How to Ship Household Goods, Personal Effects, and Furniture from the USA to France

Posted on February 12, 2025

Are you planning a move to France or need to ship household goods, personal effects, or furniture from the USA? International shipping can be a complex process, but with proper planning, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. This guide provides essential steps and tips to help you navigate the process efficiently.

1. Choose the Right Shipping Method

The two primary shipping options for moving household goods overseas are:

  • Sea Freight: Ideal for large shipments, including furniture and personal belongings. The most cost-effective option for full container loads (FCL) or less-than-container loads (LCL).
  • Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Suitable for smaller shipments or time-sensitive deliveries.
cargo ship

2. Understand French Customs Regulations

Your Mover should guide you through this process, but to give you an overview – France has specific import regulations for household goods and personal effects. Key considerations include:

  • Used household goods can typically enter duty-free if you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months.
  • if you’re not a French national, you must provide proof of residency change, such as a visa, work permit, or lease agreement.
  • Restricted and prohibited items include firearms, certain plants, and perishable goods.
  • A detailed inventory list (in French) and valuation of your goods are required. If you’re using a professional Mover, they will prepare this when they pack up everything.

3. Select a Reliable International Shipping Company

Partnering with an experienced freight forwarder or international mover simplifies the process. Look for companies that offer:

  • Door-to-door or port-to-port services
  • Assistance with customs clearance
  • Competitive pricing and insurance options
  • Good customer reviews and tracking capabilities

4. Prepare Your Goods for Shipment

Proper packing is essential to prevent damage during transit. Follow these best practices:

  • Use sturdy boxes, packing materials, and bubble wrap for fragile items.
  • Disassemble large furniture to save space and reduce shipping costs.
  • Label each box clearly with your name and destination address.
  • Create a detailed packing list for customs and insurance purposes.

If you’re using a professional Mover they will generally be responsible for packing the fragile things, and furniture items, but they will normally ask you to pack up your own personal effects and non-fragile things like books, toys etc.

5. Arrange for Customs Clearance in France

Upon arrival, your shipment will go through customs clearance. To facilitate this process, prepare the following documents:

  • Copy of your passport and visa
  • Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill (AWB) which will be provided by the shipping company
  • Detailed inventory list in French
  • Proof of residence in France (visa, utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
  • Any applicable duty or tax payments

6. Plan for Delivery in France

Once cleared, your goods will be delivered to your new home. You can choose:

  • Door-to-door service: The shipping company handles delivery to your address.
  • Port pickup: You arrange transportation from the arrival port.
  • Special delivery arrangements: you’ll find that in a lot of town and city centres do have very narrow stairways, and often no lifts, which means that you may need to hire a “external lift” to access high floors – these are widely used in France for moving in and out of town centre properties

7. Consider Shipping Insurance

Protect your belongings by purchasing shipping insurance. Coverage options include:

  • Total loss coverage: In case of complete shipment loss.
  • All-risk coverage: Protects against damage and partial loss.

Final Thoughts

Shipping household goods, personal effects, and furniture from the USA to France requires careful planning, from choosing the right shipping method to handling customs regulations. Partnering with a reputable shipping company and preparing the necessary documents can make the process much smoother. Start planning early to avoid last-minute issues and enjoy a stress-free relocation.

Need help with your international move? Contact ClickMoves to get a free quote!