Introduction
Moving from Greece to UK begins with a decision and ends with a door opening. It should feel like turning a page, not wrestling with red tape. Salt on your skin today, a warm British breakfast tomorrow. Your belongings cross seas and borders on proven routes, GPS pinned the whole way, wrapped for ferries and motorways, and placed exactly where you want them. With VANonsite you get calm coordination, clear pricing, and real people who answer the phone. Use this playbook to move with confidence from island lane or Athens flat to your new UK home.
TL;DR (7 bullets)
- Door to door, GPS tracked transport across Europe with live ETAs and proactive updates
- HMRC Transfer of Residence (ToR) guidance, simple inventory templates, and timeline reminders
- Transparent Greece → UK removals cost with savings levers like consolidation, flexible dates, and smarter access
- Packing choices from DIY kits to full White Glove packing, placement, and assembly
- Right sized fleet: 5 m³, 10 m³, 15 m³, 30 m³, 90 m³ plus short or long term storage
- Island friendly logistics: ferry booking, short quay shuttles, and narrow street access in UK cities
- One coordinator from survey to sign off, fast responses in clear English
Why VANonsite for Greece → UK
- Real time GPS on every load so you always know where your move is
- White Glove placement and assembly for art, instruments and designer furniture
- Last minute collection options without cutting corners on care or safety
- End to end services: Home Removals, Furniture Removals, Packing Services, White Glove Delivery, Office Removals, Student Removals, Storage
- Transparent, itemised quotes so you understand your Greece → UK removals cost before you book
- Post Brexit paperwork support including HMRC ToR guidance and simple inventory templates
- Practical staging in Athens or mainland Europe when keys or ferries are uncertain
- Flexible fleet sizes: 5 m³, 10 m³, 15 m³, 30 m³, 90 m³ to fit every move
- Optional enhanced insurance with photographed condition reports at collection and delivery
- UK city know how: CPZ dispensations, bay reservations and quiet hour planning handled with you
- Proactive communication on WhatsApp, email or phone with one coordinator from survey to sign off
Internal links for related moves:
- Removals to Greece
- Moving to Greece from Ireland
- Moving to Athens Greece
- Best removals from UK to Greece
Routes from Greece to UK at a glance
There are three reliable ways to cross Europe with a household. Pick speed, price or simplicity and we will map the rest. Timings vary with season, ferries and volume, but the outlines below help you choose.
| Route | Typical days | Best for | Pros | Watch‑outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greece → Italy (Patras–Ancona/Bari ferry) → France → UK | 5–8 | Full house moves preferring one long sea leg | Predictable highways, overnight ferry rest | Ferry seasonality, cabin costs |
| Greece → Balkans (North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia) → France → UK | 5–8 | Cost sensitive in peak ferry months | Avoids high ferry fares, many staging points | Multiple borders, tolls, variable traffic |
| Island origin → Athens/Piraeus staging → UK | 6–10 | Island homes and furniture shopping in Athens | Easy consolidation and storage options | Extra leg to mainland staging |
Quick route picker
- Choose Italy ferry when you value rest on a long sea leg and fewer borders.
- Choose Balkans road when ferries surge in price and you prefer all road.
- Choose Athens staging when you start on an island or need storage and consolidation.
Tip: When keys are uncertain, we stage in Athens or Italy, then complete the final UK leg the moment you green‑light delivery.
Costs: what drives price and how to save
Intro paragraph: focus on value, safety, and control. Then break down the levers.
Price drivers
- Distance and route (road + ferry legs)
- Volume and weight (m³ / kg)
- Access at both ends (parking, lifts, stair turns)
- Packing scope and materials
- Season and ferry availability
- Storage or split deliveries
VANonsite vehicle sizes
| Option | Approx. capacity | Max load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³ | 300 kg | Studio essentials, student sets |
| Moving Medium | 10 m³ | 600 kg | Small furniture + 30–45 boxes |
| Moving Premium | 15 m³ | 1000 kg | 1–2 bedroom apartment |
| Moving Premium Plus | 30 m³ | 3500 kg | Family move or office |
| Moving Full House XXL | 90 m³ | 20000 kg | Full house or villa |
Quick fits
- 5 m³ fits 15–25 boxes, a TV, a bike.
- 15 m³ fits a two‑seat sofa, queen bed, dining set, 45–70 boxes.
- 30 m³ fits two beds, large appliances, outdoor gear, 70–120 boxes.
Savings without compromises
| Lever | Why it matters | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Declutter early | Fewer m³ = lower cost | Sell, donate, recycle before survey |
| Smarter access | Reduces crew time | Reserve bays, share lift size, send a video walk |
| Packing scope | Stops damage and rework | Book fragile‑only or full pack |
| Flexible dates | Avoids peak ferry surcharges | Offer a 2–3 day window |
| Staging & storage | Removes deadline stress | Deliver essentials first, finish later |
Get your Greece → UK cost breakdown
Step‑by‑step plan: 30 days to delivery
Short, focused tasks you can tick off fast. Each block ends with a one line checklist so you know you are on track.
30+ days out
- Book a video survey and share access videos of both addresses, including stair turns and lift sizes.
- Choose packing level: DIY, fragile only or full pack. Order materials if DIY.
- Pencil in a target week and note school, work and landlord constraints.
- Start decluttering. Sell, donate or recycle to cut volume and cost.
- Begin your ToR prep and draft a simple room by room inventory.
- Photograph high value items for condition records and note serial numbers.
Checklist: survey booked, route pencilled, ToR started, packing plan set, declutter list live, access videos shared.
21 days out
- Confirm vehicle size and route based on the refined inventory.
- Reserve your ferry window or choose mainland staging if dates are fluid.
- Start room by room packing with room and priority labels (PRI1/PRI2) and FRAG for fragile.
- Apply for parking permits and notify building managers at both ends.
- Book a cabin on the long ferry leg if you will travel alongside.
- Confirm insurance preferences and save photo condition reports.
Checklist: vehicle confirmed, ferry or staging held, labels in use, permits in motion, insurance noted, photos saved.
10 days out
- Dismantle large items; bag and tape hardware to frames.
- Back up devices, photograph cable setups and pack chargers together.
- Defrost fridge and freezer, run down perishables and dry interiors.
- Prepare an essentials kit for the first 48 hours and set aside passports and meds for hand carry.
- Finalise your ToR inventory and keep copies in cloud and on your phone.
Checklist: big items flat packed, tech backed up, cold appliances defrosted, essentials ready, ToR inventory finalised.
3 days out
- Final inventory and box count by room.
- Confirm quiet hours, lift reservations and parking or bay dispensations.
- Double box TVs; protect mattress corners and table edges.
- Lay out cones or signage for your loading bay if allowed.
- Share emergency contacts and travel itinerary with your coordinator.
Checklist: inventory locked, access secured, fragile packed right, bay plan ready, contacts shared.
Move day
- Floor protection down; quick walkthrough with the crew and confirm priorities.
- GPS tracking link shared; essentials loaded last and marked PRI1.
- Cross check inventory numbers and sign collection paperwork.
- Photograph meter readings and empty rooms before you hand over keys.
Checklist: tracking live, essentials last, paperwork signed, property documented.
Delivery in the UK
- Pre call before arrival; bay reserved or dispensation confirmed.
- Walkthrough and placement plan by labels; assembly of beds and key furniture first.
- Position appliances and allow fridges 4 hours before power on.
- Remove packaging, recycle materials and complete the manifest sign off.
Checklist: bay ready, rooms set, appliances resting, packaging removed, manifest signed.
Documents & compliance for moving to the UK (official links)
Keep it simple and official. Use the primary sources below and always verify before travel. For ToR you will prepare a basic inventory and proofs so HMRC can grant relief from duties on your personal goods.
- Transfer of Residence relief (ToR) for household goods: eligibility, inventory and timing.
Official: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transfer-of-residence-to-great-britain - Visas and immigration if you plan to work or stay long term.
Official: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration - Driving in Great Britain on a non‑GB licence and exchange rules.
Official: https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence - Vehicle import if you are bringing a car or motorbike.
Official: https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk - Register with a GP and access NHS services.
Official: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-practice/ - National Insurance Number if you will work in the UK.
Official: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number - Pet travel to the UK rules.
Official: https://www.gov.uk/bring-your-pet-to-uk
ToR mini checklist (before shipping)
- Apply online and keep your ToR reference handy.
- Proof you lived outside Great Britain (usually 12 months).
- Proof of identity and date of entry plan.
- Simple inventory of personal effects, marked as used and for continued use.
- Upload scans and save copies to cloud and phone.
UK arrival quick start
- Book a GP and keep proof of address ready for registration.
- Check if your Greek licence can be used or exchanged and update insurance.
- If you will work, apply for a National Insurance Number early.
- Bringing a vehicle? Read HMRC and DVLA steps before the border.
Document checklist table
| Document | Who needs it | Where to get it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Everyone | Issuing authority | 30+ days before move |
| ToR application & inventory | Importing household goods | HMRC (link above) | Before shipping |
| Visa/immigration proof | Non‑settled or work/study | UKVI (link above) | Before arrival |
| NI Number | Anyone working | DWP (link above) | Within first weeks |
| GP registration | Everyone | NHS (link above) | After arrival |
| Driving licence check | Drivers | DVLA (link above) | Before driving |
| Vehicle import docs | Bringing a vehicle | HMRC + DVLA | Before/at import |
Packing that survives ferries and motorways
Sea legs add moisture, vibration and more hands at each port. Motorways add miles of steady shake. Pack for the journey, not just the van.
- If we pack: custom crates for art and glass; full inventory with room codes; tamper evident seals on high value items; shock and tilt indicators on fragile crates.
- If you pack: keep heavy items in small boxes; wrap plates vertically; double box TVs and monitors; use breathable mattress covers; label two sides and the top; tape seams in an H pattern.
- Eco choices: reusable crates, paper padding and recyclable film; we collect used materials on delivery.
Label system that speeds delivery
- Use room codes: KIT, LIV, BED1, BED2, BATH, OFFICE.
- Add priority codes: PRI1 open first, PRI2 next, STO storage.
- Mark FRAG for fragile and arrow THIS SIDE UP where needed.
Ferry‑proof materials & methods
| Item | Materials | Method | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV / Monitor | Double wall box, foam corners, stretch wrap | Screen protected, cables in a bag taped to box | Prevents flex and lost parts |
| Glass & ceramics | Paper, bubble, divider kits | Wrap individually, stack plates on edge | Absorbs shocks and avoids crushing |
| Mattresses | Breathable cover, tape | Cover fully, avoid tight plastic in heat | Prevents mildew and scuffs |
| Sofas & chairs | Blanket wrap, corner guards, film | Blanket first, film to hold | Protects fabric and arms on tight turns |
| Art & frames | Glassine, corner protectors, crate | Float mount inside crate | Stops frame pressure and vibration |
| Instruments | Hard case, desiccant, soft wrap | Case first, then crate if valuable | Controls humidity and impact |
| Appliances | Transit bolts, foam, straps | Fit bolts for washers, tape doors | Prevents drum damage and door swings |
| Books | Small boxes only, paper void fill | Fill tight, no large book boxes | Avoids crushing and back strain |
Do not pack for ferries
- Gas cylinders, fuels, open paint or solvents, leaking liquids
- Unprotected lithium batteries or loose cells above ferry limits
- Perishables in non refrigerated boxes
- Anything damp that can mildew during a sea leg
Ferry safe packing checklist
- Number every box and keep a simple inventory
- H taping on all seams; straps on heavier cartons
- Protect corners of tables and frames
- Bag hardware and tape to dismantled furniture
- Photograph valuable setups before packing
- Keep passports, meds and electronics in hand carry
- Share photos or a short video of packed rooms before collection
Useful services: Packing Services and White Glove Delivery
Access in Greek towns and UK cities
Greek streets are charming and narrow. Quiet hours apply in many neighbourhoods, and island quays can be busy when a ferry docks. UK cities often require parking dispensations. Planning removes friction.
Quiet hours and permits
- Check local quiet hours; we can switch to low noise handling when needed
- Reserve a loading bay or mark space with cones and a simple sign
- Tell us about arches, low balconies, width limits or pedestrian zones
- Share a short video walk from street or quay to your door
Common hurdles & fixes
| Hurdle | Fix | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| No lift to higher floors | Split loads, smaller boxes | Add crew, protectors and stair gear |
| Tight stair turns | Dismantle bulky items | Bring tools and corner guards |
| Quay not accessible | Compact shuttle from port | Trolleys, glide sheets, piano skids |
| Controlled parking zones (UK) | Reserve bay/dispensation | Apply in advance, share permit refs |
| Wind holds on ferries | Buffer day + live updates | Rebook and stage safely |
| Low archways or balconies | Micro van shuttle | Switch vehicles at nearest access |
| Weight limits in lanes | Short carry relay | Extra crew and trolleys to speed up |
| Heritage floors or tiles | Surface protection | Ram board, felt pads, shoe covers |
Shuttle menu for the last mile
- Compact van for historic centres
- Hand carry relay with trolleys for pedestrian lanes
- Short quay shuttle to keep port time minimal
Port and building coordination timeline
- 48–24 hours out: confirm ETA and quiet hours, share tracking link
- 12 hours out: assign quay spotter and home spotter, verify parking plan
- Docking: split crew between quay and home, stage items by room code
- Arrival at home: floor protection, quick walkthrough, placement plan
Delivery day checklist
- Pre‑arrival call and bay setup with clear markers
- Walkthrough and placement plan for each room
- Floor and corner protection in high traffic areas
- Assembly of beds and tables; hardware bags checked
- Box placement by labels and priority numbers
- Appliance positioning and safe power up checks where applicable
- Packaging removal and eco friendly recycling
- Final sweep and sign off against the manifest
FAQs
- What is the cheapest way to move from Greece to the UK without risking damage? Choose consolidation, be flexible on dates, declutter early and share access videos so we avoid unnecessary shuttles. Book fragile‑only or full professional packing for delicate pieces. Avoid false savings like underinsurance or flimsy boxes.
- How long does delivery take door to door? Most Greece → UK routes take 5 to 9 days depending on volume, route and ferries. Island origins may add a buffer day in peak season. You receive live GPS tracking and proactive updates throughout.
- How does Transfer of Residence work and when should I apply? Apply before shipping. Prepare proof of living outside Great Britain, your ID, intended date of entry and a simple inventory of used personal effects. ToR usually removes import duties on household goods. Official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transfer-of-residence-to-great-britain
- What volume fits in 10 m³, 15 m³ and 30 m³? 10 m³ suits a compact set of furniture and 30–45 boxes. 15 m³ handles a 1–2 bed flat with a sofa, bed, dining set and 45–70 boxes. 30 m³ fits two beds, large appliances and 70–120 boxes.
- Can you collect from Greek islands and deliver to London, Manchester or Edinburgh? Yes. We coordinate ferries, use compact shuttles where streets are narrow and deliver nationwide in the UK with placement and assembly.
- Do I need to exchange my Greek driving licence? Rules depend on your status and how long you will stay. Check the official guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence and confirm with your insurer before you drive.
- Can you store my goods if my home is not ready? Yes. We can stage in Athens or mainland Europe and store in the UK. Deliver essentials first if needed and complete the final drop when you have keys.
- Do you provide insurance for high‑value items? Standard carrier liability is included. We can arrange enhanced, itemised cover for art, instruments and designer pieces with photographed condition reports at collection and delivery.
Summary
Here is the move in one clear picture. VANonsite turns a Greece to UK relocation into a calm, clockwork plan. You get a 30 day checklist, practical cost levers, ferry smart last mile access, and official links for ToR, visas, NHS and DVLA. Every load is GPS tracked, packed to survive sea legs and motorways, and delivered room by room with optional White Glove care. Choose the route that fits your timing, right size the vehicle from 5 m³ to 90 m³, and use Athens or mainland staging when keys are uncertain. Share your inventory, origin, destination and target window. We will map the route, secure permits and coordinate delivery down to the parking bay.
Start planning now:
