The Ultimate Moving Guide: UK & London to Paris (2026 Edition)

Welcome to our ultimate moving guide for London to Paris, the 2026 edition. Moving from the UK to Paris is one of the most exciting moves you can make. But it also comes with transport, customs and planning that all need to be done properly. You might be moving for work, for a new way of life or for a fresh start in France. Either way, this guide covers all you need to know to make your move smooth, legal and free of stress.

If you want a trusted, well-rated removals firm that knows UK to France moves well, take a look at our own page for Paris here:
👉 our Paris removals page

Why Move from London to Paris?

Paris gives you a rare mix of lifestyle, culture and easy travel links:

• Only ~2–3 hours from London via Eurotunnel or ferry routes
• World-class food, architecture, and lifestyle
• Strong expat community
• Excellent transport links across Europe
• More spacious living options outside central Paris

Step 1: Planning Your Move (4–8 Weeks Before)

A good move abroad always starts with early planning.

Key things to organise:

• Confirm your moving date window
• Decide between shared (groupage) or dedicated transport
• Arrange access/parking at both properties
• Begin sorting and decluttering

Pro Tip:

Groupage, or shared loads, is the cheapest way to move from London to Paris, and it usually runs each week.

Step 2: Customs & Documentation (Post-Brexit Essentials)

Since Brexit, moving to France needs customs clearance.

Required documents typically include:

• Passport copy
• Proof of address (UK & France)
• Inventory list (detailed but not excessive)
• Proof of residency change (for tax relief where applicable)

Transfer of Residence (ToR)

If you qualify, you can move your belongings tax-free into France.

👉 Elite Moving will show you just which papers you need and will deal with customs clearance for you.

Step 3: Packing & Inventory

Packing the right way matters for both customs and protection.

Options:

• Full packing service (recommended for international moves)
• Owner-packed (must meet customs standards)

Important:

• Items must be grouped and labelled (e.g. “Kitchen – utensils”)
• Avoid vague descriptions like “miscellaneous”
• High-value items should be clearly listed

Step 4: Transport Options Explained

1. Groupage (Shared Load)

• Most cost-effective
• Flexible delivery window (typically 1–3 weeks)
• Ideal for 100–800 cuft moves

2. Dedicated Vehicle

• Fastest option (often 1–2 days transit)
• Direct delivery
• Best for time-sensitive or large moves

Elite Moving runs weekly UK ↔ France services, so you get flexible dates and a fair price.

Step 5: Transit Time: London to Paris

Typical timelines:

• Dedicated service: 1–2 days
• Groupage service: 1–3 weeks depending on schedule

Customs clearance is usually quick when the papers are right.

Step 6: Costs of Moving to Paris

Your cost will depend on:

• Volume (cubic feet / m³)
• Access (stairs, lifts, long carries)
• Packing requirements
• Transport type (shared vs dedicated)

Rough Guide:

• Small move (100–200 cuft): usually a shared groupage load – ask for a free quote
• Medium move (300–600 cuft): price depends on volume, distance and dates
• Large move (full house): free survey and written quote

👉 For an exact quote, ask for one here:
our contact and quote page

Step 7: What About Special Items?

Common questions:

Alcohol:
You can bring a fair amount for your own use, but you must declare it.

Electric bikes:
We can move them, but standard insurance does not cover the risk from lithium batteries. It is best to send the batteries on their own.

Furniture:
We wrap and protect every item with care.

Step 8: Arrival in Paris

Paris logistics can be tricky:

• Narrow streets
• Parking restrictions
• Apartment staircases
• Lift access limitations

Elite Moving plans all of this in advance to avoid delays and extra charges.

Why Choose Elite Moving for UK to Paris Removals?

• Weekly UK ↔ France routes
• Customs expertise post-Brexit
• Full packing & inventory service
• Transparent pricing (no hidden costs)
• 5★ rated removals company
• Own fleet and trained crews (not subcontracted)

We are experts in premium European moves that are free of stress.

👉 Find out more about how we move you to Paris:
our move to Paris page

Final Checklist Before Moving

• Confirm booking & deposit
• Finalise packing date
• Prepare documents for customs
• Notify utilities & change address
• Keep essentials with you (documents, valuables)

Get a Quote for Your Move to Paris

Planning a move from London or anywhere in the UK to Paris?

Elite Moving offers both low-cost shared loads and fast dedicated vans, set up to suit your dates and your budget.

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

Or send a quick WhatsApp message with a video walkthrough for a fast, accurate quote.

Your London to Paris Moving Timeline

A move to Paris goes best when you start early. A few months before your date, decide what you want to take. Paris flats are often smaller than UK homes, so it is worth measuring your new rooms if you can. Sell, give away or store anything that will not fit.

Next, ask for quotes. Tell each firm what you are moving, which floor you live on now and in Paris, and whether there is a lift. Ask if they handle customs for you and whether they offer a shared load, a dedicated van or both. At Elite Moving, we answer these questions in writing so you can compare fairly.

Once you have booked, start sorting your papers. Keep your passport, your rental deal or proof of purchase for the Paris home, and any work contract in one folder. These help with customs and with setting up life in France.

In the last few weeks, pack the things you use least, such as books and spare clothes. Leave the kitchen and daily items until the end. If you are using our packing service, we will do this for you in the days before the move.

Customs Paperwork for a Move to France After Brexit

Since the UK left the EU, every household move from London to Paris passes through customs. This sounds harder than it is. Most of the work is making a clear list of what you are sending and showing that the goods are your own used things.

If you are moving to France to live, you can usually bring your household goods in without paying duty. This is often called transfer of residence relief. It usually needs you to have lived outside the EU for at least a year and to have owned the goods for at least six months before the move. Rules can change, so always check the current rules before you go.

Some items need more care. Alcohol, food, plants and new goods still in their boxes can bring extra questions. Keep receipts for anything costly. We will tell you what to declare and fill in the customs forms with you, so your things clear the border without fuss.

Access, Parking and Moving Day in Paris

Paris streets can be narrow and busy, and parking a removal lorry is not always easy. Many moves need a parking permit from the local town hall so the van can stop close to the door. Ask your new landlord or agent about this early, or tell us and we will help you plan.

Older Paris buildings often have tight spiral stairs, small lifts and courtyards behind a main door. Large sofas, beds and wardrobes may need to come in through a window using an outside lift. We check this before the move, so the right kit and crew arrive on the day.

On delivery day, our team unloads your things, carries them to the right rooms and puts back together any furniture we took apart. We also take away the packing materials if you want. It helps if you are there to show us where each item goes, or if you send a simple floor plan with room names.

If your move is to the suburbs or a town near Paris, the same care applies. Access is often easier, but we still check parking and stairs in advance.

What to Take to Paris and What to Leave in London

Not everything in a London home is worth taking to Paris. UK plugs do not fit French sockets, so small electrical items like kettles, toasters and lamps often need adapters or new plugs. Many people find it simpler to sell or give these away and buy new ones in France.

Large furniture needs some thought, too. A big sofa or a tall wardrobe may not fit up the stairs or into the rooms of an older Paris flat. Measure your new rooms and the doors if you can, and ask us if you are unsure. It is cheaper to leave an item behind than to ship it and find it will not fit.

Things that are worth taking include good-quality furniture you love, family keepsakes, art, books and clothes. Fragile items such as glass, china and pictures travel well when they are packed properly. Our team can pack just these items for you, or the whole home if you prefer.

Finally, think about what you need with you on the journey. Keep your passport, travel papers, keys, medicines, chargers and a change of clothes in your own bag. Your things may arrive a few days after you do on a shared load, so plan for those first nights in the new flat.

Settling Into Your New Life in Paris

Once you have moved, there are a few jobs to do in your first weeks. Set up your bank account, phone and home internet. Check what you need to register for, such as health cover and any local tax steps. Your employer or a local adviser can help you with the exact rules.

Keep a first-week box with bedding, towels, a kettle, chargers and basic tools. Moving into a new flat in a new country is tiring, and it helps to have the basics ready on the first night without opening every box.

Take time to explore your new area. Find the nearest bakery, market and metro stop. Paris is a city best known on foot, and walking your local streets is the quickest way to feel at home. If you still have things in UK storage, we can bring them over on a later trip whenever you are ready.

If you need any help along the way, call us on 07428474474 or 02080444474. Our team is happy to talk through your plans and answer any questions about your move to Paris.