Removals, customs and logistics when moving from the UK to Europe

Since Brexit, transporting household goods across borders now involves customs rules, paperwork and timing considerations that did not previously apply.

Decisions about what to take, what to store and what to sell can have a significant impact on cost, stress and how smoothly your move unfolds.

This guide explains how removals and customs work when moving from the UK to Europe, what has changed since Brexit, and how to plan logistics in a way that supports your wider relocation rather than complicating it.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only. Customs rules and documentation requirements vary by country and personal circumstances and may change. Professional advice may be required for complex moves.

Post-Brexit changes to moving possessions

Before Brexit, household goods moved freely between the UK and EU countries. That is no longer the case. The UK is now treated as a third country, meaning customs declarations, inventories and eligibility criteria apply to personal belongings.

Many people underestimate this change and only engage with removals companies late in the process. This can lead to delays, unexpected costs or items being held at the border.

Early planning allows you to:

Understand what qualifies for relief from customs charges
Prepare documentation properly
Decide whether moving everything makes sense
Align removals with visa and residency timelines

Transfer of Residence relief

Most people moving permanently to Europe can apply for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which allows personal household goods to be imported without paying customs duty or VAT.

To qualify, you usually need to show that:

You are changing your normal place of residence
The goods are for personal use
You have owned and used them for a minimum period (often six months)
You are not importing items for sale

This relief is not automatic. It must be applied for and supported with documentation.

What counts as household goods

Eligible items typically include:

Furniture
Clothing and personal effects
Kitchenware
Books and personal items
Appliances that have been owned and used

Items that may cause issues include:

New or unused goods
High-value items without proof of ownership
Alcohol or tobacco above allowances
Commercial equipment
Vehicles (which follow separate rules)

A detailed inventory is almost always required, often listing approximate values and confirming usage.

Deciding what to take, store or sell

One of the most important decisions is not how to move your belongings, but whether to move them at all.

When moving all/most of your possessions is sensible

You are relocating indefinitely
You have substantial furniture or personal items
Your destination property is unfurnished
Replacement costs would be higher locally

When downsizing might be the better option

You are unsure where you will live long term
Your destination property is furnished
Storage costs outweigh replacement costs
You want flexibility during the first year

Many people choose a hybrid approach: shipping essential items, storing sentimental or seasonal belongings, and selling bulky or easily replaceable furniture.

Shipping options explained

Full removals service

This includes packing, transport, customs paperwork and delivery. It is usually the least stressful option, but also the most expensive.

Part loads or groupage

If you are not moving a full household, groupage allows your items to share space with other shipments. This reduces cost but can extend delivery timelines.

Storage solutions

Storage can be short- or long-term and based in the UK or Europe. This can be useful if your accommodation is not ready or you want to wait before committing to a permanent move.

Customs paperwork and timing

Common documentation includes:

Proof of identity
Proof of address in the UK and destination country
Residency or visa documentation
Inventory of goods
Transfer of Residence application

Processing times vary by country and time of year. Delays are common if paperwork is incomplete or submitted late.

Timing matters. Shipping too early can result in goods arriving before you are legally resident. Shipping too late can leave you without essentials for weeks.

What to expect at the border

Even with correct documentation, goods may be inspected. This is routine and not necessarily a sign of a problem.

Issues usually arise when:

Items appear new
Quantities suggest commercial use
Paperwork does not match the shipment
The mover is not experienced with post-Brexit rules

Using an experienced removals provider can reduce the likelihood of complications.

Costs to include in your budget

Beyond the quoted removals fee, people often forget:

Packing materials
Insurance
Storage fees
Customs administration charges
Delays resulting in temporary accommodation costs
Replacement of items you decided not to ship

Understanding the full cost early helps you make better decisions about what to move.

Common items that require special considerations

Vehicles

Cars are subject to separate import rules, inspections and taxes. In many cases, importing a UK vehicle is expensive and impractical. This is covered in detail in the driving and car article in this section.

Electrical items

Voltage and plug differences can affect whether appliances are usable. Some items may require converters or replacement.

Restricted and prohibited items

Each country has its own restrictions. Items such as plants, soil, certain foods and chemicals may be prohibited.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many of the issues people run into with removals are the result of reasonable assumptions rather than poor planning. Since Brexit, a few of these assumptions no longer hold.

Leaving removals until late in the process is one of the most common problems. By the time visas or accommodation are confirmed, timelines can be tight and options limited. Starting conversations earlier gives you more flexibility and avoids rushed decisions.

Another frequent mistake is assuming that personal belongings move freely. Household goods now require customs paperwork, and not everything automatically qualifies for relief from charges. Items that appear new, are high value or are poorly documented can cause delays.

People also tend to underestimate how long shipping and customs clearance can take. It is common for belongings to arrive weeks after you do, so planning for a period without your full household setup can reduce frustration.

Shipping everything without questioning whether it makes sense is another common issue. Large furniture, appliances and low-value items can be expensive to move and may not be practical in a new home. Many people later realise they could have stored or replaced certain items more easily.

Finally, problems often arise from incomplete inventories or using removals companies without experience of UK to Europe moves. Clear paperwork and an understanding of post-Brexit processes make a significant difference to how smoothly a move progresses.

When to seek specialist help

Some people move to Europe with very few belongings and manage the process themselves. For many others, particularly since Brexit, specialist help can remove uncertainty and prevent problems that only emerge once goods are already in transit.

It is usually worth speaking to a removals specialist if you are relocating a full household, working to a fixed deadline, or unsure whether your belongings qualify for relief from customs charges. Professional support can also be useful if you are moving in stages, storing items temporarily, or relocating to a country with more complex customs procedures.

Specialists can help you understand what is worth shipping, what may be better sold or stored, and how to prepare documentation properly so that delays and unexpected costs are avoided. For many people, this early clarity is more valuable than trying to resolve issues once the move is already underway.