When we discuss with clients their dream move to the Dordogne or the French Riviera, the conversation tends to revolve around wine, cheese, and sunshine. But after thirty years of overseeing house removals to France, we have observed a certain trend: the Expat Regret. It’s that point, three weeks into your new life, when you realise that certain British comforts are either impossible to find or, in the local Bricolage, surprisingly pricey.
While we’re always in favour of a good declutter, there are five things we recommend you pack and definitely keep on our truck.
1. Specialist Gardening and DIY Tools
If you are moving to a French farmhouse with a small plot of land, you will quickly discover that hardware stores (Magasins de bricolage) are a different beast altogether. Some basic hand tools and gardening equipment that we consider to be standard equipment in the UK may cost twice as much on the other side of the Channel. If you have a toolbox full of good tools, we will pack them carefully for you.
2. Multi-Plug Extension Leads
Since you’ll be bringing your electronics from the UK, you’ll eventually use up all of your personal adapters. A couple of good British extension leads are pure gold. You can power your laptop computer, lamp, and phone charger at the same time by connecting one adapter to the French wall and your UK power strip. It’s a small thing, but it’s one of those pro-tips that our drivers always pass along to families during the move.
3. High-Quality Bed Linens and Pillows
French bedding is great, but the sizes are a logistical nightmare. UK King and Super King sizes may not necessarily correspond to French sizes, which means your favourite luxurious duvet covers won’t fit the local inserts. In our many removals to France, we have witnessed many expats trying to find the right thread count or the right firmness of British pillows. Our advice? Move your entire bedding set with you so you can sleep soundly from night one.
4. The Trusted British Kettle (and a box of tea)
It’s a cliché, but the French are a coffee-drinking, infusion-loving people. Tracking down a heavy-duty, rapid-boil electric kettle, such as the ones we use in the UK, proves to be surprisingly difficult and costly in French electrical appliance stores. We’ve relocated thousands of kitchens, and we always recommend that you take your kettle with you. Just be sure to pack a few travel adapters or, better yet, a British power strip so you can have a proper cup of tea as soon as we’re done unloading.
5. Your Favourite Non-Perishable Comforts
While the French supermarkets are a culinary paradise, they are lacking the bits. We are referring to certain gravy granules, a certain ketchup, or that one brand of marmalade that you just can’t live without. We regularly notice our clients sneaking a survival box of these essentials into the back of our removals vehicle. It is not that they are avoiding French cuisine; it is that they want a taste of home in the midst of the first week of unpacking.
Make the Move Seamless With Movers International
At Movers International, we don't simply move boxes; we move lives. We understand that it is these small things that turn a new house into a home. Our weekly service means that your treasured possessions, from the heavy furniture to the smallest tea bag, will be with you safely and on time. We will sort out the Douane paperwork and the difficult French roads so that you can concentrate on the Bienvenue.
Planning your French adventure? Get in touch with us today for a free quote, and let’s make sure your essentials make the journey with you.
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