Moving house in the UK is stressful enough. Moving it to another country adds shipping containers, customs paperwork and the slightly alarming moment when your sofa disappears for six weeks. A bit of planning makes all the difference.
Start with what to take
Shipping is priced mainly by volume, so every wardrobe you keep has a cost. Before you get quotes, decide what's worth moving. Large electricals may not suit local voltages or plugs, and furniture built for a Victorian terrace can look lost in a Dubai apartment. Be ruthless: if you wouldn't buy it again, it probably isn't worth shipping.
Get at least three quotes
Ask removal firms to survey your home, in person or by video, rather than guessing. Compare what's included: packing, export wrapping, customs clearance, delivery at the other end, unpacking and insurance. Look for firms that belong to recognised trade bodies such as the British Association of Removers' overseas group or FIDI.
How your things travel
- UK to Dubai: usually by sea in a shared or full container. Allow several weeks door to door. Air freight is faster but much more expensive, so most people use it only for a few essentials.
- UK to Spain: usually by road, either a dedicated van or a shared load. It's typically quicker than sea freight, and shared loads are cheaper if your dates are flexible.
Customs and paperwork
- Dubai: used household goods can usually be imported duty-free by new residents, with your passport, visa and a detailed inventory. Alcohol, medicines and some electronics have extra rules.
- Spain: since Brexit, goods from the UK go through customs. New residents can often bring personal belongings without paying duty under transfer-of-residence relief, provided they meet the conditions and submit the right documents.
Your removal firm should guide you through this. If they seem vague about customs, that's a red flag.
Insurance
Standard home insurance won't cover your belongings in transit. Take out marine or transit insurance through your remover or a specialist, and make a list of high-value items with photos. It's dull, but less dull than arguing about a scratched dining table with no evidence.
A rough timeline
- Three months before: declutter and get surveys.
- Two months before: book your remover and confirm customs requirements.
- One month before: arrange insurance and pack a box of essentials to travel with you.
- Moving week: keep passports, visas and inventory copies with you, not in the container.
Next steps
Expat Confidant can introduce you to a vetted international removal firm that regularly handles moves between the UK, Dubai and Spain.
This guide is general information. Customs rules change, so confirm the latest requirements with your remover before you ship.