Can I ship wine or pantry items to France?

Some food items are restricted and alcohol allowances are limited. Share details with your coordinator for guidance on documentation or alternatives.

Do I need professional packing for France?

Strongly recommended. Export packing reduces transit risk, speeds customs, and is often required for full-value insurance coverage.

Can you ship my car to France?

Yes—when containerized with household goods (FCL). We’re not a car-only shipper. We confirm feasibility and documents early.

Moving to France from the USA

Q: What if my move-in date changes?

We can hold shipments in climate-controlled storage at origin or destination and re-time delivery to match your keys-in-hand date.

Q: What’s the fastest way to get essentials?

Send a small air freight shipment for first-week items while your main ocean shipment follows.

*Updated August 2025
From Paris apartments and Provençal farmhouses to Riviera condos and family homes near international schools, moving to France is a dream worth planning well. The right partner turns complex logistics, export packing, ocean or air freight, customs in France, and in‑home delivery into a clear, step‑by‑step plan. That’s where SDC International Shipping comes in.

We specialize in door‑to‑door household relocations from the United States to France. Whether you’re shipping a full household, a curated selection of furniture, or a split shipment (essentials by air and the rest by sea), we design your move for speed, safety, and simplicity, so settling into life in France feels effortless.

Table of Contents

How Your France Move Works

Every move starts with a quick planning call and a virtual or in‑home survey. We map your priorities (timing, budget, destinations in France) and build a door‑to‑door plan. Your dedicated coordinator keeps you updated from packing day through delivery and assembly in your new home.

Key services include professional packing services, crating for fragile pieces, sea freight or air freight, customs coordination, in‑home delivery, and optional climate‑controlled storage at origin or destination. We also offer specialty handling for artwork & valuables and can ship a vehicle in the same container as household goods (we’re not a car‑only shipper): vehicle shipping with HHG.

Shipping Options: Sea, Air, and Smart Hybrids

Direct containers (FCL). An exclusive 20′ or 40′ container dedicated to your shipment—best for full households or when you want fewer handoffs, faster routing, and maximum control. Typical Europe planning range for direct shipments: about 6–12 weeks door‑to‑door, depending on routing, customs, and local access.

Shared containers (LCL / Groupage). Ideal for smaller volumes and flexible timelines. Your export‑packed items are crated/palletized and consolidated with other shipments bound for France. Planning range for groupage to Europe: about 8–16 weeks door‑to‑door, reflecting consolidation and deconsolidation steps.

Air freight. The fastest option for essentials, work kits, important documents, or tight start dates. Many families ship a small air consignment and send the balance by sea to balance speed and cost.

Not sure which is right? We’ll estimate both routes so you can decide with confidence.

Expert Packing for French Customs and Safe Transit

Export packing is different from local moving. Our crews create a detailed inventory for customs and insurance, then protect each item using international methods, right cartons, cushioning, moisture/vibration control, wardrobe boxes, furniture wrap, and custom wood crates for chandeliers, glass, musical instruments, and fine art. Professional packing reduces transit risk and speeds customs processing; many insurers require it for full coverage.

Ask about our specialized services for artwork and valuables, pianos, and temperature‑sensitive items. We’ll advise what to ship, store, or replace locally to fit French homes and power standards.

Customs in France: A Practical Overview

France offers duty/VAT relief for personal effects when you qualify under change‑of‑residence rules. In practice, goods should be for your personal use, not new for resale, and typically owned/used for a qualifying period before import. Your coordinator sequences documents and timelines with our French customs partner and plans delivery after clearance.

Expect to provide: passport, French visa or residency documentation, proof of address in France (or employer letter/lease), a valued inventory (often in French, dated and signed), and transport documents. We share templates (valued inventory, transfer letter) and a simple checklist so nothing is missed. For step‑by‑step forms help, see our Customs Forms Guide.

Restricted and prohibited items exist (e.g., firearms, certain foods, unapproved medications). Tell us early about wine collections, tools, or specialty equipment so we can advise on allowances and documentation.

Vehicles, Pets, and Special Items

Vehicles (with HHG). We do not ship cars alone, but we do ship vehicles inside your container with household goods. We’ll confirm feasibility, paperwork, and routing in advance, and secure the vehicle with professional bracing/chocks. Learn more: car & vehicle shipping.

Pets. France follows EU entry rules. Plan early for microchip, rabies vaccination timing, and an Animal Health Certificate issued by a USDA‑accredited vet before travel. Coordinate your pet’s flight with your own itinerary and discuss airline kennel specs well in advance. We can coordinate pet logistics alongside your household move for a smoother arrival.

Artwork, antiques, and instruments. High‑value pieces receive custom crating, condition reporting, and tailored transport plans. Explore artwork shipping and ask about insurance for declared values.

How Long Will Moving to France Take?

Door‑to‑door timelines depend on your origin, season, service level, and local access at destination. As planning guides for Europe:

Direct containers (FCL): typically about 6–12 weeks door‑to‑door.
Shared containers (LCL/Groupage): typically about 8–16 weeks door‑to‑door.
Air freight: fastest; often measured in days once documentation is complete.

We’ll provide a lane‑specific estimate during your survey and keep you updated as your shipment moves.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to France?

Pricing depends on shipment size, service level (FCL vs. LCL vs. air), origin/destination access, seasonality, and any specialty handling. To keep costs efficient, we help you right‑size volume for French homes and power standards (230V/50Hz) and suggest smart hybrids (small air pallet for essentials; sea freight for the rest). For coverage, consider international moving insurance—many clients insure for replacement value in France.

For a personalized estimate, start with our quick form: request a moving quote. If you’re comparing providers, see how to compare international moving quotes.

Where We Deliver in France

We serve major metros and regional hubs across mainland France, including Paris, Île‑de‑France suburbs, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Cannes, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, Montpellier, Lille, Strasbourg, Grenoble, and more. For Corsica and island deliveries, we arrange ferry transfers and local access planning. Your coordinator will confirm elevator reservations, street permits, or shuttle requirements for narrow streets and historic districts.

Your France Move Timeline (Simple Checklist)

6–8 weeks before packing: Book your survey; choose FCL/LCL/air; confirm dates. Start downsizing with French home sizes in mind. Set aside restricted items and documents.

3–4 weeks before: Finalize inventory and documents; schedule building access/elevators at origin; discuss parking or shuttle needs at destination. If shipping a vehicle with HHG, confirm auto paperwork.

Packing week: Export packing, inventory verification, and load‑out. Your coordinator shares vessel/flight details and tracking updates.

Arrival in France: Customs clearance, delivery scheduling, placement/assembly, and debris removal. Keep passports, keys, and initial essentials with you—not in the shipment.

Living in France: Practical Setup Tips

Housing & access. Many Parisian and historic properties have tight stairwells, lift restrictions, or pedestrian zones. We plan shuttles, hoists, or small vans if a container truck can’t reach your street.

Power & appliances. France uses 230V/50Hz and Type E sockets. Many 120V US appliances aren’t practical to convert; laptops/phones with universal adapters are fine. We’ll help you decide what to ship vs. replace locally.

Schools & work. International schools cluster around Paris, Lyon, and major metros. Allow extra lead time in peak enrollment seasons. If relocating with an employer, request your transfer letter early—we provide a template during onboarding.

Banking & mobile. Opening a French bank account and setting up mobile service is easier with proof of address. Keep key documents handy, not in your shipment.

FAQs: Moving to France from the US

Can I ship wine or pantry items? Some food items are restricted and alcohol allowances are limited. Tell us what you plan to bring and we’ll advise documentation or alternatives.

Do I need professional packing? It’s strongly recommended. Export methods lower transit risk, speed customs, and are often required for full‑value insurance coverage.

What if my housing dates change? We can hold shipments in climate‑controlled storage at origin or destination and re‑time delivery to match your keys‑in‑hand date.

Can you ship my car? Yes—when containerized with household goods (FCL). We’re not a car‑only shipper. We’ll confirm feasibility and paperwork early.

What’s the fastest way to get essentials? A small air shipment gets you set up quickly while your sea container follows. Many families use this hybrid approach.

Get a France Moving Quote

Tell us what you’re moving and when, and we’ll build a clear plan with timelines and options—no surprises. From export packing to final placement in your new home, your coordinator keeps every step simple and on schedule.

Request My France Quote

Talk to a Move Coordinator