Planning an international move involves much more than choosing a moving company and packing boxes. If you’re relocating between the UK and France, the day you start your move can have a significant impact on how quickly your belongings clear customs and reach their destination.
Many customers are surprised to learn that customs processing times can vary throughout the week. Choosing the right moving day can help reduce delays, avoid unnecessary storage costs, and make your relocation considerably less stressful.
Why Timing Matters for International Moves
Since Brexit, household goods moving between the UK and France require customs procedures and supporting documentation.
Although major freight routes operate throughout the week, many customs offices and administrative services work reduced hours outside normal business days. Some customs offices are only open Monday to Friday, while others operate limited weekend services depending on their location and purpose. This means paperwork issues discovered late on a Friday may not be resolved until the following week.
Reference: French Customs Opening Hours and French Customs Code
The Best Days to Move
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
For most UK-France relocations, midweek departures are often the safest option.
These days provide:
- Full access to customs offices
- Greater availability of support staff
- More time to resolve documentation issues
- Reduced risk of delays caused by weekends or public holidays
If additional paperwork is requested, there is usually sufficient time to address the issue before the weekend arrives.
Why Friday Moves Can Be Riskier
Friday departures may seem convenient, but they can create challenges if customs queries arise.
For example:
- Missing documents may not be identified until goods reach the border.
- Administrative teams may not be available over the weekend.
- Clearance issues can sometimes remain unresolved until Monday.
This can result in longer transit times and additional waiting periods.
Weekend Moves: What You Should Know
A common misconception is that French customs completely shut down on weekends.
In reality, some customs services and freight facilities continue operating on Saturdays and Sundays, particularly around major ports and transport hubs. However, staffing levels and administrative support can be reduced compared with weekdays.
As a result, if a customs declaration requires correction or additional information, processing may take longer than during a normal working week.
Don’t Forget About French Public Holidays
French public holidays can have a significant impact on customs processing and transport schedules.
Some of the most important dates include:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Monday
- Labour Day (1 May)
- Victory in Europe Day (8 May)
- Bastille Day (14 July)
- Assumption Day (15 August)
- All Saints’ Day (1 November)
- Christmas Day
Moving immediately before or during a public holiday can increase the likelihood of delays.
Before booking your move, it’s worth checking both UK and French holiday calendars.
Planning Ahead Can Save Days
One of the biggest causes of customs delays is incomplete paperwork rather than customs inspections themselves.
Before your move, ensure you have:
- A detailed inventory
- Proof of address
- Identification documents
- Any customs declarations required for your shipment
- Supporting evidence for residency changes where applicable
Having everything prepared before departure can significantly reduce the chances of delays at the border.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a move between the UK and France in 2026, Tuesday through Thursday are generally the safest days to begin your journey.
While customs services do operate in various forms throughout the week, weekday moves provide greater access to administrative support and more opportunities to resolve any issues quickly.
At MoveDay, we help customers plan their international moves carefully, ensuring paperwork is completed correctly and helping minimise unnecessary customs delays.
A little planning can make the difference between a smooth move and several days of waiting at the border.
Official Sources
- French Customs (Douane) – Office Opening Hours
- French Customs Code (Article 49)
- French Government Public Services Directory
- GOV.UK – Moving Goods Between the UK and EU