First Week in France: Our Guide for New Property Owners

We’d like to think we are organised, full of experience, with all angles covered, but how many times have we forgotten that essential item or tool before going away, or worse, when moving into a new house? Do not panic; once again, we’ve got you covered.

Moving to France often brings to mind clichés of relaxed lunches, vineyard walks, and daily croissants from the local boulangerie. However, before slowing down to the gentler pace of French life, there’s a first week to navigate. This is why the team at My-French-House has compiled this essential list of not-to-forget items.

Essential Items when Moving to a New Home Abroad

Whether you’ve bought a property in the countryside, a village house in Provence, or an apartment with a sea view on the French Riviera, newcomers soon realise that some essentials are universal.

While this list is arranged by general priority, individual preferences will undoubtedly vary. Still, we hope these moving tips are helpful or spark another idea for an essential item we didn’t think of! And if so, feel free to share your tip with us.

1. Mobile Phone and Internet Connection

Before addressing anything else, securing a French SIM card or mobile plan is a priority. Your phone will serve as a lifeline for arranging deliveries, opening bank accounts, and navigating unfamiliar roads. Without reliable connectivity, even the simplest tasks can become challenging, and you will need a phone to arrange and pay utility bills, like gas and electricity. For those who have not yet researched options, our guide to French mobile plans may prove valuable.

2. Plug Adapters and Extension Leads

One of the first practical surprises for many foreign buyers is the difference in electrical standards. France uses Type E plugs and a voltage of 230V, which differs from both the UK and the USA. As a result, chargers, lamps, routers, and appliances from these countries will require adapters. 

American citizens with appliances made in the USA may need a voltage converter to prevent damage. Ensuring you have an adequate supply of adapters and extension leads will save time and frustration. And before you connect any electric appliances or devices, we’ll assume you’ve already arranged home insurance cover, it’s mandatory in France, as you hopefully know!

3. Coffee, Tea, and a Coffee Machine

Few things restore a sense of normality as much as brewing your first coffee or tea in your new home. Many expats start by getting hold of a kettle, cafetière, or espresso machine early on. For me, a portable Aeropress and a hand grinder are non-negotiable travel companions. After all, a busy day should never begin with a subpar brew of any kind, especially on your first morning home. Luckily, I was gifted a funky espresso maker at my crèmaillère when I moved back to France.

4. Cleaning Products and Toilet Paper

While not the most glamorous of tasks, cleaning is often one of the first orders of business upon arriving at a new property. Depending on its condition, you may find yourself wiping surfaces, scrubbing cupboards, and searching for toilet paper.

You’ll probably want bleach from day one; it’s called eau de Javel. It’s another one of those French expressions that can confuse English speakers, because there’s no obvious clue that it means “bleach”. You’re welcome! These essentials ensure that your new space is comfortable enough and ready for use from day one.

5. Bottled Water and Basic Groceries

After a long journey, the idea of a four-course meal may not appeal to everyone. A visit to a French supermarket, even for the simplest of items, can feel like an adventure.

But first things first, get bottled water if you haven’t already. France offers a large range of eaux minérales, with well-known brands like Évian, Vittel, Perrier, and Badoit, among many others, each with unique mineral content and taste, some sparkling.

Fresh bread, charcuterie, cheese, lots of cheese, fruit, and a few local products can make your first meal both economical and delicious, while enjoying a gastronomic tour of the terroir.

A word of caution: you may feel overwhelmed by the range of products on offer and end up spending way too much time and money on your first visit. Proceed with a list to stay focused. It’s a classic mistake on your first supermarket trip in France; you’ve been warned!

6. Light Bulbs and Torches

Arriving late in the evening after delays at the Notary, only to find missing light bulbs (ampoules éléctriques), unfamiliar switches, or dark gardens is a common experience. A reliable torch can be unexpectedly useful during the first week, conserving your phone’s battery and providing a safer alternative to candles, which also mean you’d require a live flame, like matches or a lighter.

7. Garden and DIY Tools

When buying a home in France, new owners often find themselves in need of basic tools sooner rather than later. Secateurs, watering cans, screwdrivers, extension cables, or even a lawnmower may be required to maintain your property. Look out for local DIY stores like Leroy-Merlin, Castorama or Bricomarché.

Even small outdoor spaces invite a hands-on approach to living, and just a quick all-around tidy-up can make a big difference right away, particularly if you have a terrace or courtyard, or better still, a swimming pool. This leads nicely to the next must-have items.

8. Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen

For those settling in the south of the country, warm evenings, outdoor lunches, and long days in the sun are part of your new lifestyle. However, many will quickly discover that these alfresco pleasures need preparation. Mosquito repellent and high-quality sunscreen quickly become daily essentials, ensuring comfort and protection while you’re enjoying summer BBQ’s with friends and guests.

9. Wine Glasses and Outdoor Furniture

Among the first symbolic purchases for many new homeowners are wine glasses and outdoor furniture. The moment you sit outside with a glass of wine, surrounded by family, the sounds and scents of France, is often when the reality of your new life begins to sink in. Just make sure you didn’t forget to buy or unpack your tire-bouchon. Some of those French bottles are harder to open than you think without a corkscrew!

10. Champagne and Sunglasses

While perhaps not strictly practical, these items are no less essential. A bottle of champagne and a pair of sunglasses often mark the first celebratory moments in your French home. 

Whether your move was stressful or went super-smoothly after months of preparation, your first week in France deserves a proper toast. Bravo, you have made it, and your French dream is finally coming true.

Raise a glass to your achievement and to the exciting journey ahead, and don’t forget to invite your new friends and neighbours to your crèmaillère party once you’re settled. Who knows? With a little luck, you may get a coffee maker too!

Bienvenue en France.