Relocating from mainland France to the Overseas Departments and Territories (DOM-TOM) demands careful planning months in advance. This includes organizing transport for personal belongings and furniture, all of which can add up quickly. As relocation experts with years of experience guiding clients through these moves, we've identified proven strategies to significantly reduce your moving bill.
How Does Moving from Mainland France to Overseas Territories Work?
There are two primary options for transporting furniture and personal effects from mainland France to the DOM-TOM:
- Air transport: Handled via freighter aircraft, ideal for small volumes due to its premium pricing.
- Maritime transport: Goods are packed into containers, either individually or shared (groupage). The shared container option is the most cost-effective, as you only pay for the volume you use.
Expert Tips to Lower Your Moving Costs
Partnering with a professional mover opens doors to savings. Here's how, based on strategies that have helped countless clients:
- Choose the budget-friendly package where you handle packing boxes and fragile items yourself.
- Time your move for the off-season. Avoid peak summer months (July and August), when families and civil servant relocations drive prices up by about 25%.
- Declutter strategically: Moving costs scale with volume. Sell, donate, or discard unused clothes, furniture, or broken items to shrink your load and your bill.
- Source free cardboard boxes: Skip paid supplies from movers—ask supermarkets for their recycled boxes.
Access Financial Assistance for Your Move
Eligible families can receive a moving allowance from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) under specific conditions:
- At least three dependent children (born or unborn).
- The new home qualifies for Family Housing Allowance (ALF) or Personalized Housing Assistance (APL).
- The move occurs between the 1st day of the month following the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy and the last day of the month before the child's 2nd birthday.
For 2019, amounts were:
- €991.58 for three children.
- €1,074.22 for four children.
- €82.63 per additional child.
Submit your completed application and documents to CAF within six months of the move.
For professional relocations, employers often contribute, potentially covering costs fully. Additionally, the Mobili-Pass aid—for rented homes over 70 km away—offers €3,000 to €3,500 (subject to tax caps), depending on the region.
