What paperwork do you need to move household goods from France to England?

To move your personal belongings from France to England, you’ll need customs paperwork including a detailed inventory, identity documents, and proof of residency.

Since Brexit, all moves from the EU to the UK are treated as international removals. This means you must complete a customs clearance process and may be eligible for tax relief if you’re returning or relocating long-term.

Required documents include:

• Valid passport or identity card – for all named individuals on the shipment

• Detailed inventory list – itemised by room and value (ideally in English)

• Customs declaration – including origin and destination addresses

• Proof of residence in the UK – such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill

• ToR1 application (Transfer of Residence) – if you’re relocating long-term and want to avoid import VAT

• Invoices or proof of ownership – for high-value items, electronics, or new goods

• Permits for restricted items – e.g. vehicles, weapons, or cultural property

Additional notes:

• Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months to qualify for duty and VAT relief.

• The ToR1 form should be submitted to HMRC before your move. You’ll receive a unique reference number, which helps fast-track customs clearance.

• If you’re shipping new goods or items bought in France, these may be liable for customs duty and import VAT.

We take care of this process for you.

At Total Moving Solutions, our team prepares your customs documents, reviews your inventory, and liaises directly with UK customs officers to avoid delays or errors.

How much does it cost to move from France to England?

It depends on:

• The size of your property or load

• The distance (e.g. Lyon to Manchester is further than Calais to London)

• Whether you choose a part load or dedicated service

• Extras like packing, storage, or customs clearance help

Typical 2025 price guide moving services from France to England

• 1–2 bedroom apartment: £400 to £1,300

• 3–4 bedroom house: £1,500 to £3,500

• 5+ bedroom or complex moves: £3,500 to £5,000+

Part-load services: You share space with other customers on a scheduled route  –  great for smaller moves or if you’re flexible on dates.
Dedicated service: Your items are the only ones on board, and the schedule revolves around you – ideal for families, urgent relocations or those with valuable items.

Want a quote? We’ll give you a tailored price based on your specific move details – no vague estimates.

How long does a move from France to England take?

Most moves take between 3 to 10 days.
If you’re using part-load, your items may wait for other shipments to fill the van. Dedicated services are often faster — sometimes as quick as 2–3 days from collection to delivery.

Peak periods (e.g. summer holidays) and customs delays can push things up to two weeks. We’ll let you know the exact window when we quote.

Can I pack my own boxes for a move from France to the UK?

Yes, you can pack your own belongings – but we strongly recommend using professional-grade materials and listing contents clearly. This helps:

• Speed up customs inspection

• Protect fragile items during transport

• Comply with UK import rules, especially for electronics, food, and liquids

Avoid packing:

• Perishable items or open food

• Alcohol (unless declared)

• Hazardous materials (e.g., aerosols, paint)

If you prefer, we offer full or partial packing services using export-approved materials.

Where are people moving from and to?

Some of our most popular France–England routes include:

• Paris to London: A frequent route for returning professionals and young families. Straightforward via Eurotunnel.

• Lyon to Manchester: Popular with retirees, families, and businesses relocating to the North of England.

• Toulouse, Bordeaux, Marseille to Birmingham, Bristol or Leeds — we cover it all.

We operate throughout France – whether you’re in a countryside cottage or city centre apartment. And we’ll deliver anywhere in England that you need.

What challenges should you expect?

Moving between countries isn’t like moving down the road. Common obstacles include:

• Downsizing or decluttering if you’re returning to a smaller UK home

• Uncertainty with customs — especially for high-value items or vehicles

• Feeling overwhelmed by admin — closing French bank accounts, notifying tax offices, etc.

• Emotional stress — leaving friends, saying goodbye to a lifestyle you built

We’ve supported thousands of families and businesses. We’ll guide you through these steps with patience and experience.

Storage, insurance and support

Not sure where you’ll be living in England yet? No problem.

We offer:

• Secure storage in France and the UK

• Packing and unpacking services

• Fully managed insurance options, including MoveProtect cover for added peace of mind – safeguarding your belongings against loss or damage during international transit.

• Vehicle transport and customs help

Everything is arranged by your dedicated Move Manager, who becomes your main contact from start to finish. You won’t be passed from person to person.

What happens on moving day and delivery in the UK?

Moving day is where it all comes together. Whether you’re relocating from a Paris flat or a countryside home near Bordeaux, we’ll coordinate every step to make the process clear and stress-free – from collection in France to unloading in England.

Collection day in France:

• Our removals crew arrives at your property on the agreed date.

• If you’ve opted for packing services, we wrap and box your items professionally.

• A final inventory check is completed before loading begins.

• Larger items like furniture are blanket-wrapped or dismantled if needed.

• All items are securely loaded into your part-load or dedicated vehicle.

During transport:

• Your goods travel via Eurotunnel or ferry, depending on the route.

• We keep you updated on transit progress and estimated delivery time.

• Customs clearance is handled en route or at UK border control entry points – our team manages this on your behalf to ensure smooth delivery.

Delivery in England:

• We’ll confirm the day and estimated time of arrival (ETA) at your UK address.

• Our team unloads, checks off items against your inventory, and places furniture where you want it.

• If you selected unpacking services, we’ll unwrap, assemble and remove packing materials.

• Any short-term storage or split delivery can also be arranged.

Important considerations:

• Let us know in advance if there are access issues at your UK property (e.g., narrow lanes, stair-only buildings, parking restrictions).

• If your move is going into storage first, we’ll deliver directly to our UK facility and then to your address once ready.

Common concerns about moving from France to the UK

Can a French citizen move to the UK in 2025?

Yes, but not as freely as before Brexit. French nationals now need to apply for the appropriate UK visa based on their reason for moving — such as work, study, or joining family. Visa-free relocation for EU citizens ended in 2021.

How do I prove my goods are duty-free when moving from France to the UK?

To qualify for duty and VAT exemption, you’ll need to show that your goods are personal belongings, owned and used for at least 6 months. Provide a detailed inventory, proof of ownership where possible, and a declaration that items are for personal use only.

What is the cheapest way to move from France to England?

The cheapest option is a part load removals service, where your belongings share space in a vehicle with other customers. This works best for small or non-urgent moves. If you have a flexible timeline, it can save hundreds of pounds.

Is it cheaper to live in France or England in 2025?

On average, France offers a lower cost of living, especially outside Paris. But expats returning to England often do so for family, healthcare, or legal reasons — not just financial ones.

Can I move back to the UK from France without a job?

If you’re a British citizen, yes — there are no employment or income requirements. For non-British citizens, moving without a job may be more complex, depending on the visa type and sponsorship requirements.

What happens to my pension if I move back from France to the UK?

UK pensions can still be received abroad, but when you return, it’s important to update your address and review any tax implications. You may also need to inform both HMRC and French tax authorities to avoid double taxation.

Do I need to deregister from France before moving back?

Yes. You should inform your local mairie (town hall), healthcare provider, and tax office that you’re leaving. This will prevent future liabilities and ensures a cleaner tax and admin trail when you re-enter the UK system.

Can I take my car with me from France to England?

Yes, but you must register it with the DVLA, insure it appropriately, and pay any duties if applicable. If the car is over 6 months old and you’ve owned it for that long, you might be able to bring it in duty-free.

What are the most common emotional reasons people move back to the UK from France?

A desire to be closer to family, feelings of isolation post-Brexit, and the strain of navigating foreign bureaucracy are major factors. Some feel they’ve “had a good run” in France but want to return to familiarity and support networks.

How do I choose a reliable removals company from France to the UK?

Look for companies that:

• Offer both part-load and dedicated services

• Handle customs clearance paperwork

• Are insured and certified for international removals

• Provide references or have verifiable reviews

What is the 10-year residence card in France, and does it affect my move?

This card allows long-term non-EU residents to stay in France. If you’re giving it up to return to the UK, ensure you understand any tax or administrative consequences, and formally renounce it to avoid future obligations.

Can I move furniture and pets from France to England?

Yes. Furniture moves are straightforward with professional help. For pets, ensure they meet the UK’s pet travel rules, including microchipping, valid rabies vaccinations, and pet passports or animal health certificates.

How do I bring antiques or artwork from France to the UK?

Items of cultural or historical significance may require special permits and may not be duty-free. Speak to a specialist removals firm like ours that deals with high-value items — we’ll advise you on what’s allowed and how to declare it properly.

Ready to make the move from France to England?

We’re here to help, whether you’re relocating for work, returning home, or making a fresh start.

Get your free removals quote today.
Let us know where you’re moving from, where you’re going, and what you need – and we’ll do the rest.