Quanti container ci stanno su una nave? Dalle navi feeder alle mega-navi
By Steve Joury / 23 ottobre 2026
Quanti container ci stanno su una nave? Dalle navi feeder da 1.000 TEU alle mega-navi da oltre 24.000 TEU, cos’è un TEU, come...
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Ultimo aggiornamento: 23 ottobre 2026
France is the UK’s closest removals destination, and one of the most popular. Most removals go by road, crossing the Channel by ferry or through the tunnel, so your furniture can arrive within days. Since Brexit, though, moving goods into France needs customs paperwork. This guide explains 2026 costs, how removals to France work, and how to avoid paying duty.
Full load, part load or shared van?| Option | Best for | Typical timing | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated full load | 2+ bedroom homes, fixed dates | 1–4 days door to door | The lorry is yours, so dates are fixed |
| Part load (shared) | Smaller moves, flexible dates | 1–3 weeks | Cheaper; your goods share a lorry on a scheduled run |
| Man and van (European) | A few items | 2–7 days | Check insurance and customs experience |
| Self-move with a hire van | Small, budget moves | Your schedule | You handle the customs paperwork yourself |
Removals to France: typical costs in 2026
| Destination area | 2–3 bedroom house (full load) | Part load (about 200–400 cu ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Normandy, Brittany, Pas-de-Calais | £2,000–£3,500 | £800–£1,500 |
| Loire, Poitou-Charentes, Dordogne | £2,500–£4,000 | £1,000–£1,800 |
| Paris and Île-de-France | £2,500–£4,500 | £1,000–£2,000 |
| Provence, Côte d’Azur, Languedoc | £3,000–£5,000 | £1,200–£2,200 |
| French Alps | £3,000–£5,500 | £1,200–£2,300 |
Indicative prices. Access matters: narrow village streets, mountain roads and properties without parking can mean a smaller shuttle vehicle and extra costs.
Customs after Brexit
Moving household goods from Great Britain to France is now an import from outside the EU. In practice:
- Change of residence relief. If you are moving your main home to France, your used personal belongings can usually enter free of duty and VAT.
- Paperwork: expect an inventory of your goods, proof of your new French address, proof of your UK residence, your passport and, usually, your French visa or residence permit. Your remover’s customs agent files the declarations.
- Second homes: relief can also apply to furnishing a second home in France, with conditions. Check with your remover first.
- Restricted items: alcohol and tobacco beyond allowances, plants, meat and dairy, and weapons.
A good French removals company handles customs for you. Always ask whether customs clearance is included in the quote.
How long do removals to France take?
- Full load: usually 1–4 days from collection to delivery, depending on distance
- Part load: usually 1–3 weeks, depending on the next scheduled run
- Book ahead: 4–8 weeks, especially in summer
Tips for a smooth move
- Get three quotes from companies that do regular UK–France runs.
- Check the access at your French property: lane width, overhanging trees and parking.
- Ask about storage if your French purchase completes later than your UK sale.
- Insure your goods for the full replacement value.
- Declutter, because a part load is far cheaper than a full lorry.
Read our moving to France from the UK guide for visas, healthcare and residency, and our international removals guide for more on how removals work.
Domande frequenti
How much do removals to France cost from the UK?
A 2–3 bedroom house typically costs £2,000–£5,000 for a full load, depending on the region. Part loads start from around £800.
Do I pay import duty on my furniture when moving to France?
Usually not, if you qualify for change of residence relief and provide the right paperwork.
How long does a removal to France take?
A dedicated full load usually takes 1–4 days. A part load can take 1–3 weeks.
What is a part load removal?
Your goods share a lorry with other customers’ on a scheduled run, which reduces the cost.
Can I move to France without a removals company?
Yes, with a hire van, but you must handle the customs paperwork and ferry booking yourself.
Prefer the scenic route?
Ask us about sea voyages and freighter travel from the UK to Europe and beyond.
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Steve Joury
Consulente di viaggio Cargo at Cargoholidays
Appassionato di viaggi lenti e di mare. Steve conosce la maggior parte delle rotte di navigazione e le procedure per scoprire il nostro bellissimo mondo dal mare su una nave container. Ha partecipato a molti viaggi, da 7 giorni di viaggio in cargo a 140 giorni a bordo.
