Moving household belongings between the UK and another country

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Decide what is worth moving

Create an inventory with dimensions, condition and replacement values. Compare transport with buying locally while considering sentimental value. An inexpensive large wardrobe can occupy costly space, while essential documents and irreplaceable photographs are better kept separately with you.

Establish the transport model: dedicated vehicle, shared load, sea, air and final delivery. Dispatch time is not the same as arrival in your home. Ask about consolidation waits and storage.

Check customs before packing

GOV.UK explains belongings entering the UK ↗, including possible taxes and conditional ToR relief. Used goods are not automatically exempt. Other destinations have their own import rules and recipient requirements.

FIDI's country customs guides ↗ are reference material; Tell Me UK is not a FIDI affiliate or FAIM-certified mover. Check document dates and confirm final requirements with the customs representative. Investigate alcohol, plants, food and hazardous goods before packing.

Quote the entire route

Include packing, loading, transport, clearance, port or storage costs, room delivery, stairs and unpacking. Establish responsibility for inspections, document delays and storage. Door-to-door wording needs an itemised scope.

Identify subcontractors and the destination contact. Check cover values, exclusions, excesses and owner-packed limitations. FIDI discusses packing considerations ↗, but your contract determines the applicable cover.

Prepare and receive

Keep a detailed numbered inventory and photographs. Passports, immigration papers, medicines and valuables should remain outside the shipment. Keep keys available for any required inspection of locked containers.

Count items and note condition on delivery, including claim deadlines. Retain damaged packaging until assessment. Keep customs papers and invoices. Report recipient-status or address changes before the shipment arrives because late corrections can be expensive.