My nephew and his partner are planning their big move from California to France next year. I advised them, “Be picky about what you pack.” Watching them navigate the process is bringing back memories of my own journey. I see them struggling with the same questions I did: What should we bring? What should we leave behind? Having been through it myself, I have some advice that I wish someone had shared with me: be picky.
When I moved to France, I made the mistake of thinking I needed to bring everything with me. I packed up way too much. I even put a lot of my “special treasures” into storage in South Carolina—just in case I decided to return one day. Looking back, I realize that most of what I brought along was unnecessary. I learned it was pointless to save what I left behind in storage.
I shipped ten big packing boxes to France, filled with items I thought I couldn’t live without—things like linens that didn’t fit French beds, towels I could have easily bought here, and even toothpaste and deodorant as if those would be hard to find in France. At that time, I think I was stuck in a time warp, remembering items that were difficult to find in France on my visit in the late 60s. My favorite pots and pans, clothes that I should have left behind—somehow, all seemed essential at the time.
Those ten boxes finally arrived, crushed, in Marseille. It was a hard lesson. The truth is, I could have bought everything I needed right here in France—for less money and with a lot less hassle.
Only Pack What You Truly Love
The key is to be ruthlessly selective about what you bring. Ask yourself: “Do I really love this item? Does it add real value to your life?” Or is it something you’ve just had for years and don’t want to let go of? Moving to France is a chance to start fresh, and that includes what you bring with you.
For instance, those kitchen gadgets you’ve collected over the years. Leave them behind. Your new kitchen in France might be smaller, so it should be filled with the essentials—and you can always find new things that suit your new life better. The same goes for furniture, clothes, and those decorative items that belonged to your grandmother.
Make Room for the New
Moving to France isn’t just about changing your address; it’s about embracing a new way of life. And that means making room—both physically and mentally—for a new life that awaits you. The less you bring, the more space you have for the treasures you find in France. That’s the exciting part of your adventure.
Think about it: do you want to clutter your new home with old baggage, or do you want to start this chapter of your life feeling free and open to whatever comes next? The things you bring with you should reflect the life you want to live now, not the one you’re leaving behind.
You Can Find Everything You Need in France
Here’s a little secret: you don’t need to bring everything with you to France. You can find just about everything you need right here. In fact, if you’re like me, I love to shop at brocantes (second-hand shops and markets) and vide-greniers (garage sales). You can find beautiful, unique items that add true French charm to your home—probably at a fraction of the cost of shipping your old stuff from the U.S.
Whether you’re looking for a comfy armchair, a hand-hewn dining table, or handmade pottery, France offers endless ways to furnish your home with pieces that have history, character, and a story. Exploring a French market is much more fun than unpacking yet another box from your old life.
Less Stuff, More Life
As you prepare to move to France, remember this: be picky about what you pack. Bring only what you love, what you truly need, and what will help you fit into your new life. The rest? Let it go. You’re not just moving to a new place—you’re starting a new way of living. And that deserves a fresh, uncluttered start.
Moving to France? Be picky about what you pack. Here’s to the adventure ahead, with plenty of room for the new memories, treasures, and experiences that await you.
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10 Responses
Perfect timing for me! We are arriving in October to an empty flat but we are going to be three months there and back for awhile. Needed the reminder to take it slowly as we tried to move 100% 8 years ago and moved back to a rented storage unit full of stuff I still haven’t needed!
When I went back to empty my last storage “cell,” my son went with me to see if, for the last time, he would say “no” to some of my stuff. Interestingly, it was mostly furniture of my mother’s that I’d not wanted to part with. When we opened the storage room, it was infested with termites! Everything was ruined. Since it was a new storage facility with temperature control, I had not insured the items. A total loss! — oh.. not exactly The storage place owner gave me a month’s free rent. Think about it… and stay in touch. Thanks for your comments.
Great great advice! Thank you. I am moving to France in mid October. I have boxes packed and looking to pack more. I am going to reconsider what I bring over after reading your article. I have done the same getting extra toiletries, clothes not even sure if it will all fit.
Such a timely article,
Soraya
Hi Soraya, I’m so glad this caught you in time. It is such a hassle to move items — costs and aggravation. Something seems always to go wrong… at least, for me. Those 10 crushed boxes probably netted me a few towels and a pot that I really used. Thanks for sharing… and let me know how it goes.
So true! We had a wonderful time buying second hand furniture from people in the area, and locally made pottery. We made lamps from old jugs. It’s much more fun to go on a treasure hunt.
That’s one of the best things about moving here … or anywhere else. It gives you an opportunity to shop! and be creative. Glad to hear from you. Hope to see you.Thanks for reading and your great comments.
So so true!
Let me see… wasn’t it just a few months ago for you that you finally let it all go? I think it took me longer, so no teasing here! What we didn’t know! Thanks for reminding me, Paula.
Moving to England for 1.5 years was the beginning of a life of downsizing, and even though we are now back in the U.S. we are living in a 700 square ft home with no additional storage units other than a small garage which was only built to protect our one car. Living with less is incredibly freeing! Our lock and leave lifestyle allows us to travel for months at a time without worrying about what we left behind.
Yes! I just wish it hadn’t taken so long for me to understand. I spent a lot of money and even more time trying to juggle things from place to place. What for!! Hoping to see you!Thank for commenting. I love to hear from you.