Your Trusted International Moving Company
Moving from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose or anywhere else in the Bay Area to Paris, Montpellier, Lyon or another French city means shipping your home about 5,600 miles across the Atlantic and clearing EU customs on arrival. NOR-CAL Moving Services is a Bay Area international moving company that manages the whole move, from packing at your door to delivery at your new address in France.
Moving to France combines French paperwork, an ocean crossing and a delivery that is often into an older building in a historic city center. As a full-service international mover, NOR-CAL handles the packing, export paperwork, shipping and delivery, so you have one point of contact from the first estimate to the last box. We are a direct mover, not a broker, and we are licensed and insured.
Why People Trust NOR-CAL Moving Services for Bay Area to France Moves?
Experienced Bay Area to France Movers
Export-Grade Packing and Crating
EU Customs Paperwork Support
Short and Long-Term Storage
Licensed and Insured Movers
We Make Your Move from the Bay Area to France Simple
- Free estimate. We review your home in person or by video and recommend ocean or air freight.
- Packing and loading. Our crews pack, label and inventory everything at your Bay Area home.
- Export and shipping. We handle US export paperwork and book your shipment.
- French customs and delivery. Your shipment is cleared in France and delivered to your address.
- Unpacking. We can unpack, place furniture and remove the packing materials.
Track your shipment with our international shipment tracking.
Bay Area to France at a Glance
- Distance (San Francisco to Paris): About 5,600 miles
- Typical shipping method: Ocean freight (full or shared container) or air freight
- Typical ocean transit, door to door: About 6 to 10 weeks
- Customs relief for movers: EU relief for moving your residence
- Electricity: US 120V / 60Hz; France 230V / 50Hz with Type E plugs
- Driving side: Right in both countries
An International Moving Company You Can Count On
NOR-CAL Moving Services is based in the Bay Area, and our international moves run through the Allied International network of carriers and agents. You work with a local team before the move, and a partner team in France receives and delivers your shipment. Our international moving resources explain each stage.
What Makes the Bay Area to France Route Unique?
EU relief for people moving their residence. The EU generally allows personal belongings to be imported without customs duty or import VAT when you are moving your normal place of residence from outside the EU. It typically requires that you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and have owned and used the goods beforehand. French customs commonly ask for a detailed inventory and proof of identity and residence, and requirements can change, so confirm them with French customs or your local consulate. We prepare the inventory and shipping paperwork.
Paris and older buildings. Many Paris apartments are in older buildings with narrow stairwells, small or no lifts and tight streets, and large furniture may need a furniture lift. City permission may also be needed to reserve street space for the moving vehicle. Send us your address and floor and we’ll plan the delivery around it.
Unfurnished rentals. Many long-term French rentals are let unfurnished, which can mean bringing more of your own furniture than you would for a furnished place. Decide early what ships, what stays in storage and what you’ll sell.
Different electricity. France runs on 230V / 50Hz with Type E plugs. Chargers and laptops usually work with an adapter, but large US appliances typically don’t.
Where we deliver. We arrange deliveries across France, including Paris, Montpellier, Lyon, Marseille and Nice.
Professional Packing and Unpacking for Your France Move
Your shipment will be loaded and unloaded several times on its way across the Atlantic. We use export-grade materials, crate fragile and valuable pieces and record every carton on a detailed inventory, which also supports your customs declaration. Our packing services include unpacking and removal of packing materials at your French home.
Storage and Flexibility When You Need It
Lease dates, visa appointments and purchase completions often shift. We can keep your belongings in household storage before they ship, or arrange storage in France until your new home is ready.
Ready to Move from the Bay Area to France?
Tell us where you’re moving from and where in France you’re headed, and we’ll send a free quote. Get your free quote or call us at (510) 949-8954.
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Question & Answer
How long does it take to ship household goods from the Bay Area to France?
By ocean, most moves take about 6 to 10 weeks door to door, including pickup, export clearance, the sailing, French customs and delivery. Air freight is faster and is often used for essentials. Timing depends on the shipping method, the destination and whether customs inspects your shipment.
How much does it cost to move from the Bay Area to France?
The price depends on how much you’re shipping, ocean or air, full or shared container, packing, access at both addresses, insurance and the delivery location in France. We give a free written quote after reviewing your move, so you know the price before you commit.
Will I pay French import duty or VAT on my belongings?
People moving their residence to France from outside the EU can generally import personal belongings without customs duty or import VAT, provided conditions are met, such as a minimum period of living outside the EU and prior ownership and use of the goods. French customs commonly ask for a detailed inventory and proof of identity and residence. This is general information, not tax advice, so check the current requirements with French customs.
Can you deliver to a Paris apartment with narrow stairs?
Yes, we plan for it. Many older Paris buildings have narrow stairwells and small lifts, so large pieces may need a furniture lift, and street space for the vehicle may need city permission. Send us your address and floor level early and we’ll plan the delivery.
Will my US appliances work in France?
Usually not without changes. France uses 230V / 50Hz power and Type E plugs, while the US uses 120V / 60Hz. Chargers and many electronics are dual-voltage and need only a plug adapter, but appliances with motors or heating elements often don’t work safely. Check the label on each one, or plan to replace it after you arrive.
Can I ship my car to France?
It’s possible, but the car must meet French and EU registration and technical requirements, which can be costly for US-market cars. For many people selling it and buying in France is simpler. Ask us and we’ll explain what to check before you decide. You can also read our FAQs.
Call us today!
(510) 949-8954