Removals to France from Dorset
1st Choice Removals surveys, plans and manages moves from Dorset to France, and the road transport is carried out with trusted partner removal firms. We are a family-run firm near Wimborne, and we help you prepare the inventory and customs paperwork a move to France now needs.
Moving from Dorset to France
France is one of the most popular destinations for our customers, whether for retirement, work or a long-awaited fresh start. We have been moving Dorset families since 1990 and manage every European move from the first survey to delivery.
1st Choice surveys, plans and manages your move, and the European transport is carried out with trusted partner removal firms. Fiona and Chris, who run our removals, hold International Certificates of Professional Competence, and Fiona holds a BTEC in Customs Export and Import Procedures.
How your move to France works
- Get a quote. Book your free home visit if you live in a BH postcode or DT11, or Get an online quote by sending short room videos or photos from your phone.
- Written quote covering packing, transport and delivery.
- Paperwork including a full inventory, prepared with our help.
- Packing and loading with floors, banisters and door frames protected.
- Road journey to France carried out with our trusted partner removal firms, and delivery to your new home.
Customs paperwork after Brexit
Since Brexit, household goods moving from the UK to France need customs paperwork. You will usually need:
- A detailed inventory of everything you are moving
- Proof that you are moving your main residence to France, such as a rental agreement, property deeds or a utility bill at your new address
- Proof of your previous residence in the UK
- A copy of your passport
France, like other EU countries, generally allows used personal belongings to be imported without duty when you transfer your residence, provided the conditions are met. We will talk you through this, but please confirm the latest requirements with French customs before you move.
Insurance
Our moves are fully insured for goods in transit. Because moves to France travel by road, marine insurance is not needed, but we recommend checking your own home contents policy to see what it covers while your belongings are on the move.
Preparing your home and belongings
Older French village houses and town-centre flats can have narrow streets, tight staircases or limited parking, so tell us what you know about access at your new home. Antiques, artwork and other valuable pieces can travel in bespoke wooden crates.
Choose our full packing service or buy packing materials individually. Unpacking at your new home and furniture dismantling and reassembly are available as optional extras, charged on top of your quote. If you need euros for deposits or rent, see our currency exchange partner.
Your questions answered
Do you do removals from Dorset to France?
Yes. 1st Choice Removals moves homes from Dorset to addresses across France. We are a family-run company based near Wimborne, trading since 1990. We survey, plan and manage your move, and trusted partner removal firms carry out the transport. You can Book your free home visit if you live in a BH postcode or DT11, or Get an online quote from anywhere else, and then receive a written quote. Call 01202 570970 to talk about your move.
What paperwork do I need to move my furniture to France?
You will usually need a detailed inventory of your belongings, proof that you are moving your main home to France, such as a rental agreement or property deeds, proof of your UK residence and a copy of your passport. We help you prepare the inventory and explain the process, but you should confirm the latest requirements with French customs.
Will I pay import duty on my belongings in France?
In many cases, no. France generally allows people transferring their main residence from outside the EU to bring used personal belongings without paying import duty, as long as the conditions are met. These typically cover how long you have owned the goods and when you move them. Check the current rules with French customs before your move.
Do I need marine insurance for a move to France?
No. Moves to France travel by road, so marine insurance is not needed. Goods in transit are covered by our own insurance. We still recommend checking your home contents policy so you know what it covers during a move. Marine insurance only applies when goods are shipped by sea, and customers arrange it themselves.
Can you store my belongings while I buy a house in France?
Yes. We have around 1,000 storage units across four local sites in the UK, with containerised storage for short or long periods. Many customers store their furniture with us while they rent in France or wait for a purchase to complete, then we arrange delivery when they are ready. Our storage is in the UK only.
How much does it cost to move to France?
We do not publish removal prices because every move is different. The cost depends on how much you are taking, where in France you are going, access at both properties and whether you want packing. After a free home visit in BH postcodes and DT11, or an online quote from your videos or photos, we send you a written quote.