8 Tips to Make Moving to France from the UK easier.

According to a BBC documentary, almost 20,000 Brits each year pack and move to France for a more peaceful as well as financially stable life. This is because there is much to gain on the other side of the ocean. However, while moving to this fashionable state, there is always more to setting up a new way of living than getting a few quotations regarding removals, packing and flying off. Any relocation can be stressful if you lack full understanding of what to expect and what is expected from you. Practically, it is not a simple or effortless process but can get worse if you ignore or overlook different things. Complications usually rise when you move to an unfamiliar country coupled with the mother tongue as an unfamiliar language. To overcome these complications and simplify your moving process to France, here are some simple tips to follow.

Choose a Budget-Friendly and Pleasant Location.

Did you know that France is 137% larger than England in terms of size? Well, even more surprising is its diversity in terms of landscapes to choose in terms of weather, terrain, and job proximity. You can choose a sunny beach-side town of Saint-Tropez, high altitude of Alps or the vast area of the Champagne countryside. Think about what you wish and why you are moving to choose the right area or landscape.

Consider Property Types and Laws.

Once you finalize the location, it is then time to consider the kind of residential property in which you would like to invest. Just in the case of United Kingdom, you need to consider many things for making the right selection. For instance, you need to decide whether you want to have neighbours or not. You also need to choose between detached, semi-detached, and attached residences. Further, it also makes sense to consider how new or old your own new home should be, with styles ranging from chateaux to farmhouse and from converted barns to apartment to a villa or chalet. In France, you are more likely to choose a residence accompanied by more territory, provided you know how to make the right use of that land. If you go with a tenancy agreement, consider taking a third opinion by getting an independent person for property as well as agreement inspection. According to the French rental law, furnished and unfurnished houses are two different aspects or categories. For furnished ones, the landlord and tenant are free to agree mutually on duration, notice, and other terms and conditions..

List the Essentials.

Making the list is perhaps the most critical task. List down all that you need to carry to France: Official paperwork, driving licenses, passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, insurance policies, tax returns and medical files. These documents or papers would be needed for various processes in France. Just make sure that the birth certificate has parental affiliation, whose absence is a common mistake leading to wastage of several hours in clearance of different processes. Listing all of them will not make you forget anything important. It is certainly your checklist. For a few situations, a translated birth certificate is required. A list of affirmed and legal translators is usually available at the Mairie or local Town Hall.

Know all Formalities.

Remember, the French love paperwork. Never every estimate the formalities for moving to France. Just be sure you know all the formalities to fulfill even before entering into France. If you are sent to the state for work purpose, do know who can help you out at the destination. Alternatively, consider reading a book educating you on moving to France and contacting a relocation agency having both the knowledge of leaving UK and residing in France.

Learn the French Language.

While it is obvious that French is the mother tongue in France, several expats seriously overlook it. Even more worthy is to know that foreign languages are uncommon in France, as the citizens there are proud of their language. While people in the Netherlands will try to speak in your language, this is not the case in France. Thus, even if you speak little French, use the vocabulary and proper grammar to speak somewhat well to the French citizens. If not more, show your willingness to speak it. It is wise to learn basic French so that you can mingle with the citizens there, especially at the airport. And yes, do try to improve the language over time. Consider this tip if you do not want to be ignored and unloved. If you know French, you will definitely find a quick fix for any issue that may arise.

Respect Culture and Traditions.

Just like language, French passionately love their culture and traditions. Although much has changed in past few decades towards 'Anglo-Saxon' practices, sensibilities have still not gone. It takes more time in making acquaintances in France than in nations where English is spoken. This is perhaps because the French people are less casual while interacting with others. For instance, office employees shake hands instead of walking just straight into the cubicle and saying 'Hi'. Lunch breaks are seen with a deep reverence. It is worth giving respect to such differences or else you might be alone. Thus, investigate about the local culture and rituals followed before moving, ranging right from common courtesies to cuisine.

Register Your Car.

It is mandatory to register your car that you will be taking to France. Taking a car from another European Union (EU) country is almost hassle-free but otherwise individual approval is required before registration in France. It might also be mandatory to alter a non-EU car to adhere to the statutory standards of France, which is challenging and costly. In most cases, it is not worthy to do so. In case you are investing in a new car, it might not be cheaper, not at least the French-produced models! Therefore, it is wise to check out the prices of cars in EU nations at the official Web site of the European Commission.

Health Insurance.

Do not rush to get an expensive, international health insurance without knowing whether or not you are entitled to such a cover under the public system of France. Healthcare in France is among the best world's systems. There is no really no need to have such coverage for moving to France with some grave illness. If not entitled, you can yet join such coverage by paying 8% of the total income. In the state, the system refunds almost 66.66% of medical expenses, which is again considering the official rate limits. A local conventional doctor adheres to these rates, while other doctors are allowed to specify their rates. The difference is usually paid through a complementary insurance.

Review from Rob Davies.

Dear Sir,
We contracted Hunts International to move us from Watford UK to Toulouse in France. Every stage of the move was carried out with professionalism, skill and courtesy. The two guys who came to pack up arrived spot on time, got everything packed and loaded in just 5 hours or so. We recommend the full packing service: it was faster and easier than I could have dreamed and well worth the money. As it happened the same guys delivered our belongings in Toulouse and were just as efficient. They did everything right: they were on time, professional, thorough, careful, astonishingly hard-working and at the same time courteous and friendly. It was truly a pleasure to deal with them and they are a credit to Hunts International. Communication with Hunts was superb throughout, a big thank you to all the staff who were there behind the scenes. What more can I say? This was a big upheaval for us and Hunts made the removal the easiest part of it all. Thank you!.

Kind regards

Rob Davies