Removals Portugal to UK can feel like swapping azulejo mornings for misty parks, new schools, and a different heartbeat. The journey looks complex after Brexit, yet it does not have to be chaotic. With a clear sequence you glide from keys handed back in Portugal to a front‑door handover in Britain. Think right‑sized vans that actually fit your life, careful packing that shields what you love, and live GPS that shows every mile. Prefer premium care? Our Packing Service protects glass, art, and tech, while White Glove Delivery places furniture exactly where you want it and clears the debris. Use the checklists below to cut guesswork, protect your budget, and land softly in the UK.
TL:DR
- Paperwork first. If needed, choose your visa route on GOV.UK, then apply HMRC Transfer of Residence relief, sort NIN, GP, DVLA, and school.
- Customs made easy. Clean inventory plus ToR usually means no duty on eligible used household goods.
- Track every mile. Live GPS on every load with accurate ETAs and optional photo checkpoints.
- Right‑size the van. From 5 m³ to 90 m³ for safe stacking, fewer trips, and calmer unloading.
- Pack smart. You handle linens and books; pros protect fragile pieces, TVs, instruments, and artwork.
- Own the access plan. Permits, lifts, and timed windows for London, Manchester, and Edinburgh so arrival feels smooth.
- Get a transparent quote. Share photos, dates, and access notes for numbers you can trust.
Why choose VANonsite for Portugal → UK routes
- Real‑time GPS tracking you can share, with proactive ETA updates.
- Fixed‑day certainty or flexible delivery windows, plus last‑minute capacity when plans shift.
- Right‑sized European fleet from 5 m³ to 90 m³, shuttle vans for tight streets, and access to furniture hoists when buildings demand it.
- Professional Packing Service and White Glove Delivery for premium care, placement, assembly, and debris removal.
- Specialist handling for art, antiques, pianos, and designer furniture with custom crating, corner guards, and breathable wraps.
- Single, English‑speaking move coordinator on WhatsApp, phone, or email from first quote to final placement.
- Customs‑ready paperwork support: itemised inventory templates and ToR reference tagging on transport docs.
- Secure storage bridging gaps between keys, short‑ or long‑term, with staged delivery when you are ready.
- Safety‑first crews with floor, door, and lift protection; building‑friendly methods and COIs on request.
- Optional photo checkpoints and room‑by‑room placement with signed checklists.
• Removals to Portugal (reverse corridor): https://vanonsite.com/removals-to-portugal/
• Brits moving to Portugal (audience hub): https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/brits-moving-to-portugal/
• Lisbon: https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/moving-to-lisbon-portugal/
• Madeira: https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/moving-to-madeira-portugal/
12‑step roadmap (Portugal to UK)
- Book your slot early. Peak months sell out; secure collection and delivery windows in advance.
- Serve notice and align utilities. Line up tenancy end, meter readings, cleaners, and access codes at both ends.
- Build a photo inventory. Room by room, flag fragile items and disassembly needs; note box counts and special care.
- Pick the right van size. Use the size table; if between sizes, choose the larger for safer stacking and fewer trips.
- Decide packing level. DIY non‑fragiles; pros handle glass, art, and electronics; add White Glove for placement and assembly.
- Apply ToR and check visa status. Submit HMRC ToR and confirm immigration route if not British/Irish.
- Reserve parking and lifts. Arrange permits, service lifts, and loading bays at collection and delivery addresses.
- Protect documents and first‑night kit. Keep passports, ToR ref, meds, chargers, bedding, and essentials with you.
- Move day execution. Floor protection, labelled loads, optional photo checkpoints, and live GPS tracking with ETAs.
- UK arrival & customs handoff. Present ToR reference; we coordinate clearance and last‑mile delivery.
- First‑week admin. NIN, GP registration, council tax, banking, utilities, and school admissions where needed.
- Unpack and settle. White Glove assembly, room‑by‑room placement, debris removal, and a quick condition walk‑through.
Documents & red tape – official links only
Use only official portals below. Tackle them in this order so the move flows and customs clears quickly. Rules can change, so always check the latest guidance on the linked pages.
Visas & immigration (if not British/Irish). Confirm whether you need permission to live, work, or study in the UK and which documents to prepare. Start with the routes and requirements on GOV.UK – UK visas and immigration, then follow the steps for your specific category.
Transfer of Residence relief (ToR). To avoid duty on eligible used household goods, apply before your shipment leaves Portugal. Submit proof of your move and keep the reference handy for clearance: HMRC – Transfer of residence relief.
Bringing personal belongings to the UK. Check what you can bring, how to declare items, and what is restricted. A clear, itemised inventory in English speeds release: GOV.UK – Bringing personal belongings to the UK.
National Insurance Number. If you plan to work, you may need a NIN. Apply after arrival using official guidance and keep your proof of application: Apply for a National Insurance number.
NHS / GP registration. Find a local practice and register as soon as you settle. The NHS explains documents accepted and how to join a surgery: How to register with a GP practice.
DVLA licence exchange. Some licences can be used for a limited time, others require exchange. Check deadlines and process here: Exchange a foreign driving licence.
Vehicle import (NOVA). Bringing a car or motorbike? Notify HMRC through NOVA promptly after the vehicle arrives to avoid penalties: Importing vehicles into the UK (NOVA).
Pet travel. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must meet GB entry rules on microchip, rabies vaccination, and documents. Plan vet visits and timing using Bring your pet to Great Britain.
Tip: keep PDFs of all confirmations (ToR reference, visa emails, GP registration, NIN application) in one cloud folder with simple file names so forms and checks move faster.
Customs & ToR made simple
Customs does not have to be a cliff edge. With Transfer of Residence relief (ToR) you can bring your used household goods to Great Britain without import duty, provided you meet HMRC criteria. Here is the smooth, sequenced path that keeps the wheels turning.
Timing that saves you days
- Apply before goods depart Portugal. Use the HMRC portal here: Transfer of residence relief and save your reference.
- Start early. Processing can take time. Submitting early prevents your van from waiting at the border.
- Attach the reference to transport docs. We tag the ToR reference to your consignment so customs can match it instantly.
Proof to include with your ToR application
- Proof of residence in Portugal: tenancy agreements, utility bills, municipal registration, or tax letters.
- Proof of move to the UK: UK tenancy or employment letter, university enrolment, or home purchase documents.
- ID and contact details: passport or national ID and a reachable phone/email.
- Itemised inventory: clear descriptions and fair second‑hand values in English. Group similar items to keep it readable.
For the latest requirements always defer to the HMRC page above and GOV.UK – Bringing personal belongings to the UK.
How to structure your inventory in plain English
- Describe items simply: “king bed frame, wood, 160 cm, used good,” not “stuff.”
- Group books, clothes, or kitchenware by type and quantity, for example “Books, mixed, 6 boxes.”
- Add serial numbers for electronics where you can. Mark each as “used, personal effects.”
- Separate high‑value pieces. Give realistic values based on second‑hand price, not retail.
Prohibited or restricted items – quick sanity check
- Do not pack hazardous goods like paint, fuel, aerosols, solvents, fireworks.
- Exclude perishables and open food; customs will reject them.
- Some goods need extra documents (e.g., certain plants, alcohol, new purchases). Check the GOV.UK guidance linked above.
Mini checklist before loading
- HMRC ToR reference saved and printed
- Inventory in English with quantities, values, and box numbers
- Proof of residency in Portugal and proof of move to the UK
- Transport documents ready (consignment note or bill of lading)
- Passports, pet papers, and vehicle docs kept on your person
Example: one ToR inventory line
| Box/ID | Item description | Qty | Age owned | Value (EUR/GBP) | Notes/Serial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L‑03 | 3‑seater sofa, fabric, 210 cm, used good | 1 | 3 years | €400 | No serial |
Van sizes – choose precisely
Choose capacity by volume first, then consider access at both ends. The right size protects your items, avoids repeat trips, and keeps the schedule honest.
| Vehicle | Volume | Max load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³ | 300 kg | 10–15 boxes, essentials, student moves |
| Moving Medium | 10 m³ | 600 kg | 1‑bed flat, compact sofa + bed, 20–30 boxes |
| Moving Premium | 15 m³ | 1000 kg | 2‑bed flat, 35–45 boxes |
| Moving Premium Plus | 30 m³ | 3500 kg | 3–4 rooms, wardrobes, white goods |
| Moving Full House XXL | 90 m³ | 20000 kg | Full family home, multi‑room office |
Quick volume math
- Standard moving box is about 0.07 m³. Fifteen boxes ≈ 1.05 m³.
- A compact sofa is 1.2–1.6 m³; a double mattress ≈ 0.6 m³.
- Add 10 percent buffer for plants, lampshades, and awkward pieces.
- If you are between sizes, choose the larger van for safer stacking and fewer shifts.
Example loads by size
| Size | Typical mix |
|---|---|
| 5 m³ | 12 medium boxes, bedside table, 32–43″ TV, two suitcases |
| 10 m³ | 25 boxes, 140 cm bed frame, mattress, compact sofa, bike |
| 15 m³ | 40 boxes, king bed, two dressers, dining table disassembled, two bikes |
| 30 m³ | 65 boxes, three beds, large sofa, white goods, wardrobes |
| 90 m³ | Full household with garden tools, bulky furniture, multi‑room office kit |
Packing that protects 2,200 km
Packing well is the fastest way to protect your budget and your nerves. Strong materials, simple systems, and a steady rhythm turn a long road into a non‑event.
Materials checklist
| Item | Why it matters | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Double‑walled boxes | Resist stacking pressure and vibration | Order 10 to 15 percent more than you think |
| Tape and dispenser | Seal seams and add rigidity | Tape all edges, not just the middle |
| Bubble wrap and paper | Cushion fragile items | Wrap individually, then group by size |
| Stretch wrap | Shield upholstery from dust and rubs | Spiral wrap arms and corners |
| Furniture blankets | Prevent scuffs during carry and transit | Layer between large items in the van |
| Corner guards | Protect tables, mirrors, TVs | Use on glass and artwork edges |
| TV and frame boxes | Stabilise screens and framed art | Request custom crates for oversized pieces |
| Wardrobe boxes | Move clothes on hangers, crease free | Pack shoes and belts in the base |
| Zip bags and labels | Keep screws and fittings together | Tape to the furniture underside |
| Mattress covers | Hygiene and moisture barrier | Seal after the mattress is inside |
| Silica gel packs | Reduce humidity around delicate items | Add to boxes with books or instruments |
Fragile playbook
- Kitchen. Plates travel vertically with dividers. Glassware prefers small boxes with padding top and bottom. Knives get guards or thick cardboard sleeves.
- TVs and monitors. Use original packaging. If missing, request a TV crate or edge protectors. Keep screens upright and marked Do Not Lay Flat.
- Artwork and mirrors. Corner guards, paper, then bubble, then a flat box. Mark glass side.
- Instruments. Loosen strings, use hard cases, add humidity packs for wood instruments.
- Furniture and appliances. Disassemble where practical. Bag fittings and tape the bag to the underside. Wrap edges and corners. Fit transit bolts for washing machines where applicable.
- Plants. Avoid soil shock. Water lightly 24 hours before and stabilise pots in shallow open boxes.
Room code system and door legend
- Assign each room a short code and a colour, for example
KITCH blue,BED1 green,LIV yellow. - Write the code and a number on each box, for example
BED1 12. - Place a one‑page legend at the entrance so the crew can fan boxes to the right rooms quickly.
- Mark first‑open boxes with a star.
72‑hour sprint plan
- T‑72. Sort and stage by room. Order any missing materials.
- T‑48. Pack non‑essentials and seasonal items. Disassemble large furniture.
- T‑24. Pack kitchen and bathroom. Leave a kettle kit. Charge power banks.
- Move morning. Strip beds, seal mattresses, walk the home once, and photograph meter readings.
Need help right now? Book Packing Service or upgrade to White Glove Delivery for placement and debris removal.
• Packing: https://vanonsite.com/packing-services/
• White Glove: https://vanonsite.com/white-glove-delivery-service/
UK city access & parking (London, Manchester, Edinburgh)
Big cities reward precision. We plan permits, windows, and equipment so unloading is calm and your building stays happy.
Photo checklist for fast planning
- Street width and the tightest pinch point near your 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
London
- Parking suspensions. Many boroughs require advance notice. We apply early and confirm signage so bays are reserved near your door.
- Red routes and restrictions. We plot arrival windows that respect red‑route timings and any ULEZ or congestion considerations.
- Loading bays and concierge. We coordinate with building management, book service lifts, and log vehicles with reception if required.
- Shuttle strategy. For mews or very narrow streets, we stage the main vehicle on a wider road and run a shuttle van for the last metres.
Manchester and Birmingham
- Early‑morning slots. We target quieter windows to secure bays and reduce carry distance.
- City‑centre loading bays. We confirm time limits, maximum stays, and vehicle heights. Service yard access is booked where available.
- Lift bookings. Many modern buildings require timed lift reservations. We sequence crews to match that window.
Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Tenement stair carries. Narrow stairwells and landings need smaller loads and extra hands. We protect common areas and log moves with factors where needed.
- Old Town access. Expect cobbles, gradients, and timed windows. Shuttle vans or hoists are arranged when streets are tight.
- Permit zones. We arrange permits or pay‑by‑phone sessions and confirm the shortest legal park point.
How our shuttle‑van plan works
- The main vehicle stages legally as close as possible.
- A smaller van cycles every 10 to 15 minutes to your door.
- Bulky items are wrapped and moved first. Crew inside prepares rooms and protection.
- We keep neighbours and building management informed so the flow stays smooth.
Costs & budget protection
Understand what shapes your quote and how to stay within budget without surprises.
Main cost drivers
| Factor | Why it matters | How to control it |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | The total cubic metres determine vehicle size and crew hours. | Declutter early, sell or donate bulky items. |
| Access | Narrow streets, floors without lifts, or distant parking increase handling time. | Provide access photos and reserve parking/lift in advance. |
| Packing level | Professional packing takes extra materials and time but protects high‑value goods. | Mix DIY for non‑fragile items with pro service for breakables. |
| Special items | Pianos, artwork, and antiques need crates, padding, or hoists. | Flag these during quote stage for accurate gear and cover. |
| Speed & timing | Express deliveries and weekend moves cost more. | Choose flexible delivery windows when possible. |
| Customs admin | ToR paperwork and inventories require prep time. | Complete forms early to avoid idle hours and fees. |
What’s included
- Door‑to‑door transport from Portugal to the UK
- Standard goods insurance and customs documentation support
- Basic loading and unloading with floor protection
- Live GPS tracking and ETAs
Optional extras
- Full or partial Packing Service
- White Glove placement, assembly, and debris removal
- Storage between collection and delivery
- Shuttle van for narrow access
- Additional insurance for high‑value items
Smart savings
- Combine smaller loads into shared transport when flexible on dates
- Reuse clean boxes and wrap where safe
- Off‑peak booking discounts in winter months
- Share access photos early to avoid unexpected shuttle costs
Quote checklist
Before accepting a quote, confirm that it clearly lists:
- Total volume (m³) and vehicle size
- Collection and delivery addresses with access notes
- What’s included and optional
- Insurance coverage level and excess
- ToR reference readiness and customs support
- VAT and currency (EUR or GBP)
- Clear payment schedule and cancellation —
Secondary keyword module – Furniture removals Portugal to UK
Moving a single statement piece or a small selection of antiques, pianos, artwork, or designer furniture? This service gives specialist packing, precision handling, and tight ETAs backed by live GPS you can share.
Who this fits
- Antiques and heirlooms that need gentle handling and humidity‑aware packing
- Pianos (upright & baby grand) requiring stair planning, skids, and strap systems
- Artwork & mirrors needing rigid protection and corner guarding
- Designer furniture and oversized boards that benefit from custom crating
- Tech & TVs where a shock‑safe crate and screen protection are essential
Protection & packing options
- Custom timber/ply crates built to item dimensions; soft‑crate options for lighter pieces
- Corner guards, foam edging, and breathable wraps to avoid pressure marks
- TV/fine‑art crates, wardrobe boxes for crease‑free hanging garments
- Stair, floor, and door protection; lift padding and COIs on request
How it runs (5 steps)
- Video/Photo survey → measurements, weight estimates, access notes
- Crate spec & insurance value agreed; optional condition photos
- Collection with padded dollies, piano skids/ramps where needed
- GPS‑tracked linehaul with ETAs refined to ±30–60 minutes
- Delivery: Standard doorstep/room drop or White Glove placement and assembly
Standard vs White Glove – quick compare
| Feature | Standard | White Glove |
|---|---|---|
| Crew focus | Safe transport & room drop | Placement to exact spot, alignment & finishing |
| Packing | Basic protection, blankets & straps | Premium packing, crates where required |
| Assembly | Not included | Light assembly (legs, frames), re‑levelling |
| Debris removal | Not included | All packaging removed |
| Access protection | Standard pads | Full protection kit, floor runners, door guards |
| ETAs & updates | GPS + ETA | GPS + ETA + proactive checkpoints |
| Best for | Robust items, budget moves | High‑value, fragile, or showcase pieces |
Storage, Student, and Office moves
Storage (bridge the gap)
When your UK keys date trails collection or you’re renovating, storage keeps everything safe and sequenced.
- When it fits: key delays, renovations, staggered move‑ins, or overseas work trips.
- What you get: itemised intake with photos, barcode labels, breathable wraps, weekly billing, and staged delivery room‑by‑room when you’re ready.
- Options: short‑term transit storage (days–weeks) or longer stays (months). Temperature‑steady materials; inventory export on request.
- Smart tip: pack “first‑open” boxes separately. We can deliver those ahead of the rest.
Student removals (small, fast, flexible)
Perfect for Erasmus/semester moves or dorm‑to‑dorm hops.
- Van sizes: 5–10 m³ so we can get close to halls; evening or weekend collections available.
- Box‑only plan: we move labelled boxes + suitcases if furniture stays behind.
- Extras: summer storage between terms, shared‑load savings with flexible dates.
- Prep checklist: keep ID, visa docs, meds, and laptop with you; use wardrobe boxes for quick unpack.
Link: https://vanonsite.com/student-removals/
Office moves (minimal downtime)
For startups and SME teams shifting between hubs.
- Scheduling: night/weekend slots to protect BAU, with a single move lead.
- IT & equipment: colour‑coded IT crate systems, anti‑static packing, monitor sleeves; desk de/re‑assembly to floor plan.
- Building compliance: lift and lobby protection, COIs, RAMS on request, and access coordination with facilities.
- Landing ready: asset‑tag mapping so teams can log in on Monday.
Link: https://vanonsite.com/office-removals/
Destination orientation – week one in the UK
Follow this simple order so essentials switch on quickly. Use official portals only.
- GP / NHS registration → Find and register with a local practice: NHS – How to register with a GP practice. Have ID and proof of address ready.
- National Insurance Number (if working) → Apply online: GOV.UK – Apply for a National Insurance number. Keep your confirmation.
- Council tax → Locate your local council on GOV.UK, set up your account, and apply any discounts (students/single occupancy).
- Utilities → Submit initial meter readings, choose tariffs, and set up direct debits for gas, electricity, and water.
- Bank account → Book an appointment or open online with ID and proof of address; enable online banking and alerts.
- Transport card → Get an Oyster (London) or local equivalent; register for discounts where eligible.
- Schools → Contact the local authority admissions team; provide proof of address and prior school records.
- Driving → Check your DVLA licence exchange timeline if applicable; organise UK car insurance if you brought a vehicle.
Keep digital copies of confirmations (GP, NIN, council, utilities) in one cloud folder named by step for quick retrieval.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need a visa to move from Portugal to the UK?
If you’re not British/Irish, check your route on GOV.UK – UK visas and immigration. Requirements vary by work, study, or family path.
Q2: What is Transfer of Residence (ToR) and do I qualify?
ToR lets you bring used household goods to Great Britain without duty if you’re moving your normal home. Apply before goods depart: HMRC – Transfer of residence relief.
Q3: How long does the move take door‑to‑door?
Typical direct van transit is 2–4 days Portugal→UK once loaded; shared loads with flexible dates run 4–8 days depending on routing and access.
Q4: What van size should I choose?
Use the Van Sizes table above. If you’re between sizes, choose the larger for safer stacking and fewer trips. We’ll confirm after a quick photo/video survey.
Q5: Can you pack fragile items, artwork, and TVs?
Yes. We offer premium materials, TV/art crates, corner guards, and custom timber/ply crates for high‑value pieces.
Q6: How does tracking work?
Every load has live GPS with shareable links and proactive ETA updates. Optional photo checkpoints at key stages.
Q7: What customs paperwork do I need?
A clear English inventory and (if eligible) your ToR reference attached to transport docs. Check official rules: GOV.UK – Bringing personal belongings to the UK.
Q8: Can you move pets?
We move your belongings. For pets, follow GB pet entry rules on microchip, rabies vaccine, and documents: GOV.UK – Bring your pet to Great Britain.
Q9: Do you offer storage if my keys are delayed?
Yes. Short‑term transit storage (days–weeks) and longer stays (months) with staged delivery when you’re ready.
Q10: What about access and parking permits in big cities?
We handle permit applications and service‑lift bookings where required (e.g., London borough suspensions, concierge bookings) to keep unloads smooth.
Q11: Can you transport my vehicle or help with import?
We coordinate goods moves and can introduce car transport partners. For import admin, notify HMRC via NOVA promptly: GOV.UK – Importing vehicles into the UK.
Q12: Is insurance included?
Standard goods cover is included; we can arrange additional insurance for high‑value items on request. Ask for limits and excess in your quote.
Final word
New country, same you — just with a calmer landing. We turn a long road into a clear, sequenced plan with the right van, careful packing, and transparent numbers.
Ready for precise pricing? Send us:
- Dates (collection & preferred delivery window)
- Addresses with any access notes (floors, lifts, parking distance)
- Photo‑backed inventory (rooms, special items, box counts)
- ToR status (applied / reference / not started)
- Special items (art, piano, antiques) and any assembly needs
- City permits required (if known)
Reply with the above or share a quick video walkthrough, and we’ll come back with a clear plan, accurate ETAs, and trustworthy numbers.
