to France.

• Before moving to France, you should spend some time in the area you wish to live in. Take some time to explore the local area, look into local amenities, and investigate the public transport routes. This will make settling in much easier when you do move.

• Relocating to France requires a lot of paperwork, and you will need to show a lot of official documents. These may include your birth certificate, passport, drivers licence, bank details and payroll slips. The more documents you have, the smoother your move will be.

• Plan to have your possessions moved to France as early as possible. Choose a company that has a lot of experience in performing furniture removals to France and who are up to date on the laws and regulations to do with moving furniture internationally.

• When you move to France, every item you take with you has to go through customs and be declared. You will need an inventory of all your possessions in both French and English, a document verifying that your items are for personal use and receipts for all your more expensive items.

5 Tips for Dealing with Homesickness When Moving Abroad

Some folks get homesick when they spend a night away in a hotel, but if you’re taking advantage of our European removals service, it’s likely you’re going to have to deal with more than a few weeks away from your native soil! Homesickness can break even the most hardened of folks, but there are usually enough similarities in each case to make some of the following five tips effective measures against the worst of it.

1. Be aware of the normal cycle of culture shock and homesickness
Most folks find they experience homesickness as a W-curve. Once we’ve tidied up the last of the removal packing materials and you’re free to explore, the honeymoon period begins! This period can last anything from a day to a month or so and it finished off by a gradual slide into melancholy when you begin to miss things like your family and friends, favourite takeaway shop or familiar TV adverts. Gradually this feeling will lift as you adapt to your new home. The next dip usually occurs when you relocate back home and gradually acclimatise again. Be aware of what’s normal for you, especially if you’ve suffered from depression or anxiety in the past.

2. Get involved
Playing an active role in your new home can be daunting, especially if you’ve relocated on your own. But having a friend or two to spend time with can be an exceptionally effective way to deal with homesickness and culture shock. Use personal interests like sports and hobbies to find like-minded people.

3. Talk about it
Sometimes a chat over a nice brew can help the weight of homesickness lift significantly. Don’t call home at every opportunity to complain, you need a support network in the place you’re physically living in. If you’re on a placement, talk to your host family or project organiser. If you’re a professional working abroad for the first time, there are likely protocols within your company for handling culture shock and home sickness. There’s no shame in getting it off your chest!

4. Give yourself time
The rule of thumb is that it takes around five months to really figure out whether you want to be somewhere. It doesn’t matter whether we’re handling removals to Brussels or you’re heading out to the Far East alone; give it five months and then reassess your feelings. Five months isn’t much in the scale of life, and you’ll kick yourself if you go home early and then think “Well it doesn’t seem so bad now I know home is still here!”

5. Stay healthy
Throwing yourself into an ambitious marathon training schedule may not be for everyone, but definitely give yourself a little TLC in the health department. Improving your physical fitness and all-round health (yes, that includes saunas and a bit of pampering!) will give you a real sense of achievement and a positive outlook on your new situation.

Taking some of the stress out of your property moves

There’s no denying the fact that property moves can be stressful. Uprooting your life can be taxing on both an emotional and a practical level. Of course, it can also be financially problematic.

However, it’s now easier than ever to take advantage of high quality and affordable removal services. Even if you need additional help, such as piano removal, you won’t find this process difficult.

Property market on the up

Meanwhile, there are signs that the UK’s property market may be improving, meaning now may be a good time to sell up and move on. Recently, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) predicted that 2013 would be more positive and stable.

It noted that the number of loans advanced to first-time buyers in October returned to levels similar to those witnessed during the summer following a dip in September. Meanwhile, lending to home movers also increased, which contributed to a jump in house purchase lending.

Some stats

During October, a total of 20,000 loans were advanced to first-time buyers. This was up by 14 per cent compared with the previous month and was a rise of 19 per cent compared with October 2011. In total, £2.5 billion was lent to these buyers.

Meanwhile, lending to home movers, including those who may have needed removals companies in Romford, went up by 13 per cent in October compared with September. During the month, a total of 29,400 loans were advanced with a combined value of £4.8 billion.

Underlying trend

Commenting on the figures, CML director general Paul Smee said: “More positive figures in October, after a slow September, suggest that the underlying trend in house purchase lending of modest year-on-year growth will continue. However, usual seasonal factors may act as a counter to lending levels in the coming months. An up-tick in remortgage lending may be an early sign of a small positive impact of the Funding for Lending scheme, but it’s still too soon to evaluate the effects of the scheme.

“If the incremental improvements in house purchase lending that we are currently seeing persist as we expect them to, then next year should feel a more stable and positive year in the housing and mortgage markets.”

Making your life easier

If you want to minimise the stress associated with your property move, it’s wise to invest in professional removal services that you can have complete confidence in. By turning to specialist providers, you can save yourself a potentially long and tiring task. Also, you can help ensure that your possessions make it to their new home unscathed.

Here at European Removal Experts, we’re experts when it comes to moving and packing and should be perfectly placed to help you.

Going the extra mile

To ensure our customers benefit from total peace of mind, we make sure all the goods we transport are packed with security and safety in mind and we use highly trained staff for this purpose.

We also offer insurance options for additional protection and this financial cover is available at low rates.

Insurance And Delicate Removals

One of the most important aspects of our service is the assurance that we can give to you over your personal belongings. At European Removal Experts we recognise that we are dealing with people’s lives, transporting effectively years of their existence, their heritage, family and meaning. Homes mean so much more than just the monetary value that can be assigned to particular objects. Sentimental value really can’t be replaced by any amount of money because once something is gone it is unlikely to return in the same meaningful form. This is why we always take as much care as possible to ensure that our quality of service is the best in the industry.

This is why we are European Experts in transport because it ensures that we always follow the best practices which can offer the greatest levels of protection for your furniture. Removals to Germany, for instance, can be very long haul, but with the Continual Quality Monitoring Procedures that the We will always be looking out for your possessions as they are in transit. It doesn’t matter how big or how small your furniture load is or trip is, you will always get the same attention to detail that has made our business a success and has left many happy customers.

One of the most important aspects of our service is when dealing with very delicate and expensive items. Piano removal, for instance, can be a very time consuming procedure that needs everything to be worked out properly. From driving with absolute care to ensuring that the piano is as well packed as possible. We understand that pianos can be worth tens of thousands of pounds, so we’ll do everything we can to ensure its absolute safety. In the event that something is damaged, our Insurance and Care policies will take care of you. All moves are covered by good in transit insurance of up to £50,000 per vehicle or customer and is included in the overall price. As a company we also have public liability insurance as well. The insurance company we use is called Basil Fry & Company who specialise in the storage and removals industry so they are already well equipped to deal with any issues should they arise. The contracts that we used have been approved by the British Association of Removers and the Office of Fair Trading to ensure complete transparency for all of our customers.

Your precious furniture can also be expertly packed by us. We know exactly what sort of forces our load will be subjected to throughout the trip, so we can pack with this in mind. This includes being able to pack excessively fragile elements like the fine china and crockery. For very long trips like those removals to the South of France, we can also offer to dismantle and reassemble some of the furniture for you. This can both ensure its safety and enable you to make maximum use of the space inside one of our haulage vehicles.

Trust European Removal Experts To Deliver On Promises And Furniture

There is naturally a huge stress associated with moving house. Paperwork, family, goodbyes, packing and heaving all contribute to the stress and underlying excitement, it has to be said. Now imagine moving country and all of this can be multiplied by ten, particularly when you want to take all of your furniture along with you. It can take many years, even decades, to build up this furniture that you have come to love so it may not be viable o leave it behind. This might include heavy, delicate objects like pianos and antiques or electronics that can be easily damaged like TVs or computers. There should be no obligation on you to leave all of this stuff in the United Kingdom and with a company like European Removal Experts on your side, it can be a formality.

We specialise in removals to Europe that could allow you to keep all of your most beloved, perhaps irreplaceable furniture for a very cost-effective price. We can give you great rates on full or part loads, so you needn’t worry too much about having so much another haulage vehicle is required. We can move your belongings from your doorstep in the United Kingdom right to your new doorstep in France all with guarantees and accreditations in place so you can put your full trust in us as a company that can take the hassle out of moving country. We are a member of the Removers and Storers which automatically means that we can offer you some of the best protection packages available. All of this is based around quality of service where your experience is placed at the forefront of our operation. In other words, none of your belongings should arrive in France broken, damaged, lost or stolen. Furniture removals to France can be treacherous at the best of times, but with a Compulsory Membership to the Removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme, an Independent Annual Inspection, numerous reports and Ombudsman Scheme Approved Complaints Procedures and Quality Monitoring Practices, there is enough in place to give you the confidence that we can deliver on our promises!

We also offer storage services if your moving home UK-France service is delayed or you otherwise have nowhere to store your furniture. What puts us ahead of much of the competition is that you can take advantage of our 2 weeks Long and Short Term Storage offer, before or after collection. There may be a handling charge but it is well worth it considering that this could get you some important breathing space.

When you do eventually move, the only way to travel is through the Eurotunnel. This provides the smoothest trip with none of the risks that come associated with ferries. This means no freak weather conditions that could delay the process. Moving should rightfully be a period of great anticipation and excitement, affording you the time to dedicate to your family and friends who you may be leaving behind. Simply check our site for a free instant quote on your big move.

Keeping your costs under control when moving abroad

If you’re thinking of upping sticks and moving to a new country, you’re not alone. There are lots of reasons why people make this transition. For example, the prospect of a better climate and more relaxing lifestyle prove a lure to many. Meanwhile, job opportunities are also a major draw.

However, before you take the plunge and relocate, it’s important to consider all the practicalities. For example, as well as arranging suitable furniture removals to Germany or elsewhere, you’ll need to think long and hard about your budget. Feeling out of your financial depth is bad enough at home when you’re surrounded by your friends and family, but when you’re abroad it’s even worse.

A warning

Thankfully, there is plenty of advice available for you to take advantage of. Recently, Shelter Offshore issued a warning. It noted that people often get distracted from the all important issue of financial planning.

It remarked: “There is so much to organise when you’re moving abroad, and naturally enough the most basic requirements of establishing a home and securing an income are usually people’s highest priorities. The concept of seeking or taking financial advice for example, will be very low down a ‘to do’ list for most soon-to-be expats!

“Then, newly arrived expats usually get caught up in the excitement and adventure of their new life, and a whole load of important factors that are critical to an expat’s long-term financial wellbeing get overlooked.”

Be realistic

According to Shelter Offshore, it’s also important to be realistic about the cost of relocating and living abroad. It pointed out the significance of factoring in international furniture removals and of moving people and pets. Also, there are the costs associated with buying or renting a new property.

The organisation remarked: “These costs are often grossly underestimated by would-be expats. Far worse than this however, is the fact that the majority of expats underestimate the cost of living abroad in their new nation.”

Offering advice, it added: “Please do yourself a favour and research your relocation costs and the real cost of living abroad in your new nation so that you avoid any nasty shocks.”

First things first

Shelter Offshore went on to state that it’s a good idea to begin by determining whether it is necessary to secure visas to relocate and, if it is, what costs are associated with this. It also suggested getting quotes for furniture removals.

The savvy approach

Here at European Removal Experts we specialise in providing superb value removals and should be ideally placed to help you. Because we’re committed to offering superb value for money, you shouldn’t have to bust your budget to make the most of our services.

Whether you’re in need of removals to Luxembourg, removals to Italy or another European destination, we’re the go-to firm. By being savvy in your choice of removal companies, you stand to save yourself cash and during the expensive relocation process, this could prove vital. For more information about what we have to offer, just peruse our website.

Taking some of the stress out of property moves

Moving from one home to another is never easy. Indeed, it’s considered to be one of the most stressful things you can do and is often compared with divorce and bereavement in terms of the toll it can take.

However, as long as you’re savvy and are organised in your approach, you can make the transition easier. For example, it’s possible to source excellent value and reliable moving and packing services that can make your life much more straightforward and help relieve the pressures on your budget.

Good news

Of course, when you’re selling up and heading to another property, you’ll want to get the best possible price for your home. After all, this might be by far your most valuable asset and even a small percentage change in its worth could have a huge impact on your overall finances.

With this in mind, you might welcome figures released recently by Nationwide. The firm noted that the price of a typical UK house rose by 0.6 per cent in October. The price of an average home now stands at £164,153, it noted. Of course, values differ markedly according to the types of house or flat involved and their locations.

Relative stability

Commenting on the findings, Nationwide chief economist Robert Gardner said: “UK house prices increased by 0.6 per cent in October, more than offsetting the 0.4 per cent decline recorded the previous month.”

He added: “The annual pace of change continues to display a picture of relative stability, with house prices down just 0.9 per cent compared to October 2011. This maintains the pattern that has been evident since late 2010, with annual price growth remaining in a narrow band between +1.5 per cent and -1.5 per cent on all but two occasions over the past two years.”

On hand to help

Regardless of what the property market’s doing, we’re on hand to help you with superb removal packing services. Here at European Removal Experts we’re experts when it comes to removals and should be perfectly placed to assist you in your transition.

We cover areas such as Chigwell, Abridge, Woodford Green, Chingford, Romford, Ilford, Hornchurch, Barking, Dagenham, Enfield, Harlow and Brentwood and can help you with a local or a national move.

You can trust us

Of course, it’s important to have confidence in your removal company. After all, you’re entrusting the team with some of your most precious and possibly valuable belongings.

With this in mind, you might be pleased to note that we are among the removals and storage companies that are members of The Removers and Storers, meaning we can offer the highest standards of consumer protection in the industry. The guild is designed to promote quality, protect your belongings and take the stress out of your move.

More details

To help boost the standard of our services , we only use highly trained packers for transport. Also, we offer many insurance options for additional protection and you can benefit from low rates.

If you’re keen to discover more about how our services work, just take a look around our website or get in touch.

Plan ahead to ease your passage abroad

Relocating to another country can be daunting and exciting in equal measure. The prospect of starting a new life in a different area, potentially beginning a different job and generally experiencing new things is a tantalising prospect. Then again, you’ve no doubt got lots of issues to sort out before the process is complete.

For example, you may have to arrange removals to Europe and then there are all the loose ends you’ll have to tie up, including any property you own.

Taking the sting out of your big move

Thankfully, there’s a way to take the sting out of your transition to pastures new. By planning ahead and being organised, you can avoid lots of problems and minimise your anxiety. It may sound simple, but it’s true.

For example, in advance of your big move, it might be a good idea to make a list of all the tasks that you must complete before you depart. This will help ensure you don’t forget anything important.

Get to grips with the language and culture

Unless you’re in a big rush, it may also be wise to do some thorough research into the culture of your destination. Knowing some important facts can help you avoid lots of confusion on your arrival and it’s a good way of speeding up your integration into the local community.

Also, learning some of the language gives you a real head start. One of the scariest things about moving to European countries is the potential communication barrier you’ll face. By taking some classes or even just learning via books or online, you can ensure you don’t feel quite so lost when you set foot in your nation of choice.

Fellow travellers

If you’re taking your family with you, it’s vital you find out about the provisions that will be available to them. For example, if you have kids, you might have to get them enrolled at a local school.

Start your packing in advance

The last thing you want to discover when you arrive in your new home is that you’ve left something crucial behind. To help you avoid this, it’s helpful to be methodical in your packing and to start the process sooner rather than later.

Financial planning

Of course, there are your all important finances to consider. For example, it’s a good idea to have a reserve of cash if possible to help you deal with emergencies and you might also need to invest in certain forms of insurance, such as health cover.

Being rigorous in your budget planning can help you avoid lots of stress further down the line.

Where we come in

As well as getting yourself to your new home in one piece, you might also be eager to take your possessions with you and this is where we come in. Here at European Removal Experts we specialise in removal services and whether you need removals to Frankfurt, removals to Brussels or help relocating anywhere else, we can help.

We have vehicles running every day providing door to door services between the UK and countries including France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.