My nephew and his partner are planning their big move from California to France next year. Naturally, I shared my best moving to France packing tips: Be picky about what you pack. Watching them navigate the process brings back vivid memories of my own journey. I see them facing the same questions I did: What should we bring? What should we leave behind?
When I moved to France, I made the mistake of thinking I needed to bring everything with me. I packed far too much and even stored “special treasures” in South Carolina—just in case I returned. Looking back, most of what I brought was unnecessary, and what I left in storage was pointless to keep.
Learning From My Mistakes: Moving to France Packing Tips
I shipped ten large boxes to Uzès, filled with items I thought I couldn’t live without—linens that didn’t fit French beds, towels I could have easily bought there, even toothpaste and deodorant, as if those were rare finds. My favorite pots and pans, clothes I never wore—all seemed essential at the time.
When those ten boxes arrived, crushed, in Marseille, I realized the truth: I could have purchased everything here for less money and far less hassle. That’s why my first and most important moving to France packing tip is: bring less than you think you need.
Only Pack What You Truly Love
A key packing tip for moving to France is to be ruthlessly selective. Ask yourself: Do I love this item? Does it truly add value to my new life? Moving to France is a chance to start fresh, and that includes what you bring with you.
Leave behind the kitchen gadgets you’ve collected over the years. Your new French kitchen may be smaller, so fill it only with essentials. The same goes for furniture, clothing, and decorative pieces—especially ones you keep out of habit rather than love.
Make Room for the New
Another essential moving to France packing tip is to make space—physically and mentally—for your new life. The fewer items you bring, the more room you have for the treasures you discover in France. This isn’t just a move; it’s an opportunity to live differently.
Do you want to clutter your new home with old baggage, or start your French chapter feeling free and open? Bring only what reflects the life you want now, not the one you’re leaving behind.
You Can Find Everything You Need in France
Here’s one of my favorite moving to France packing tips: don’t bring what you can easily find here. From comfortable furniture to beautiful handmade pottery, France offers endless possibilities—especially if you enjoy shopping at brocantes and vide-greniers. These markets are full of unique, affordable finds that bring authentic French charm to your home.
Less Stuff, More Life
The most important of all moving to France packing tips is simple: bring only what you love, what you truly need, and what will help you settle into your new life. Let go of the rest. Moving to France isn’t just about relocating—it’s about starting a new way of living, and that deserves a fresh, uncluttered start.
Here’s to your move ahead, with plenty of room for the new memories, treasures, and experiences that await you.
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12 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.
What about moving with kids? Sentimental items like photos, kids’ stuff/art, musical instruments, books?
Oh my! It’s a hard question to ask about kids’ stuff. I’ll just say there are lots of places to buy new and used kids’ items Just don’t leave behind that special blanket or toy. I’ve had to replace photos with digital memories and albums… again, except for the extra special ones. Best wishes and stay in touch to let me know how it’s going!