Moving to France from the UK
Door-to-door removals from Daventry to anywhere in France, with full export packing, customs paperwork, and tracked transit handled by our own team.
Moving to France from the UK is one of the most straightforward European relocations on the books. The Channel crossing is short, the road network direct, and transit times are faster than to almost any other European destination.
At Alltranz LTD, we handle door-to-door removals from the UK to France: full export packing, customs documentation support, tracked transit, and delivery to your new French address. Based at our Broad March depot in Daventry, Northamptonshire, we move customers to Paris, the Dordogne, Brittany, Normandy, the South of France, and most points in between. Full-load moves out of central England usually arrive within one to three days. For a quote, call 01327 876007 or fill in the contact form.
Moving to France: What Alltranz Provides
A move from the UK to France works the same way every time at Alltranz, and we run it from start to finish. The team starts with a pre-move survey, either on site or by video, so the quote reflects what you actually own rather than a guess. From there we move into full export packing using our own recyclable and sustainable materials, customs documentation support so the paperwork is right before the lorry leaves the depot, and the Channel crossing itself.
We use the Channel Tunnel or the Dover-to-Calais ferry depending on the day's schedule, the load size, and your delivery date. The vehicle is tracked the whole way and we deliver door to door at the French address. If your French property is not ready yet, we bridge the gap with storage at the Daventry depot and ship out when the keys land.
What is included as standard:
Pre-move survey (in person or video) so the quote reflects the real volume.
Full export packing with recyclable and sustainable materials.
Channel crossing (Tunnel or Dover-to-Calais ferry) handled by Alltranz.
Customs documentation support throughout.
Tracked transit from UK collection to French delivery.
Door-to-door delivery at your new French address, with placement of major items.
Storage bridging from Daventry if your French move-in date is not yet confirmed.
France is the quickest mainland European destination from the UK. Next-day delivery into northern France is realistic for full loads leaving central England.
Popular French Destinations We Cover
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The most popular catchment for British buyers. The Dordogne, Bordeaux, and the Charente pull the highest volume of UK to France moves, and our part-load schedules into this region are the most regular.
Brittany
Close to the UK by ferry and an easy drive once on French soil. Quimper, Dinan, and the Gulf of Morbihan are typical destinations, often for retirees or second-home buyers.
Occitanie
Covers Toulouse and the Languedoc. A longer drive but a settled route. Popular with buyers looking for sun and space at lower prices than the Cote d'Azur.
Normandy
The shortest transit of the lot, often a same-week turnaround from Daventry. Popular for second homes and countryside properties within range of the ferry ports.
Paris
Steady demand from professionals relocating for work. City deliveries need access and parking planning before the lorry sets off. We handle that at quote stage.
Provence and the Cote d'Azur
Nice, Cannes, and the surrounding area sit at the far end of the route. Transit is longer, but it is a well-trodden line for Alltranz.
The Channel Crossing
There are two routes across the Channel and we use whichever fits the schedule.
Channel Tunnel (Le Shuttle)
Runs from Folkestone to Calais in around 35 minutes. The removal lorry drives straight on and straight off, which keeps total transit time tight and avoids any weather delays.
Dover-to-Calais Ferry
Takes around 90 minutes and runs throughout the day with several operators. It is usually the better option on cost when the schedule is flexible.
Either route involves post-Brexit customs declarations, and France operates a digital entry system for vehicles crossing the Channel. Alltranz handles all of it. You do not need to manage the crossing, meet the lorry at the port, or deal with any port paperwork directly.
Storage Bridging from Daventry
French property completions can drag through the notarial system, and the move-in date you planned around can slip by weeks. Rather than re-book the whole move, Alltranz holds your belongings in containerised storage at the Daventry depot and ships out when the keys land.
Storage is in secure containers, short or medium term, and we charge by the week so you only pay for the bridge you actually need. Full detail on the storage offer is on our Storage Solutions page.
Customs and Documentation
Transfer of Residence relief applies in France on the same principles as Spain. To qualify, you need to have lived outside the EU for the previous 12 months, the items being shipped need to have been owned for six months or more, and you sign a non-cession declaration confirming you will not sell them within the first year.
The paperwork list is short but specific:
Passport copy.
Proof of UK address for the previous 12 months (utility bills or council tax statements).
Proof of your new French address (rental contract or property purchase document).
Full valued and signed inventory. We draft this from the survey, you check and sign.
Non-cession certificate.
Mandate authorising the customs clearance agent.
Where Transfer of Residence relief applies, household items clear French customs duty-free. Where it does not, standard French duties and VAT apply on the declared inventory value. We run the documents past the agent before anything ships so there are no surprises at the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to move from the UK to France?
A full-load move from central England is one to three days door to door, depending on the French region. Northern France can arrive the following day. A part load runs three to ten days because the lorry is shared with other consignments heading in the same direction. Your exact window is confirmed at quote stage once we know the destination postcode and load size.
Q: Do I need to pay customs duties when moving to France?
Under Transfer of Residence relief, household items clear French customs duty-free if you qualify. The main conditions are 12 months of residency outside the EU, items owned for six months or more, and a signed non-cession declaration. If you do not qualify, standard French duties and VAT apply on the inventory value. We confirm which applies before anything ships.
Q: What areas of France does Alltranz cover?
All of mainland France. We run regular routes to Paris, the Dordogne, Brittany, Normandy, Bordeaux, the South of France, and the Cote d'Azur. Other regions are quoted on a per-job basis. Call 01327 876007 with your destination postcode and we will confirm the next available slot.
Q: Can I move if I am not a French resident yet?
Yes. You can ship belongings before residency is finalised, but Transfer of Residence relief requires proof of your new French address. If that proof is not ready, the shipment may be processed under standard duties and VAT. Plan the timing with our customs agent early so the paperwork lines up with the crossing.
Moving to France? Get a Quote from Alltranz.
We like to make things as easy as possible for all our customers. Not every move is the same, and we want to make sure that we understand your needs.Call us on 01327 876007 or email us on mick@alltranzltd.co.uk for more information. Your journey starts here.