Ultimate Guide: Moving from Paris to the UK

Moving from Paris to the UK is one of the most common moves in Europe. But since Brexit, it takes careful planning, customs clearance and the right removals partner to make sure everything runs smoothly from start to end.

Whether you’re moving to London, the South East or anywhere else in the UK, this guide covers all you need to know. That includes costs, timelines, customs and the places we cover, so you can plan with confidence.

👉 Explore our Paris removals service:
https://elitemoving.co.uk/european-removals/paris/

UK Locations We Cover from Paris

We run weekly removals from Paris to all major UK regions, using both shared loads (groupage) and vans just for you.

Coverage Overview

👉 View all European routes:
https://elitemoving.co.uk/european-removals/

Paris & Île-de-France Collection Areas

We collect from all areas in and around Paris:

Step 1: Planning Your Move (4–6 Weeks Before)

Good planning makes your move smooth and keeps costs down.

👉 Request a quote:
https://elitemoving.co.uk/contact-us/

Step 2: Customs & Transfer of Residence (ToR)

Since Brexit, moving from France to the UK means going through customs. The most important part is applying for Transfer of Residence relief, so you don’t pay tax you don’t owe.

What is ToR?

The Transfer of Residence (ToR1) lets you bring your own things into the UK without paying import tax or duties, as long as you qualify for it under the rules.

👉 Apply here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/application-for-transfer-of-residence-relief-tor1

Why ToR Matters

Who Qualifies?

You typically qualify if:

• You are moving your main residence to the UK
• You lived outside the UK for 12+ months
• You owned your items for 6+ months

Documents Required

Simple Explanation for Clients

Think of ToR as your tax exemption certificate for the move.

Once approved, it tells UK customs:

“These are my own personal things — not goods for sale.”

How Elite Moving Helps

• Full guidance on ToR application
• Inventory preparation for customs
• Pre-check of all documents
• Coordination with customs agents

👉 Learn more:
https://elitemoving.co.uk/european-removals/

Step 3: Packing & Inventory Requirements

Good packing matters for both protection and passing customs checks.

Packing Options

Inventory Example

Step 4: Transport Options (Paris → UK)

Comparison

👉 View Paris service:
https://elitemoving.co.uk/european-removals/paris/

Step 5: Transit Times

Step 6: Moving Costs (Paris to UK)

Price Guide

What Affects the Cost of a Paris to UK Move

👉 Get accurate quote:
https://elitemoving.co.uk/contact-us/

Step 7: Special Items

Step 8: Logistics in Paris & UK

Paris Challenges

UK Delivery

Why Choose Elite Moving for Your Move From Paris

• Weekly UK ↔ France routes
• Paris relocation specialists
• Full customs handling
• Transparent pricing
• 5★ rated company
• Own fleet (no subcontractors)

👉 Learn more:
https://elitemoving.co.uk/european-removals/paris/

Final Checklist

Get a Quote for Your Move from Paris to the UK

Whether you’re moving to London or anywhere else in the UK, we offer plans shaped to fit your timeline and your budget.

👉 Get your quote:
https://elitemoving.co.uk/contact-us/

Or send us a WhatsApp video walk-through for a fast, accurate price.

Collecting Your Things in Paris: Access and Parking

Paris is a lovely city, but it is not an easy place to load a removal van. Many streets are narrow and busy, and parking is tight in most arrondissements. To load safely, we usually need a space reserved outside your building on the day. Your local mairie can tell you how to apply for this, and we can guide you through it.

Older Paris buildings often have steep spiral stairs and lifts that are too small for furniture. Some flats can only be reached through a courtyard. In these cases, we may take large items apart, or use an outside furniture lift from the street to a window or balcony. Tell us about your building early, so we can plan for it in the quote.

Let your building’s caretaker know your moving date. They can help with access to the courtyard and the lift, and they can warn other residents. Protect the lift and floors with boards or blankets. Our team brings covers and wraps, so the common areas stay clean and free from scratches.

Customs and Paperwork for Moving to the UK From France

Since Brexit, the move from France to the UK is a move from the EU into a country outside it. That means your things must clear customs when they arrive. Most people moving their main home can use Transfer of Residence relief, which lets personal things come in without import tax.

To qualify, you usually need to have lived outside the UK for at least 12 months and owned your things for at least 6 months. Rules can change, so check the current rules on the UK government website before you apply. You apply for ToR1 online, and you get a reference number once it is approved.

You will also need a full inventory of your goods. It should list each box and large item, with a short note of what is inside. Keep it simple and honest. Customs officers want to see personal things, not goods for sale. We help you build the list as we pack, so it matches what is in the van.

Keep copies of your passport, proof of your French address, proof of your new UK address and your ToR1 reference together. We pass the right details to our customs agent, so your goods can be released quickly once they reach the UK.

Arriving in the UK: Delivery, Storage and Settling In

Once your things clear customs, we drive them to your new home anywhere in the UK. If you are moving into London, we plan around parking rules and permit zones. Many councils let you book a parking bay suspension for the day. Ask early, as some need a few weeks’ notice.

Sometimes your new home is not ready when you leave Paris. A rental may start later, or a purchase may be delayed. In that case, our secure storage can hold your goods until your keys are ready. We then deliver everything in one trip, placed in the right rooms.

On the day we bring your things, we unload the van and carry each item to the room on its label. Then we put your furniture back together. If you chose our packing service, we can also unpack your boxes and take the waste away. Check your list as items come in, so you know it has all come safely.

For more on how we move people across the Channel and beyond, see our European removals page. You can also call us on 02080444474 to talk about your move.

Packing Your Paris Home for the Trip to the UK

A move from Paris to the UK is longer than a local move, and your things may be handled more than once. On a shared load, your boxes sit beside other people’s goods, so strong packing really matters. Use double-walled boxes for heavy things, and fill every gap so nothing can shift on the road or the ferry.

Wrap plates, glasses and ornaments one by one, and stand plates on their edge. Keep box weights sensible, so the team can lift them safely up and down Paris stairs. Mark the top of each box with the room it goes to in your new UK home, and give it a number that matches your inventory.

Pack a bag to travel with you. Put in your passports, ToR1 papers, keys, phone chargers, medicine and a change of clothes. These should never go in the van. If you have high-value items, such as art or jewellery, tell us when you book, so we can talk about extra wrapping or our white glove care.

If time is short, we can do all the packing for you. Our team brings the boxes, wrap and tape, and we build the inventory as we pack. This saves you days of work, and it means your list is ready for customs before the van leaves Paris.

Planning the Timing of Your Paris Move

Start planning a few weeks before you want to move. Book a video survey first, as this gives you an accurate quote and helps us pick the right service. Then apply for ToR1, give notice on your Paris flat and book parking at both ends.

Try to stay flexible on dates if you choose a shared load. Your things travel when the vehicle is full and on our planned route. If you need your things on a set day, a van just for you is the better choice. Either way, we keep you updated from collection to delivery.