The temptation to pack everything you own when moving abroad is overwhelming, but half of what you carry will become clutter in your new French life.
In This Article
Kitchen Appliances and Electronics
Your American or British kitchen appliances will not work seamlessly in France. The voltage difference (230V vs 110V for the US), different plug types (Type E in France), and frequency differences (50Hz vs 60Hz) mean that most appliances will need bulky transformers or simply will not perform correctly. A US blender used through a transformer may run slower and overheat. Your British kettle will work with a simple adapter but it is heavy and bulky to transport.
France has excellent and affordable kitchen equipment. The French take their kitchen tools seriously, and brands like Moulinex, Tefal, SEB, and Staub produce world-class cookware that is often cheaper in France than imported. A simple Creuset Dutch oven bought at a French market will last decades. Leave your mixer, toaster, coffee maker, and slow cooker behind. Even high-end espresso machines are widely available at competitive prices.
Televisions are another item not worth shipping. French TV uses a different tuner system (SECAM vs PAL or NTSC), and smart TV region settings can be complicated to reconfigure. Screens are fragile and expensive to ship. You will buy a better, cheaper TV locally. The same logic applies to computers and printers – buy a new one in France with a French keyboard layout and warranty that is valid in the country.
Furniture and Large Household Items
Shipping furniture internationally is almost never cost-effective unless you own valuable antiques with deep sentimental value. The cost of shipping a sofa or bed overseas often exceeds the replacement value, and the items risk damage in transit. French apartments are frequently smaller than their American or British counterparts, with narrower doorways, tighter staircases, and smaller elevators. Your oversized American furniture simply will not fit.
France has an abundance of furniture shopping options at every price point. IKEA is ubiquitous, but also explore French chains like Maisons du Monde, Conforama, and Fly for mid-range options. The vide-greniers (flea markets) and Emmaüs charity shops are excellent sources for affordable, character-filled furniture. Le Bon Coin, France’s equivalent of Craigslist, is where French people buy and sell used furniture daily. You can furnish an entire apartment for a fraction of shipping costs.
Beds are particularly tricky. French bed sizes are different from UK and US standards: a standard French double bed (140x190cm) is narrower and shorter than a UK double. Sheets, duvets, and mattress protectors bought abroad will not fit properly. Buy your bed in France with French bedding to avoid a frustrating mismatch. The same applies to curtains, which need precise measurements for French window sizes.
Wardrobe Items That Do Not Translate
Your wardrobe will need editing for the French climate and style. Heavy winter gear designed for Canadian or Scandinavian winters is overkill for most of France. Parisian winters are mild compared to Montreal or Stockholm, and the key to dressing in France is layering rather than bulk. Leave behind snowsuits, extreme cold-weather boots, and heavy parkas unless you are moving to the Alps or the Pyrenees.
French style is notably different from American or British style. The French favor quality over quantity, neutral colors over bright patterns, and tailored fits over relaxed silhouettes. Your collection of logo-covered sportswear, graphic T-shirts, and athleisure wear will mark you as a tourist. French people dress more formally for daily life – a simple blazer, quality jeans, and leather shoes go further than expensive sneakers and hoodies.
Shoes take up enormous space in luggage and are heavy. French shoe shops are excellent, and the French take footwear seriously. Buy your everyday shoes in France once you see what locals actually wear. Rain boots, hiking boots, and dress shoes are all widely available and often better suited to French conditions than imported alternatives. Bring only your most comfortable, broken-in walking shoes for the first few weeks.
Over-the-Counter Medications and Toiletries
Your bathroom cabinet will need a complete overhaul. Many medications that are available over the counter in the US or UK require prescriptions in France, and vice versa. Do not assume you can bring large quantities of any medication. French customs strictly regulates medications, and some common American pain relievers contain ingredients that are controlled substances in France. Bring a reasonable personal supply with a doctor’s note, but plan to source your medications locally once you arrive.
French pharmacies (pharmacies) are exceptional. They are staffed by qualified pharmacists who can diagnose minor conditions and recommend treatments. The products available are often more effective and better regulated than imported alternatives. Leave behind your giant bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. French pharmacy brands like La Roche-Posay, Avène, Bioderma, and Vichy are world-renowned and cost less than imported equivalents.
Deodorant is a specific issue worth noting. French deodorants are commonly sold as roll-ons, sticks, or sprays rather than the solid antiperspirant sticks common in the US. Many expats struggle to find their preferred brand. Bring a six-month supply of your favorite deodorant if you are particular about it, as this is one item that genuinely is hard to replace. Similarly, feminine hygiene products and specialized hair care may be worth packing in reasonable quantities.
Documents and Sentimental Items That Should Travel
While you should leave behind most large items, there are things you absolutely should pack. Bring original copies of all essential documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational diplomas and transcripts, professional certifications, and medical records. These will be needed for visa applications, residency permits, and professional registration. Have official translations prepared if the originals are not in French.
Digital copies of everything are essential. Scan all documents, store them in the cloud, and keep copies on a USB drive in your carry-on. Photograph every room of your old home and the contents of every box before you seal it for shipping or storage. These images are invaluable for insurance claims, customs declarations, and remembering what you actually own. Back up your computer and phone before you travel.
Sentimental items that are irreplaceable – family photos, heirlooms, children’s artwork, favorite books with personal inscriptions – should travel with you or be shipped with extreme care. Everything else can be replaced. The freedom that comes from realizing how little you truly need is one of the great gifts of moving abroad. Your new French home will fill up quickly enough with discoveries and acquisitions that reflect your new life.
What would you find hardest to leave behind when moving to France?
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This is such a helpful guide on moving to France. I think a lot of travellers overlook this aspect of trip planning and end up learning the hard way. Your advice is practical and easy to follow.