What to Know Before Moving to France (Complete Relocation Guide)

You can fall in love with France in a single afternoon. A bakery window. A street musician. A terrace table where time suddenly slows down.

Then reality taps you on the shoulder. Contracts. Deposits. Customs rules. The puzzle of getting your belongings safely across borders.

If you are searching what to know before moving to France, you want the truth, not the fluff. You want an answer focused roadmap, with numbers, checklists, and a plan that survives moving day.

This guide gives you exactly that. You will learn what to know before moving to France before you spend a cent, before you tape your first box, and before you arrive tired and realise you missed one critical step. And if you want a smooth, flexible move across Europe, you will see where a trusted man and van service can be the smartest choice.

TL;DR

• Confirm legal status early. What to know before moving to France starts with paperwork, not packing.
• Budget for deposits, agency fees, setup costs, then add a 10% buffer.
• Choose your destination like a lifestyle decision, not a postcard.
• Create an inventory with photos. It protects value and speeds up claims.
• Match vehicle size to real volume, especially for narrow streets and stairs.
• Pack for real roads, or book a packing service for fragile items.
• Choose a mover with GPS tracked cargo for control, speed, and peace of mind.

At a glance checklist: the 12 essentials

Before we go deeper, here is the backbone of what to know before moving to France.

1. Confirm legal status and visa needs
2. Build a budget with a 10% contingency
3. Choose a city or region based on daily routines
4. Book transport early, or a flexible man and van
5. Create an itemised inventory with photos
6. Decide what you sell, donate, store
7. Check customs rules for household goods
8. Prepare housing paperwork and deposit expectations
9. Plan utilities, mobile, and internet before arrival
10. Arrange insurance for transit and home
11. Handle pets and vehicles if relevant
12. Plan your first 7 days admin sprint

If you only want one sentence: what to know before moving to France is that preparation saves money, and preparation saves sanity.

The fast decision table

Decide your destination and timeline: city vs region, seasonality

A quiet truth about what to know before moving to France is that your experience depends on where you land.

Paris can be exhilarating, but space is tighter and stairs are common. Lyon is balanced and practical. Bordeaux feels elegant and slower. Coastal towns can be dreamy, but job access and winter rhythm matter. Mountain regions can be stunning, but seasonal living changes everything.

Ask questions that match real life

• Do you need a big job market, or do you work remotely?
• Will you commute daily, or only sometimes?
• Do you need a lift, courtyard, parking spot, or storage?
• Are you moving alone, with a partner, or with kids?
• Do you need fast delivery to match a key handover date?

These answers shape the route, the timing, and the vehicle size. They also shape whether a man and van is the best fit, especially when you want a direct cross border run without waiting for a bigger shared load.

Seasonality that affects cost and availability

• Summer moves often mean higher demand and tighter booking windows
• Winter moves can be cheaper, but weather can slow roads and loading
• End of month dates tend to be busier, which can nudge prices upward

If you want a calmer move, aim for a mid month date and book early. That is a practical part of what to know before moving to France that many people ignore until it is too late.

Budget like a realist, not like a tourist

If you want what to know before moving to France in one sentence, it is this: the move is rarely the biggest cost, the setup is.

The goal is simple. You want keys in your pocket and enough cash left to make your first week comfortable.

Core costs to plan for

• Rent deposit: often 1 month for unfurnished, commonly 2 months for furnished
• Agency fees: common in high demand areas
• Utilities setup: electricity, gas, water, internet, mobile
• Transport and packing: changes with volume and distance

A data friendly first month budget map

Add a 10% contingency. That 10% buffer is one of the most protective answers to what to know before moving to France.

Documents and legal steps: what to know before moving to France

Paperwork is where moves get delayed. Handle it early and you will feel calm later. This section is a non negotiable part of what to know before moving to France.

Think of it like a passport stamp for your whole relocation. When documents are tidy, everything else moves faster: keys, internet, deliveries, even how quickly you feel settled.

Visa and residence basics

• EU and EEA citizens generally have freedom of movement, but you still need proof of address and solid documentation for banking, healthcare, and rentals.
• Non EU citizens should confirm visa type, timelines, and document requirements before committing to a move date.

Use official sources:

• France-Visas (official visa portal)
• Service-Public (official French administration)

Your documents that unlock life

This is the set that keeps you out of trouble when someone asks for proof on the spot.

1. Passport or national ID
2. Birth certificate or civil status documents if needed for family steps
3. Proof of income or employment contract
4. Proof of address, even if temporary
5. Rental documents and insurance papers
6. Copies of everything, saved digitally

Tip: keep one cloud folder and one printed folder. Your phone battery will fail at the worst moment.

Customs for household goods

Customs rules vary based on origin, residency status, and what you are bringing. For personal belongings, procedures can differ from standard imports.

Start here:

• French Customs (Douane)

Household goods checklist for smoother customs

• Create a detailed inventory, ideally in English and simple French labels
• Add photos for high value items
• Separate new purchases from used personal belongings
• Keep receipts for expensive items if you have them
• Avoid packing restricted or dangerous goods

A clean inventory can speed up border checks and reduce questions. That is why it belongs in any list of what to know before moving to France.

Taxes and administration

You do not need to become a tax expert on day one, but you do need the official reference point.

• French tax administration

Housing in France: leases, deposits, and the état des lieux moment

Housing is the emotional centre of your move. When home feels secure, the rest becomes lighter.

Here is what to know before moving to France about renting.

• The état des lieux is the move in and move out inspection report
• Photograph everything on day one, even tiny marks
• Confirm what is included: appliances, lighting, storage, parking

What the lease process often feels like

You apply, you wait, you prove yourself, then you sign. In busy cities, it can move fast, so preparation matters.

Common friction points:

• Missing a single document and losing the flat
• Not understanding what is included in charges
• Underestimating how much cash is needed upfront

A simple rental folder

Bring it in print and digital:

• ID or passport
• Employment contract or proof of income
• Proof of previous address
• Bank details if requested
• Proof of insurance if requested by the landlord

A small tip that pays off: create a single PDF with your key documents. It speeds up applications and makes what to know before moving to France feel manageable.

Move in day mini checklist

This is the moment when you protect your future deposit.

1. Walk through slowly and photograph every room
2. Test taps, lights, sockets, and heating
3. Note scratches and marks in writing
4. Confirm key count and mailbox access
5. Save a copy of the état des lieux

Quick reality check table

Moving your stuff smartly: inventory, insurance, packing strategy

The most practical part of what to know before moving to France is this: you do not need to move everything. You need to move what supports your life.

Imagine your belongings as a cast of characters. Some are essential, some are sentimental, and some are just loud, heavy extras that eat budget and steal time.

Your goal is not to move more. Your goal is to move better.

The three pile method

Start with three piles, then do a second pass with brutal honesty.

• Keep: essentials, sentimental anchors, hard to replace items
• Sell or donate: bulky items that cost more to move than to replace
• Store: seasonal items, archives, furniture you might want later

A second pass that saves money

Ask these quick questions for each item:

1. Would I buy this again in France for under €50?
2. Does this item weigh more than it is worth?
3. Does it have emotional value, or only guilt value?
4. Will it fit the new space, including staircases and door widths?

If the answer feels wobbly, it probably belongs in sell, donate, or storage.

Inventory that saves time and protects value

Make your inventory simple and consistent. It should be readable by a tired person on a moving day.

Minimum fields:

• Box number
• Room name
• Priority level
• Photo for high value items

Now add two details that change everything:

• Condition note for fragile items, for example no cracks
• Unpack order tag: Day 1, Week 1, Later

The essentials box: your first 24 hours lifeline

Make one box, label it clearly, and keep it accessible.

Put in:

• Two days of clothes
• Toiletries and basic medicine
• Chargers and extension lead
• Important documents folder
• Cleaning wipes and bin bags
• Kettle, mug, snacks, water

It sounds small. It feels gigantic when you arrive late and you just want a shower and a phone charger.

Packing strategy that protects speed

A smart packing strategy is part of what to know before moving to France because it reduces breakage and saves hours.

Use this order:

1. Out of season items
2. Books and heavy items, in small boxes
3. Fragile items, with proper wrap and tight packing
4. Daily life essentials last

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Overfilling boxes beyond 18 to 22 kg, they become uncarryable
• Mixing rooms in one box, it slows unpacking by days
• Packing liquids, they leak and ruin everything

Insurance mindset

Ask what is covered during transit, then consider extra cover for fragile or expensive items. Peace of mind is not decoration. It is a decision.

• Base coverage may focus on limited liability, not full replacement value
• Full value protection is often a separate option
• Claims go faster when you have photos, inventory, and timestamps

Choosing the right vehicle: capacity table and quick selector

Choosing capacity is not guesswork. It is maths, with comfort built in.

Picking the right size is one of the most powerful answers to what to know before moving to France because it controls three things at once: cost, speed, and stress.

VANonsite vehicle sizes

Quick selector

• A few suitcases and boxes: Moving One or a man and van
• Student room or studio: Moving Basic
• Small flat with furniture: Moving Medium
• 1 to 2 bedroom home: Moving Premium
• Larger family move: Moving Premium Plus
• Full house relocation: Moving Full House XXL

When in doubt, size up. One extra cubic metre is cheaper than a second trip.

A simple volume estimator

• Large suitcase: about 0.1 to 0.15 m3
• Standard moving box: about 0.05 m3
• Small sofa: often around 1.5 to 2.5 m3 in practical loading space
• Double bed frame and mattress: often around 2 to 3 m3 combined

Fast method:

1. Count your boxes
2. Add suitcases
3. Add big furniture pieces, one by one
4. Add a 15% breathing margin

That breathing margin is the difference between a smooth load and a tense, last minute reshuffle.

Why a man and van can be the smartest move

A man and van is not small. It is strategic.

Choose it when:

• You want a direct route and a tighter delivery window
• You are moving a partial load, not an entire household
• You need flexibility for pickup and drop off times
• You want speed without paying for unused capacity

Packing that survives real roads

Packing is not a chore. It is protection.

Here is what to know before moving to France about packing that actually holds up: pack like your boxes will be tilted, stacked, and carried through staircases you have not met yet.

The packing rules that prevent damage

• Use double wall boxes for books, kitchenware, and anything heavy
• Keep box weight around 18 to 22 kg so it is liftable and safer
• Wrap glass with proper cushioning, then pack it tightly so it cannot rattle
• Separate liquids and seal them, or better, do not transport liquids at all
• Label by room and priority, not just kitchen

A simple labelling system that saves hours

Use this format on two sides of every box:

1. Room code: K for kitchen, BR for bedroom, LR for living room, OF for office
2. Priority: Day 1, Week 1, Later
3. Fragile mark: yes or no
4. Box number: 01, 02, 03

Example: K, Day 1, Fragile, 07

What to pack where

Your first 24 hours kit

Create one essentials bag and one essentials box. Keep them accessible.

Essentials bag:

• Passport or ID
• Phone, chargers, power bank
• Wallet, keys, medication
• A printed list of contacts and addresses

Essentials box:

• Two days of clothes
• Toiletries and towels
• Kettle, mug, snacks, water
• Basic tools: scissors, tape, marker
• Cleaning wipes, bin bags

Packing support when you want calm

If you want a smoother moving day, consider professional support. VANonsite offers a dedicated Packing Service designed to reduce damage risk and save hours.

For delicate items that need extra care, White Glove Delivery is built for precision.

A 30 day moving timeline: week by week plan

A good plan turns what to know before moving to France into action. This timeline is realistic, fast to follow, and built to reduce last minute decisions.

30 to 21 days before

1. Confirm status, visa steps, and customs basics
2. Book your move date, man and van, or larger vehicle
3. Start inventory and photos

Quick wins:

• Choose your vehicle size based on inventory, not guesswork
• Set a target packing day and a target cleaning day
• Create a single folder for documents, printed and digital

20 to 11 days before

1. Confirm address access: stairs, lift, parking, restrictions
2. Decide what you store, sell, donate
3. Order packing materials or book packing support

Do not skip this part of what to know before moving to France:

• Measure large items and check door widths
• Book any lift or parking permissions if your building requires it
• Confirm delivery contact details for both addresses

10 to 4 days before

1. Pack non essentials
2. Prepare a documents folder
3. Confirm delivery window and contact numbers

Friction proof checklist:

• Label every box with room code and priority
• Separate fragile items and photograph them before packing
• Keep one box empty for last minute items you cannot predict

3 to 0 days before

1. Pack essentials last
2. Back up data, charge devices
3. Final walk through, departure photos

Day before move:

• Place essentials bag and essentials box aside
• Confirm pickup time and the fastest route
• Put keys, documents, and charger in one pocket, not ten places

Moving day:

• Do a final sweep of cupboards, balcony, storage, and the fridge
• Photograph the empty rooms for your own records
• Keep your inventory list with you, not in a box

Arrival week: admin sprint and first 7 days checklist

This is where many people discover that what to know before moving to France is also about landing well.

Moving day is physical. Arrival week is mental.

You are tired, your boxes are still strangers, and suddenly everything asks for proof. Proof of address; Proof of identity; Proof you belong in your own new life.

The goal is simple: get your essentials working fast so you can breathe.

Your first 7 days checklist

• Get a local SIM and set up connectivity fast
  • Save your new number and update two factor logins
  • Take a photo of your SIM packaging and contract details
• Set up electricity, gas, and water if needed
  • Prioritise electricity first, it unlocks everything else
• Keep proof of address ready for services
  • Lease, attestation, or official letter, plus your ID
• Start banking steps if required
  • You will need it for rent, bills, and subscriptions
• Begin healthcare registration pathway based on your status
  • Follow the official guidance for your situation

For official references, start here:

• Service-Public (official French administration)

A calm 7 day landing plan

Arrival week mistakes to avoid

• Waiting to sort your SIM and internet, then losing hours to admin blocks
• Putting documents into a random box and forgetting the box number
• Unpacking everything at once instead of by priority
• Ignoring building access rules, then struggling with deliveries and pickups

If you want your arrival to feel controlled, use a reliable mover and keep delivery timing tight. A direct man and van route can be perfect when your key handover date is sharp.

Students, families, and offices: tailored notes

Different lives need different moves. This is a practical extension of what to know before moving to France.

Students

Student moves are often lighter and deadline driven. A man and van route is frequently the sweet spot because it is fast, flexible, and does not force you to pay for unused space.

What students usually forget:

• Bedding and a first night kit
• A power strip and adapters
• Printed copies of accommodation details

A simple student setup list:

• Pack less, move smarter
• Prioritise desk essentials and bedding
• Keep documents accessible
• Choose Moving Basic or Moving Medium when you have furniture

VANonsite offers Student Removals built for this reality.

Families

Family moves are emotional. They also have more moving parts.

Focus on:

• School timelines and enrolment documents
• A child friendly essentials box: snacks, favourite toys, night lights
• Extra bedding and kitchen readiness for week one
• Safe transport for sentimental items

If your move includes large furniture, use a bigger vehicle size so nothing gets rushed. If you need staged delivery, storage can make the transition softer.

Offices

Office moves are choreography. Downtime is money.

Office priorities that protect continuity:

1. Inventory of equipment and cables, with photos
2. Packing by department and setup order
3. Clear labelling for Day 1 essentials
4. A delivery schedule that matches your reopening plan

VANonsite provides Office removals for businesses that want clean execution.

Common mistakes to dodge

If you want to feel instantly smarter about what to know before moving to France, avoid these.

These mistakes look small on paper. In real life, they become lost hours, cracked items, surprise fees, and that sinking feeling of having to fix everything when you are already exhausted.

The most expensive mistakes

• Booking too late and paying panic pricing
• Underestimating volume and choosing the wrong vehicle
• Skipping inventory photos and missing proof later
• Packing fragile items without proper protection
• Forgetting access rules in dense city areas
• Leaving connectivity setup for later
• Not separating essentials, then opening boxes like a treasure hunt
• Packing liquids, then discovering leaks the hard way

Quick fixes that prevent drama

1. Book transport early, even if your address is not final
2. Build an inventory with photos and box numbers
3. Label boxes by room and priority, not just room
4. Add a 15% volume buffer when choosing a vehicle
5. Prepare an essentials bag and an essentials box
6. Confirm parking, lift rules, stair access, and delivery windows

Mistake to cost table

The VANonsite way: GPS tracked cargo, speed, safety, services

If what to know before moving to France includes who to trust with your life in boxes, focus on three things: control, reliability, and speed.

VANonsite is built for European relocations where timing matters and belongings cannot be treated like anonymous cargo.

Why people choose VANonsite

• GPS tracking for every load so you always know where your shipment is
• High quality handling designed to reduce damage risk
• Fast, direct routes when you need a tight delivery window
• Flexible service levels, from single item transport to full house relocations

Choose the service that fits your move

Last minute, storage, and staged moves

Life is rarely perfectly timed. That is why flexible options matter.

• Last Minute Moving when you need speed now
• Storage when your keys and your schedule do not align
• Staged delivery when you want to move in phases

Where a man and van shines

A man and van option is perfect when you want a direct, efficient move without paying for space you do not use.

Choose a man and van when:

• You are moving a partial load
• Your delivery window is tight
• You need a fast cross border run
• You want flexibility with pickup and drop off times

Ready to move to France with less stress?

If you have been searching what to know before moving to France, you already did the hardest part. You chose clarity.

Now turn that clarity into a plan.

1. Pick the right vehicle size
2. Prepare documents early
3. Pack with protection, not wishful thinking
4. Choose a mover that gives you control, including GPS tracking

Explore Removals to France and book a move that feels secure, swift, and seriously well handled.

Summary

Moving countries can feel like a beautiful leap, until the details start to bite. The real secret of what to know before moving to France is that success comes from small, consistent decisions.

• Confirm your legal status and use official sources early
• Budget for deposits, fees, and setup, then protect yourself with a 10% buffer
• Choose the destination that fits daily life, not just daydreams
• Inventory, photograph, and pack like your belongings deserve respect
• Pick the right vehicle size so the move stays fast, safe, and drama free
• Land with a 7 day admin plan so your new life starts working quickly

And when you want flexibility, speed, and control on a cross border route, a man and van can be the smartest way to keep the move direct and efficient.

FAQ

1) What is the first thing to do before moving to France?

The first step in what to know before moving to France is confirming your legal status and document pathway. Start with France-Visas for visas and Service-Public for official admin guidance.

2) How much money should I save before moving to France?

A practical target is your deposit plus first month costs, then add a 10% buffer. Your budget should include rent deposit, agency fees if applicable, utility setup, and moving costs.

3) Do I need a visa to move to France?

It depends on your citizenship and your reason for moving. EU and EEA citizens often have fewer barriers, while non EU citizens typically need a visa. Always check the official portal: France-Visas.

4) What documents do I need for renting in France?

Landlords and agencies commonly ask for ID, proof of income or contract, and proof of address. Keep digital copies ready, and keep a printed folder for appointments.

5) What is an état des lieux and why does it matter?

It is the move in and move out inspection report. Photograph everything and keep a copy. It protects your deposit and prevents disputes.

6) How do I know what vehicle size I need?

Start with an inventory, count boxes and large furniture, then add a 15% breathing margin. If you are between sizes, size up.

7) Is a man and van good for moving to France?

Yes, especially for partial moves, student relocations, small flats, or tight deadlines. A man and van is often the sweet spot when you want a direct route without paying for unused capacity.

8) Should I use a packing service?

If you want fewer breakages and a faster moving day, yes. A packing team reduces damage risk and saves hours. If you want help, check the Packing Service.

9) What should I do in my first week after arriving in France?

Follow a simple landing plan: SIM and connectivity, utilities, proof of address, banking steps, and healthcare pathway. Use Service-Public as your official starting point.

10) How can I track my belongings during the move?

Choose a mover that offers GPS tracking for your load. Visibility reduces anxiety and improves coordination, especially on longer routes to France.

11) Where can I get help planning a move to France?

If you want professional support for cross border transport, planning, and delivery, start with Removals to France.