Removals to France - Hints and Tips

Whether you are moving yourself to France or having a professional company move you there are still some very important things to remember:

• If you are planning on doing this yourself, begin at least two weeks before your move. Pack heavy objects with the lighter ones: do not overstrain boxes or your back. Label boxes with the details of their contents and the room in which they are to be placed at the new address. This is an excellent time to sort out rubbish, sell unused items, or just give them away to friends or charity.
• Think about appliances, and organise the disconnection of equipment in advance to avoid any last minute hitches or disasters. To avoid damage, the drums of automatic washing machines must be secured with the proper brackets supplied by the manufacturer. Also remember that electricity points in France are very different to our own.
• A couple of days before your move empty, defrost and dry out your fridge /freezer if you are planning to store for any period of time. Food stuffs cannot be moved into storage. It is worth finding a way to wedge the door open as mould can easily grow in fridges and freezers that are left close and turned off for a period of time.
• Make sure any packets, bottles or jars are sealed with tape to prevent spillage.
• Ensure all items that are in your loft are sorted and placed in an accessible room
• Place all your important documents in a folder and separate from your household goods. Plan to carry these with you when you travel.
• Pack a bag with a change of clothes and essential toiletries. You may want to include a ‘survival kit’ for the other end as you might turn up to find there isn’t a light bulb in the house! So include toilet rolls, candles, screwdriver and pliers, matches, paper towels, cash and a note of important telephone numbers. Put this box in the boot of your car.
• Keep a first aid kit handy.
• Do last minute laundry. If you plan to store some of your clothes for an extended period, keep back clothes to cover if you are moving in summer but will still have things in storage until winter.
• Arrange for refreshments for the day of the move, bear in mind you will probably have no access to your cooker or microwave. Moving is hard work, and to ease fraying nerves a good cup of tea and snacks can be just the trick to make life a little easier. Pack a carton of tea and coffee, UHT milk, juice cartons, biscuits, fruit, cheese, and something easy like pasties. Also include if necessary paper plates, cups, serviettes, plastic cutlery and sharp knife. Don't forget to keep the kettle handy!
• Children - If possible arrange childcare on removal day. If this is not possible try to arrange for little activities for them such as packing up their own box etc to help keep them occupied. When you are ready to head off on the journey ensure they have plenty of activities to do for the long trip ahead.
• If you have pets to move you may have arranged for them to travel with a specialist firm. If you are moving them yourself, to minimise the stress level you may want to keep them at a family or friend’s house or a kennel or cattery whilst the removal is going on. Make sure if you do this that they have their own bedding and toys with them for reassurance and comfort. Then pick them up afterwards so they are ready for the long journey and are spared the stressful commotion of the removal. If you do not have this option keep them closed away in a quiet and empty room along with their own toys and bedding.
• With animals that are kept in cages, they are best transported in containers that are solid and well ventilated, with the least possibility to be chewed or eaten up. Give them plenty of soft bedding and food, plus water in a container that won't be likely to be spilt.
• Makes sure you have followed the correct procedures for moving pets to France such as vaccinations and any micro chipping. One of the first places to do some research is the DEFRA website.
• Once you have finished loading the van yourself or if the removal firm has done so make sure you walk around the house to ensure all items to be moved have been placed in the vehicle. Good luck with your house move to France!