How long did those who moved to France spend planning?
Those who haven't moved yet, how long are you allowing for planning?
I figure four to five years will be time for thorough research. I want to be completely comfortable with the culture.

Hmm five years seems a bit long don't you think? Well it all depends. I would say that a year would be enough, and the last 6 months would probably be a bit scary.

I came here for a first visit in Easter 04 and by November 04 was living here full time. What is there to plan?

Well, first will your incomes help you start up, will you be able to get an apartment, should you look at a job before or after, and all that :)

After having made the final decission of moving to france. It took a while to find a house. And due to the nice french regulations, we're waiting for the final transfer of ownership. For the rest, try te get a beit headstart by learning french before you leave. Personal contact is the way to grease most proceedings, for this the language is a requirement. For the rest, its nice to have a job. planning all this is difficult, if not to say sheer impossible. just go and see what crosses your path.

You can spend your whole life waiiting for the right moment to come, sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and jump !

Yes I do agree that 5 yrs seems a bit long. However it is good to have some money saved up to live off and its easier to learn teh langauge when youre there I think.
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I figure four to five years will be time for thorough research. I want to be completely comfortable with the culture.

Jeez, mate! That's 4 or 5 years wasted, when you could be out here making a go of it. And how can you be comfortable with the culture when you're not living the culture?

I heard something recently along the lines of: Florida is full of 67 year-olds who wanted to wait until it was safe before going anywhere. Now it's safe...and they're 67 years old. It may not be a correct citation, but you get the gist...

Grab a chance and you won't be sorry for a might-have-been

Johnny

http://www.livingabroadreport.com/

Found this site recently which is very motivational about moving abroad and I think might be useful in terms of moving from the Americas as a lot of forum members seem to come from the states. I think he also has good links for visa needs which is a topic that has come up before. I believe from a US expat here that a lot can depend on which state yo are from!

Thanks for the link! I've been looking through it, lots of helpful info there!

Unfortunately, the time we move depends on my grandma's death, I hate to be so bittersweet, I figured she has five years tops. (It's probably a lot less, it's just hard to admit) :(

Depending on how much you're moving and what your lifestyle is, it shouldn't take more than six months to get everything in order ...often much less time than that. So much time is given to sorting out what to ship and what not to ....I've learned it pays to not have too much 'stuff'. LOL.

Sounds like I should just focus on learning the language until the time to go is closer....

I know what you mean about stuff :) . I plan on not taking much at all, I'm sure it's much easier to start a new collection of junk once we're there!

True! And part of the fun is buying stuff to begin with. I just sold off some china and silver which I really liked, but it was replaceable and when you factor the shipping costs, I can find more!

Rubybeetle,
I am very sorry to hear about your Gram. That is very sad. I hope she has enjoyed a full & happy life, as should you. I think all the research you're doing is a great idea, I moved here totally "blind". My husband (then fiance) came here in November '04 and my daughter and I joined him in Feb '05. So you could say we "took the plunge". If I had researched too much I might have changed my mind. Things have a way of working themselves out, though, and even if you don't stay, France is still a great place to visit! Some things have to be experienced (as opposed to researched), and living in France is certainly one of 'em! Follow your heart- corny cliche, but sometimes real good advice.
All the best to you and your family.

I would have to say that it is going to take me at least 2 years to plan to make the move. I have to make sure everything here is situated and then get everything ready in France, figure out what I need, etc., etc.

Rubybeetle,
I am very sorry to hear about your Gram. That is very sad. I hope she has enjoyed a full & happy life, as should you.

Thanks for your kind words. She has lived a happy life and she has taught me to do the same.
Hey, I like that corny-cliche follow your heart! If more people would only do that there would be less sadness in the world.

If your Grandma is in good health, take her with you. It might give her a new lease on life.

I think that if you don't do something that you might like to try then you will regret not doing it. In the same way, when you do move to France you will soon think to yourself, why didn't I do it sooner. I have been here for 2 years now and never look back. OK It only took me 6 months from first thought to permanent move, but, I now know that I did the correct thing.
As for work, who needs it? I am now 48, retired when I was 46, and hope that I never have to work again. I am not rich, but I manage on the money that I have and am not in any way materialistic, live life with a smile and don't look back.