On the move

Brian Sawyer runs through the basics of moving to France

Kevin Francis asks:

“My wife and I have recently completed on the purchase of our property in Midi-Pyrénées and are now in the process of making arrangements for our permanent move there this summer. Although we intend to sell or donate some of our furniture we will of course still need to take the majority of it with us, so the next thing on our list is to find a removals company. Is the process basically the same as if we were moving within the UK? What options are generally available for moving items to France, and what is the cost of doing so based on?”

Brian Sawyer from Hamilton’s Removals (www.hamiltonsremovals.co.uk) replies:

The basics of moving to France are essentially the same as they would be for a move within the UK. However, there are more choices for you to make when arranging to have your belongings transported to your French home.

For example, there are two options concerning dates and timings. The first option is a dedicated move service, which will allow you to select the collection and delivery dates best suited to your circumstances. You might find that this option gives you greater flexibility if there is a specific date on which you wish to move. The second option is the groupage service, when a number of smaller consignments are collated at the mover’s warehouse and delivered in to France, sharing the space on the vehicle and the assorted costs. This is a good option for customers who do not have enough to fill their own container.

Usually three packing options will be offered:

Option 1: self-pack

Option 2: smaller effects will be packed into removal cartons with the furniture and larger items being blanket-wrapped.

Option 3: full export and wrapping. The smaller effects are packed into removal cartons, with the furniture and larger items being fully wrapped in protective covering.

Most insurers will only offer full cover if the consignment has been professionally packed.

The cost of your move will be dependent on the option you choose, and also on where in France you are moving to because of the distance involved.