House removals to Portugal can feel thrilling and intimidating at once. You picture azulejo mornings and coffee on a sunny balcony, then remember bubble wrap, loose screws, and forms in a new language. Breathe. This guide turns worry into a steady plan. Clear steps. Plain words. No surprises.
We map your move from first photo survey to keys in hand. We help you choose the right van size, from 5 m³ to 90 m³. Fragile pieces get professional packing. Signature items travel with White Glove care. Every load is tracked with live GPS and honest ETAs you can share. Fewer doubts, faster decisions, a softer landing in Portugal.
TL;DR checklist
- Start with paperwork: visas, customs, clean inventories
- Choose a van that fits: 5 m³ to 90 m³, no guesswork
- Pack smart: you handle books and linens, pros guard the fragile
- Reserve access early: permits, lifts, timed parking windows
- Track every mile: shareable GPS links and precise ETAs
- Ask for transparent quotes: photos, dates, access notes included
Why choose VANonsite for removals to Portugal
Choose a team that treats your move like a craft. We plan with precision, communicate clearly, and protect what you love. That is how a complex relocation starts to feel simple.
- Live GPS on every load with proactive ETA texts you can share with family or building management.
- Delivery your way. Lock a fixed day or pick a flexible window to capture better pricing.
- Built for European streets. Shuttle vans finesse tight lanes and historic centres where big trucks cannot reach.
- Premium care, on demand. Add our Packing Service or White Glove Delivery for room placement, assembly, and debris removal.
- Specialist handling, from pianos and fine art to designer furniture, with custom crating and breathable wraps.
- One coordinator from quote to final placement so you never repeat yourself.
- Storage bridge when keys slip or renovations run long, with staged delivery as you’re ready.
- Last Minute Moving capacity for urgent departures without drama.
Proof in the details: A client in Lisbon’s Alfama needed a delicate oak dining table carried through a ribbon of a street. We staged the main vehicle two blocks away, shuttled with a smaller van, padded every turn, and placed the table flush with the window light. Not a scratch, not a sigh.
12-step roadmap – from quote to keys in Portugal
Follow this rhythm. It cuts guesswork, saves hours on move day, and protects your budget.
- Book your slot early. Peak weeks go fast. Fixed day for certainty or a flexible window for better pricing.
- Serve notice and align utilities at both ends. Set final meter photos, cleaners, and key handovers to avoid overlap fees.
- Video or photo survey of rooms, access, stairs, lifts, and special items. We confirm volume and flag any crating needs.
- Choose your van size using our table. If between sizes, step up. Safer stacking means fewer trips and calmer unloading.
- Decide packing level. DIY linens and books. Pros handle glass, art, electronics, and instruments with crates and guards.
- Create a clean inventory in English or Portuguese. Group by room, count boxes, add fair second hand values.
- Customs prep if applicable. Gather proofs now so vehicles never idle. See links below for official guidance.
- Reserve parking, permits, and lifts for both addresses. Share photos of the tightest pinch points and lift measurements.
- Protect documents and a first night kit with passports, chargers, meds, bedding, kettle, and one pan to cook.
- Move day playbook. Floor protection, labelled loads, optional photo checkpoints, live GPS with proactive ETAs.
- Arrival in Portugal. Calm unload, room by room placement, quick condition check, debris cleared on request.
- First week admin. Register, switch utilities, and update records so life switches on fast.
Customs and paperwork for Portugal – simple and official
Use only official portals for rules and forms.
- Bringing personal belongings to Portugal. If you are transferring your normal residence, personal goods may qualify for customs duty relief. Many movers obtain a Consular Baggage Certificate to support clearance. See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance: Certificado de Bagagem. General tax and customs information is on Portal das Finanças.
- Residency and visas. Check the Portuguese migration authority for residence routes and documents: AIMA – Autorização de Residência. For renewals and updates, see AIMA portal.
- Vehicle import and taxes. If you bring a vehicle, file a Declaração Aduaneira de Veículos (DAV) online through Portal das Finanças – Serviços Aduaneiros and follow the DAV path. Practical how to is also described on ePortugal.
- Driving licence. Check if you can drive on your current licence or must exchange it. See IMT – Troca de Título de Condução Estrangeiro and general guidance Tenho Carta de Condução Estrangeira.
- Pets. Review Portuguese entry rules for companion animals with the veterinary authority: DGAV – Animais de Companhia. For travel from outside the EU, including the UK, see the specific DGAV pages.
What to prepare
- Passport or ID, plus NIF if you already have it
- Proof of residence change, such as tenancy or purchase documents
- Itemised inventory in English or Portuguese with box counts
- Values based on fair second hand prices and serials for electronics where possible
Mini inventory example table
| Box/ID | Item description | Qty | Age owned | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K-02 | Kitchenware mixed, plates vertical, wrapped | 1 | 4 years | €120 | 1 small appliance |
| L-03 | 3 seater sofa, fabric, 210 cm, used good | 1 | 3 years | €400 | No serial |
Timing snapshot
- Consular documents and inventories are best started 3 to 4 weeks before collection
- Vehicle DAV should be initiated promptly after arrival if you import a car
Prohibited or restricted quick list
Paints, fuels, aerosols, fireworks, perishables, and certain plants or alcohol. Always verify on official portals.
Van sizes and what fits – choose exactly
Start with volume. Then check access at both addresses. The right match keeps your belongings snug, reduces trips, and keeps ETAs honest. Every vehicle is GPS tracked so you always know where your things are.
| Vehicle | Volume | Max load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³ | 300 kg | 10 to 15 boxes, essentials, student moves |
| Moving Medium | 10 m³ | 600 kg | 1-bed flat, compact sofa and bed, 20 to 30 boxes |
| Moving Premium | 15 m³ | 1000 kg | 2-bed flat, 35 to 45 boxes |
| Moving Premium Plus | 30 m³ | 3500 kg | 3 to 4 rooms, wardrobes, white goods |
| Moving Full House XXL | 90 m³ | 20000 kg | Full family home, multi-room office |
Quick chooser
- Up to 15 boxes only: 5 m³
- 1-bed flat with compact sofa: 10 m³
- 2-bed flat with standard furniture: 15 m³
- 3 to 4 rooms with white goods: 30 m³
- Full family home or office fit out: 90 m³
Self estimate in 3 quick steps
- Count boxes and multiply by 0.07 m³ per standard box.
- Add big items. Sofa 1.2 to 1.6 m³, double mattress 0.6 m³, wardrobe 0.8 to 1.2 m³, washing machine 0.3 m³.
- Add 10 to 15 percent buffer for plants, lampshades, awkward shapes.
Load examples by size
| Size | Typical mix | Fit notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 m³ | 12 medium boxes, bedside table, 32-43″ TV, two suitcases | Keep books in small boxes |
| 10 m³ | 25 boxes, 140 cm bed frame, mattress, compact sofa, bike | Disassemble bed where possible |
| 15 m³ | 40 boxes, king bed, two dressers, dining table disassembled, two bikes | Protect edges and corners |
| 30 m³ | 65 boxes, three beds, large sofa, white goods, wardrobes | Good for staged unloading |
| 90 m³ | Full household with garden tools, bulky furniture, multi-room office kit | Ideal for full house moves |
Access constraints cheat sheet
- Narrow or historic streets: plan a shuttle van from a staged main vehicle.
- No lift or tight stairs: allow extra crew time, split large items.
- Long carry distance over 25 m: request trolleys and floor runners.
- Height limits or low entrances: we confirm vehicle clearance in advance.
Weight matters
Respect the max load. Heavy books and tools can hit weight limits before volume. Spread weight across more small boxes.
Quick volume tips
- Standard moving box about 0.07 m³
- Add 10 percent buffer for awkward items
- If between sizes, choose the larger van for safer stacking
Packing that protects 2,200 km – materials and methods
You get one chance to pack for a long road. Done right, everything lands in Portugal calm and unscathed. Use this section to level up beyond the basics and make unpacking easy.
Pro packing upgrades
- Crating on demand for artwork, large TVs, marble and stone tops, and heirloom pieces.
- Edge and corner protection for tables, mirrors, and frames to avoid pressure marks.
- Wardrobe systems that keep clothes hanging and crease free so you can dress on day one.
- Shock and tilt sensors applied to select crates when you want extra handling visibility.
What we pack vs what you pack
A smart split saves money and protects the fragile. Use the table as a guide.
| Item type | You pack | We pack |
|---|---|---|
| Books, linens, clothes in drawers | ✅ | |
| Kitchen everydayware | ✅ with dividers | |
| Glass, china, crystal | ✅ custom wraps and dividers | |
| TVs, monitors, framed art | ✅ TV boxes or rigid crates | |
| Instruments, turntables | ✅ hard cases and humidity packs | |
| High value items and antiques | ✅ custom crates and condition photos |
Do not pack list and legal notes
- Paints, fuels, aerosols, solvents, fireworks, and other hazardous goods are excluded.
- Avoid perishables and open food. Moisture and pests are not your friends.
- Certain plants and alcohol require extra documents; check official guidance before packing.
Moisture and climate control
- Add silica gel packs to boxes with books, instruments, or electronics.
- Wrap leather and wood in breathable materials rather than plastic that traps moisture.
- Keep mattresses sealed inside covers only after they are fully dry.
Proof of condition and labels
- Photograph premium items on all sides before wrapping.
- Use zip bags for screws and fittings and tape them to the furniture underside.
- Label every box on two adjacent sides with room code + number. Add simple contents like “KITCH 12, pans and utensils.”
- Place a one page door legend so the crew can fan boxes to the right rooms quickly.
Need hands on help or premium placement? Book Packing Service or upgrade to White Glove Delivery.
City access in Portugal – Lisbon, Porto, Madeira
Portugal’s beauty brings quirks. Narrow streets, hills, cobbles, ferries, and timed loading bays reward precision. A clean access plan keeps neighbours happy and your delivery smooth.
Access photo checklist
- Street width and tightest pinch point near the door
- Building entrance, corridor, and first turn
- Lift door width, cabin depth, and load rating
- Stair width and number of flights if no lift
- Distance from legal parking to your entrance
- Any height restrictions, gates, or concierge desk
Essential measurements to send
- Door width and height, lift door and cabin depth
- Largest sofa or wardrobe width and longest dimension
- Ceiling height in hallways and stairwell corners
Lisbon
Historic districts like Alfama and Bairro Alto can be very tight. Plan for a shuttle van from a staged main vehicle on a wider road. Book service lifts where available and notify concierge or building management in advance. Early morning arrival windows reduce congestion and secure legal bays.
Suggested internal link: https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/moving-to-lisbon-portugal/
Porto
Expect gradients and cobbles around Ribeira and Sé. We confirm loading bay limits, secure lift bookings in modern buildings, and prepare carry teams for tenement stairwells. Shorter, more frequent shuttle cycles keep traffic flowing and neighbours relaxed.
Link: https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/moving-to-porto-portugal/
Madeira
Sea crossings and weather can influence schedules. We build buffers around ferry timetables and plan for hillside properties with switchbacks. Where truck access is limited, we stage the main vehicle and run short shuttle loops. Tie downs and extra protection keep loads stable on steep approaches.
Link: https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/moving-to-madeira-portugal/
Costs and budget protection – no surprises
Clarity beats guesswork. This section shows what moves the price, what is already included, and the smart levers you can pull to protect your budget while keeping care levels high.
Cost drivers table
| Factor | Why it moves the price | How to keep it lean |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Bigger cubic metres mean larger vehicles and more crew hours | Declutter early, donate or sell bulky items |
| Access | Long carries, stairs, narrow lanes, or distant parking add handling time | Share access photos, reserve permits and lifts in advance |
| Distance & routing | Longer routes and ferries increase fuel and driver hours | Choose flexible delivery windows to capture efficient routing |
| Timing & service level | Express or weekend moves need premium scheduling | Pick a flexible window where possible |
| Packing level | Professional packing adds materials and time but reduces risk | Mix DIY on non fragile items with pro packing for fragile pieces |
| Special handling | Pianos, art, antiques need crates, pads, or extra crew | Flag special items during survey for the right plan first time |
| Customs admin | Document prep and checks take time where applicable | Complete forms early and keep a clean inventory |
| Storage gap | Storage and redelivery add handling and warehousing | Use short transit storage and stage delivery room by room |
What is included
- Door to door transport across Europe to Portugal
- Standard goods insurance and customs documentation support
- Professional loading and unloading with floor protection
- Live GPS tracking and proactive ETAs you can share
- A single move coordinator from quote to placement
Optional extras
- Full or partial Packing Service for fragile items
- White Glove placement, light assembly, and debris removal
- Storage between collection and delivery with staged drop offs
- Shuttle van for tight access or historic streets
- Additional insurance cover for high value pieces
Direct van vs shared transport
- Direct van gives fixed day delivery, fastest transit, and exclusive use of space. Best for tight schedules and full homes.
- Shared transport lowers cost by combining compatible loads on similar routes. Best when you are flexible on dates by a few days.
Smart savings list
- Share a photo backed inventory so we right size the van and avoid second trips
- Book off peak dates where possible, especially outside summer or holiday peaks
- Reuse clean boxes and pack a portion of non fragile items yourself
- Send access photos early to avoid surprise shuttle costs
Quote checklist
Before you approve a quote, confirm it clearly lists:
- Total volume in m³ and the vehicle size
- Collection and delivery addresses with access notes and any permits needed
- What is included and what is optional
- Insurance cover level and any excess
- Taxes and currency used in the quote
- Payment schedule, cancellation and rescheduling terms
Secondary module – furniture removals to Portugal
A single piece can carry a lifetime of stories. Whether it is a piano that anchors a living room or a designer table that catches the light, we treat it like it is the only item on the truck.
Who this fits
Antiques and heirlooms, pianos, artwork and mirrors, designer furniture, large TVs, bespoke lighting.
5-step micro process
- Video or photo survey to capture dimensions, weights, and access.
- Crate spec and insurance value agreed with condition photos on collection.
- Collection using padded dollies, piano skids, straps, and corner guards.
- GPS tracked linehaul with ETAs refined to a 30 to 60 minute window.
- Delivery to room with optional White Glove placement and assembly.
Standard vs White Glove comparison table
| Feature | Standard | White Glove |
|---|---|---|
| Packing | Protective blankets and straps | Premium packing, custom crates where required |
| Crew actions | Safe transport and room drop | Placement to exact spot, alignment and finishing |
| Assembly | Not included | Light assembly of legs, frames, shelves |
| Debris removal | Not included | All packaging cleared |
| Access protection | Standard pads | Full protection kit, floor runners, door guards |
| Updates | GPS link and ETA | GPS, ETA, and proactive photo checkpoints |
| Best for | Robust items on a budget | High value or fragile statement pieces |
Need specialist furniture moved to Portugal with zero drama? See our Furniture Removals service.
First week in Portugal – quick admin orientation
Land, breathe, switch life on. Tackle these essentials in order. Each step links to an official source so you can move fast and avoid red tape surprises.
- Register residency or update records. EU citizens register at the local town hall and obtain a residence certificate. Non EU residents follow residence permit steps with the Portuguese immigration authority. Start here: AIMA portal and ePortugal.
- Healthcare registration in Portugal. Register as an SNS user and sign up at your local health centre. Guidance and contacts: SNS and SNS 24.
- Utilities setup. Set up electricity, gas, and water once you have a contract and NIF. Consumer guidance and rights: ERSE.
- Schools. Enrol children on the official education portal or via your municipality. Info and timelines: Portal das Matrículas.
- Driving and vehicle rules. Check if you can drive on your current licence or need an exchange. Official rules: IMT.
- Pet registration. Portugal requires microchipping and registration in the national system. Start with the veterinary authority: DGAV.
FAQs – crisp and trustworthy
1) Do I need a visa to move to Portugal?
EU citizens can relocate and then register locally. Non EU nationals need an appropriate residence route. See AIMA for categories and documents.
2) How long do house removals to Portugal usually take?
Direct van delivery often takes 2 to 4 days once loaded. Shared transport with flexible dates typically 4 to 8 days, depending on routing and access.
3) What paperwork do I need for my personal belongings?
Prepare a clear inventory and proof of residence change. For customs relief and consular certificates, see MNE – Certificado de Bagagem and Portal das Finanças.
4) Can you move my plants?
Some plants face restrictions. Check health and transport rules before packing. Guidance: DGAV and local regulations.
5) How does live GPS tracking work?
Every load has a shareable GPS link. You see progress in real time and receive proactive ETAs.
6) What van size is right for a 2 bed home?
Most 2 bed flats fit 15 m³ with careful stacking. Check our size table and choose the next size up if in doubt.
7) Do you offer storage if my keys are delayed?
Yes. We provide short transit storage and longer stays with staged delivery when you are ready.
8) Can you move a piano or artwork?
Yes. We use specialist crews, skids, and custom crates as needed. See our furniture section for White Glove options.
9) What is included in the quote?
Door to door transport, baseline insurance, loading and unloading with protection, and live GPS. Extras like packing or White Glove appear as clear options.
10) What insurance options do you provide?
Standard goods cover is included. Additional cover for high value items is available on request. We will outline limits and excess in writing.
Summary
Moving home to Portugal should feel thrilling, not chaotic. This guide gives you a clear, sequenced route from the first photo survey to a calm handover in your new place. You start with paperwork and clean inventories, then choose the right van size from 5 m³ to 90 m³. You mix DIY for simple items with professional packing for fragile pieces. You reserve access, get honest ETAs, and track every mile with live GPS so nothing feels uncertain.
Customs is handled through official channels with practical links for AIMA, Portal das Finanças, IMT, and DGAV. City access plans for Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira keep neighbours happy and deliveries smooth. Budget stays protected with a transparent look at volume, access, timing, and the choice between direct van and shared transport. High value items travel safely with specialist crate work and optional White Glove placement. After arrival, a short checklist helps you register with the authorities, switch utilities, and settle in fast.
The outcome is simple. Fewer surprises. Safer belongings. Clear timelines. Numbers you can trust. When you are ready, send dates, addresses, access notes, and a photo backed inventory for a precise, transparent quote.
