Start planning as soon as you know you are going. Sort through each room and decide what to take, what to sell and what to give away. Furniture that suits a UK house may not fit a Portuguese flat, so check the size of your new rooms if you can. A smaller load is quicker to pack and usually costs less to move.
Next, sort out your papers. Keep passports, any visa or residence papers, and proof of your new address in a folder that travels with you, not in the van. We will ask you for a list of the goods you are sending, as customs needs this. Be clear and honest on the list, and keep a copy for yourself.
Think about what you need in the first few days. Pack a box or case with bedding, towels, basic kitchen items, chargers and any medicines. Keep it with you or ask us to load it last so it comes off first. This means you can settle in even before every box is unpacked.
Many Portuguese towns have narrow old streets, steep hills and busy centres where large lorries cannot get close to the door. Tell us about access at your new home when you book. We can plan a smaller vehicle for the last part of the trip if needed, or allow extra time for carrying items to the door.
Flats in Portugal often have small lifts or only stairs. If your building has rules about when moves can take place, let us know early. Some areas may also need a permit or a word with the local council to park a removal van. Your landlord or building manager can usually tell you what is needed.
On delivery day, someone should be at the new home to let the crew in and show them where things go. We place furniture in the right rooms, and we can rebuild items we took apart. If you booked our packing service, ask about unpacking too, so you can start living in your new home straight away.
Yes. Since Brexit, a move from the UK to Portugal counts as a move from outside the EU, so your goods need customs paperwork. Transfer of residence relief can often let you bring your things in without paying duty. It usually needs you to have lived outside the EU for a set time and owned the goods for some months. Please check the current rules.
A dedicated van suits a full house move or a fixed date, as your things travel alone and come straight to you. A shared or part load suits smaller moves. Your goods share space with other customers' items, which usually costs less but gives less control over the exact delivery day. We can talk you through both.
Yes. If your new home in Portugal is not ready, or your dates do not line up, we can keep your things in secure storage. We then deliver them when you are ready to move in. Every item goes on a list, so you know what is stored and can ask for it when you need it.
Yes. As well as moves from the UK, we offer domestic removals within Portugal, from city flats to homes in the country. We can also help firms with business moves. Tell us both addresses and what you need to move, and we will plan the right crew, van and timings for your move.