Hints & tips for moving to France

Before you leave on your big move to France remember...

Send out change of address cards to friends and family.
Arrange with the Royal Mail for your post to be redirected to your new address.
Put all important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage/divorce certificates and medical records together in an envelope to take with you.
Inform utilities companies and government agencies that you’re leaving the country; you may be due a rebate on some payments.
If possible, contact utilities at your new address about getting connected.
Have your car serviced if you are driving it over to France.
Cancel any regular deliveries such as milk and newspapers.
If you take prescription medicines make sure you have enough for a couple of weeks, and take copies of the prescription.
Change your money, but ensure you have some sterling for the UK section of the journey.
Save up newspapers in the weeks running up to your move, to help pack breakables.
Pack small items within bigger items to save space.
Roll rugs inside each other to keep them clean and maximise available space.
Make a floor plan of your new home then decide on a system to differentiate rooms by name, number or coloured stickers. Label each box and be sure to give whoever is unloading the van the plan with rooms labelled so they know where to put each box.
As you pack each box make a note on it which room it came from with the room name, number or colour (depending on your system).
Make up a box of essential items, such as kettle, sugar, mugs, cleaning products, loo roll and candles (just in case).
If you are set to arrive in your new home in the evening you might need to organise an impromptu meal and bed (camping materials may come in handy).
Pack a bag with toothbrush and toothpaste, night clothes and a change of clothes for the following day.
Send children to stay with a friend or relative for the day while you are moving.
Don’t pack your passport and other essential paperwork!