Shipping

You will save a lot of time and money by shipping some larger items to France.

Packing List

Bikes

Bringing the family bikes was a great idea. There are very few places that rent bikes for a year, and buying bikes for the whole family in France was an ordeal I was happy to skip. You have to dismantle the bikes and box them. You can get boxes from your local bike store, they are happy to give them to you as typically, they have to pay to dispose of them. Bike stores may also dismantle your bike for you for a fee.

Sports Equipment

Once you move 4 bikes to another continent, you might as well add the other things that you have on hand, like helmets (ski and bike), scooters, recently bought ski equipment. Throw it all in, so much easier to have on hand than buy new.

Boxes

Moving clothing, ski equipment, helmets, computers and scooters required various boxes and packing supplies. U-Haul seemed to have the best selection and prices and a very generous return policy – if you didn’t need the boxes, you could return them for a refund. (They do this because you always end up using every box, always…)

Clothing

I ended up packing all the winter clothing, jackets and boots.

Computers, Monitors

With the right packing material – it’s super easy to send over your electronics, PlayStation, etc.

Shrink Wrap

For about $20 you can buy a roll of shrink wrap – either via U-Haul or Home Depot. Best money you will have ever spent. This protects your boxes from any water damage, rips or tears. Much better than packing tape IMO although you will need packing tape to seal the boxes initially.

Moving Company

I really have to thank Leon at Fast Freight Forwarding Co. Many of the tips I have shared come directly from him. If you have never moved overseas before, you need to make sure you hire a company that responds to your questions in a timely manner and provides additional information that you typically wouldn’t be aware of (where to get bike boxes, shrink wrap etc.).