From the U.S. Back to France: A Thoughtful Return After Nine Years

Life in the U.S. Never Truly Felt Like Home

I never really adapted to life in the United States. I stayed for nine years, but as a retiree who wasn’t fully integrated, I never felt truly at home. My English improved, but not enough to feel fully comfortable, and I only formed superficial connections with people around me — no deep friendships ever developed.

Eventually, my French income was no longer enough to sustain life in the U.S., where daily expenses are three to four times higher than in France. While property prices might be similar between the two countries, the quality of housing is not. In France, houses are built with cement and rarely require major repairs. In the U.S., my wood-framed home needed something fixed nearly every year.

Choosing Personal Service Over the Cheapest Offer

My move was small — just 26 boxes, no furniture. I left behind all glass Tupperware and dishes, only shipping non-fragile items. After submitting my request on Sirelo, I received several offers. However, most were very impersonal, focused solely on price.

What mattered most to me was having direct, human contact — someone I could email to confirm the shipment date and reach out to if something went wrong. I didn’t choose the cheapest option. I chose the company that offered personalized communication, and so far, it has worked well.

Pickup Went Smoothly — Now Waiting for Delivery

The movers arrived on the agreed day and handled everything professionally. I noticed that, in the truck, they created a separate section for my boxes, which gave me some peace of mind.

However, as of now, I haven’t yet received my boxes in France. I don’t know when they will arrive — or even if everything will make it. The service isn’t complete yet. My shipment left from Seattle and is supposed to arrive in the Arcachon Bay area.

There’s nothing fragile in my boxes, and I expect it may take six weeks or more. That’s why having a real point of contact is crucial — someone who can provide updates and support during the waiting period.

Practical Advice: Don’t Ship What You’ll Need Right Away

If I have one piece of advice to share, it’s this: only pack for shipping the items you can live without for at least two months, especially if you’ll be in temporary housing once you arrive.

In my case, I’m currently renting a furnished studio while looking to buy a house. Still, I’ve found myself missing specific things — like proper blankets, since I can’t tolerate synthetic comforters, and certain kitchen tools, as I avoid cookware made with PFAs.

Before the move, I had already dropped off a large suitcase and carry-on bag at the studio. On the final departure day, I brought another large suitcase and another carry-on. Thankfully, I had packed summer clothes, so I’ve managed.

But what I’ve really been missing isn’t clothing — it’s specific bedding items and kitchen essentials. Even furnished rentals rarely provide everything you personally need or prefer.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I feel positive about the move. Choosing a mover with personal communication was the right call, and the pickup process was smooth. Now I’m simply waiting for the final delivery and hoping everything arrives as expected.

If you’re planning a similar move, prioritize comfort and practicality: pack wisely, stay in touch with your mover, and make sure you have what you need to feel at home during the transition.