Moving furniture to France? Don’t make these 5 mistakes

Thinking of swapping a flat in Fulham for a farmhouse in France? From packing to paperwork, international moves can come with challenges. Trusted movers AnyVan have put together a helpful guide on the most common mistakes to avoid when moving furniture from the UK to France. Here are 5 mistakes to look out for: 

1. Not planning ahead

One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving the move to the last minute. Moving to another country takes time to organise, and being hasty often leads to higher costs, limited availability, and unnecessary stress. AnyVan suggests starting at least two to three months in advance to avoid the rush. 

A good place to start is by creating a checklist. This should include sorting your belongings, researching international removal companies, booking your transport in advance, and preparing documents for customs. Booking early can help you secure better rates and ensure availability for your preferred dates.

2. Underestimating packing 

Packing furniture for international transport isn’t quite the same as packing for a local move. If you’re doing it yourself, make sure you use strong packing materials and wrap items carefully to avoid damage.

Label boxes clearly and keep a list of what’s inside each one. This is also useful when preparing your customs inventory. Take a look at AnyVan’s international packing guide for more expert packing tips and tricks. 

3. Moving items you don’t actually need

Now’s the perfect time to channel your inner Marie Kondo. Don’t pay to transport stuff you don’t love (or even like). It’s a common mistake that can cost you hundreds of pounds.

International removals are usually priced by volume, so it makes sense to avoid taking things that aren’t essential. If you’re unsure about whether to bring certain items, consider whether they’re worth the transport cost to you. 

You can sell or donate things you no longer need. Or, if you’re not quite ready to part with them, using a storage solution is a good option. AnyVan offers secure UK storage with flexible access when you’re ready.

4. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork

Since Brexit, moving goods from the UK to France requires customs paperwork, and missing documents can lead to delays at the border (which no one wants!).

Key documents include:

• A detailed inventory of all items
• Proof of your new residence in France
• Completed customs declaration forms

Good news! If you’re moving your main residence and the goods have been owned for more than six months, you can usually move them without paying import duties or VAT. That said, the paperwork still needs to be accurate.

Some international removal services, including AnyVan, help with customs documentation to make sure everything is correct and ready before you travel.

5. Trying to do it all yourself

Unless you’re an expert at international logistics (and have a van, mates with muscles, and nerves of steel), it’s best to leave this one to the pros.

A trusted removals service like AnyVan won’t just help you move, they can help protect your furniture, sort the admin, and make sure your prized glass coffee table arrives in one piece. Plus, they include options for additional insurance and extra care for fragile items.

You can use AnyVan’s free quote tool to compare prices from trusted international movers in minutes. Save up to 40% on your move, with flexible options and relax knowing that your furniture will get to France safely for a great price.