International Moving & Arrival in France
An international move to France involves far more than transporting boxes. Mover selection, inventories, customs, insurance, pets, vehicles, property access, delivery control and first-day setup all need to work together.
For moves originating in the United States, Haven in France works with a carefully selected network of US-based partners, including international movers, specialist pet-relocation providers and other trusted professionals in whom we have complete confidence. Their professionalism, experience and care provide our clients with coordinated support from departure through arrival in France.
What will travel — and what will not?
Decide what to ship, carry personally, store, sell, donate or dispose of.
Who is responsible at each stage?
Clarify the origin mover, transport partners, customs representative, destination agent and delivery team.
Which documents will support customs and delivery?
Inventories, values, evidence of ownership and use, residence documents, transport papers and specialist permits may all matter.
What must stay with you?
Keep identity documents, medicines, keys, valuables, work equipment and essential first-week items outside the shipment.
Is the destination ready?
Confirm access, parking, lifts, keys, insurance, utilities, property protection and delivery contacts before the truck arrives.
A successful move begins by defining the origin, destination, timing, access constraints and responsibilities before comparing providers. The cheapest headline price is rarely the most useful comparison if services, destination charges, insurance and customs support differ.
Start with the complete moving operation
Moving becomes more manageable when commercial, customs and arrival decisions are handled in the right order. Build the plan around realistic transit and clearance windows rather than relying only on best-case delivery dates.
Before choosing a mover
Define the goods, route, access constraints, dates, special items and required service level.
Before packing
Confirm the contract, liability, insurance, inventory, customs route and excluded goods.
While your goods are in transit
Maintain essential living arrangements, track the required documents and keep destination contacts ready.
On delivery day
Control access, counts, condition, written reservations, photographs and claim evidence before signing.
During the first days
Prioritise the home, pets, utilities and any required address, insurance or vehicle follow-up.
A practical sequence for an international move
Mover, customs, pet, vehicle and special-property arrangements often require advance preparation. Other practical steps depend on the final address, delivery date or your arrival in France.
The exact requirements and timing vary according to your country of origin, residence status, shipment contents and individual circumstances. Check each customs, pet, vehicle and transport requirement before making commitments or paying non-refundable costs.
Best prepared early
• Moving scope and realistic timeline
• Property access assessment
• Comparable written mover proposals
• Insurance and declaration of value
• Detailed household-goods inventory
• Customs and residence-transfer evidence
• Pet and vehicle import planning
• Essential luggage and arrival kit
Often handled after arrival
• Final delivery coordination
• Entry inventory and meter readings
• Utilities and internet completion
• Damage or loss claims
• I-CAD registration where required
• Vehicle registration and insurance follow-up
• Address updates
• Unpacking and household setup
What should be prepared early — and what can wait?
Document requirements vary according to the route and shipment. Before ordering translations, appraisals, certificates or permits, confirm exactly what the mover, insurer, customs authority or destination agent requires.
Depending on your route and shipment, useful documents may include:
• Written estimates, surveys, contracts and service terms
• Detailed household-goods inventory and packing list
• Declaration of value
• Photographs, serial numbers and condition records
• Receipts, appraisals and evidence of ownership or use
• Residence-transfer and customs documents
• Customs representation authorisations
• Insurance policies, certificates and claim instructions
• Veterinary, identification and pet-transport documents
• Vehicle ownership, conformity, customs and registration documents
• Delivery notes, written reservations and damage photographs
• Important correspondence with the mover, insurer and destination team
Documents that often matter for an international move
International moves depend on consistent records across the mover, insurer, customs representative and destination team. A clear file helps prevent delays, clarify responsibilities and support any claim
Common international moving and arrival mistakes to avoid
A controlled move depends on clear written responsibilities, complete records and prompt action when something changes or goes wrong.
Comparing headline prices instead of the full service
Check exactly what is included at origin, during transport, at customs and at destination.
Assuming every charge is included
Clarify storage, waiting time, port, customs, access and destination charges in writing.
Treating the mover’s inventory as your only record
Maintain your own detailed inventory, photographs, values and evidence of condition.
Packing essentials or restricted items
Keep vital documents, medicines, keys and valuables with you, and verify restricted goods before packing.
Under-declaring valuable belongings
Complete declarations of value carefully and arrange appraisals or separate cover where necessary.
Ignoring destination access constraints
Confirm parking, lifts, stairs, door dimensions, road restrictions and carrying distances before delivery.
Signing delivery documents without precise reservations
Record missing or damaged items clearly before signing and preserve photographs, packaging and correspondence.
Most avoidable problems come from comparing only price, under-documenting belongings, misunderstanding customs or insurance responsibilities, and signing delivery paperwork too quickly.
Download the International Moving & Arrival in France Checklist
A practical checklist to help you compare moving services, prepare inventories and customs records, organise pets and vehicles, control delivery and set up your first days in France.
Designed for Americans and international clients coordinating household goods and their arrival in France.