The appeal of Italian life draws thousands of British families each year, whether for work, retirement, or simply a change of pace. What many don’t anticipate is how Brexit has transformed what used to be a straightforward European move into something requiring genuine expertise.
Professional removals to Italy typically take 5–21 days depending on your chosen shipping method, with costs ranging from £1,200 to £5,500 based on shipment volume and destination region. Since January 2021, all UK-to-Italy shipments require customs documentation, proof of residency intent, and coordination with both British and Italian authorities. A specialist removal company navigates these requirements daily, managing everything from ZTL delivery restrictions in historic city centres to post-Brexit import declarations.
Get a quote for international removals to Italy from the UK with Simpsons – a leading company for large household removals or smaller removals to your new home overseas.
If you are planning a move from the UK to Italy and need assistance transporting your furniture and belongings to your new home, Simpsons is here to provide a cost-effective and reliable solution. With our extensive experience in European and international removals, we have gained a trusted reputation for ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving experience.
At Simpsons, we understand the unique challenges and logistics involved in moving to Italy, and our dedicated team is well-equipped to handle all aspects of the process. On the day of your move, you can expect our international removals team to provide friendly and high-quality service, ensuring that your belongings are handled with utmost care and professionalism.
When it comes to transporting your furniture and belongings from the UK to Italy, we primarily utilise road freight services. We utilize a larger European road train instead of traditional van removals, allowing us to take advantage of economies of scale and ultimately reduce customer costs.
As part of our comprehensive door-to-door service, our packers will carefully wrap and protect your household effects before delivering them directly to your new house in Italy. We prioritise the safety and security of your belongings throughout the entire journey, giving you peace of mind during the transition.
We encourage you to complete our quote form with your specific requirements to get started.
Simpsons is Rated Excellent on Trustpilot 
Small removals to Italy
If you are looking for a small removal service to Italy from the UK, we can help you. Whether you are looking to ship a couple of boxes or luggage, our removal service will ensure your belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
You can have the option of our economy part loads road freight service, shared shipping container or express air freight.
We pride ourselves on being one of the best international removal companies in the UK.
Removals to Italy
Our removal service to Italy can also incorporate a period of storage, should this become necessary, and as with all our services, you may elect to take a full or part packing service when you are moving house in Europe & moving house to Italy.
If your consignment is of a small nature, the time scale is of little importance, or you are simply working to a budget, then our part load service or shared service will be the obvious choice. Whilst still offering a fixed date collection of your goods and maintaining compatibility with a professional packing service, this cost-saving service still provides first-class services to all popular destinations for European moves.
Types of removal service to Italy
Simpsons International Removals is a leading removal company, offering you a comprehensive range of services if you are looking to move your belongings to Italy, each tailored to meet different needs and budgets.
Road Freight Service – Dedicated or Part Loads
Road freight service is an excellent choice for European removals, especially for those seeking a balance between cost and speed. This service ensures that your goods are transported efficiently over land, providing a swift and budget-friendly option. You can decide to use either a dedicated or part load service with road freight.
Sea Freight service – Container Shipping
For those who might be moving larger quantities of goods or seeking an even more cost-effective solution, sea freight services are also available. Whether that’s a full-load 20ft or 40ft container for larger moves or a part-load container for smaller quantities, sea freight is known for its economic value, especially for substantial moves, and while it may take longer than road transport, it offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting your goods over longer distances.
Air Freight Service – For Small Moves
For the quickest transportation of your belongings to Italy, air freight is the recommended option. This express courier service is ideal for smaller moves, such as sending boxes or luggage. Air freight stands out for its speed, making it the perfect choice for those who need their items to arrive in Italy as quickly as possible. However, it is important to note that while air freight is the fastest method, it is generally more expensive than road or sea freight and is best suited for larger volumes of goods.
Contact our International Removals Consultants for advice and to get a quote for Moving to Italy
Our International removals consultant will make your international move to Italy easier. The international removal consultants can advise you based on your needs and requirements. Due to the number of overseas moves we conduct, our team is highly knowledgeable about the removals process and will be extremely helpful.
We recommend you book a home or video survey to get a more accurate quote for your international removals from the UK to Italy. For a home survey, our surveyors will provide with a quote based on the volume of goods and the size of the move.
However, if you wish to receive a quick free quote for moving to Italy, visit our cost calculator to receive a free quote.
Simpsons is a reliable & trustworthy removal company that you can be sure will offer a great service for your move to Italy. Contact us today.
Which International Movers Specialise in Door-to-Door Removals to Italy for Expats?
Choosing a provider that offers overseas removals to Italy requires more than general overseas experience. Post-Brexit customs rules, residency-linked import requirements, and access restrictions in many Italian towns mean that removals to Italy work differently from other European or long-haul moves. A company with specific Italy experience is better equipped to manage these details without delays or last-minute complications.
What Distinguishes Italy Specialists
| Qualification | Why It Matters for Italy |
| BAR Overseas Membership | Guarantees adherence to British Association of Removers standards |
| FIDI-FAIM Accreditation | Global quality benchmark with annual audits |
| Italian Partner Network | Local agents in Rome, Milan, Florence, and regional destinations |
| Post-Brexit Customs Expertise | Essential since January 2021 |
| Bilingual Documentation Support | Italian authorities require precise translations |
Italy presents unique logistical considerations that general European movers often underestimate. Historic city centres have restricted traffic zones (ZTL), narrow streets may require smaller vehicles for final delivery, and regional variations in local authority requirements can catch inexperienced movers off guard.
Hallmarks of a reliable Italy removals specialist:
- Conducts thorough pre-move surveys (home visit or video)
- Provides itemised quotations with no hidden destination charges
- Assigns a dedicated move coordinator familiar with Italian regulations
- Offers flexible road and sea freight options
- Maintains direct relationships with Italian customs agents
With decades of international removals experience, Simpsons has established trusted partnerships throughout Italy, from the industrial north to the Mezzogiorno, ensuring your relocation services to Italy proceed without bureaucratic surprises.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Full Household to Italy with a Professional Removals Company?
Moving services to Italy are priced based on volume, destination, access considerations, and your chosen shipping method. The following table breaks these costs down so you can gauge how much your move might cost.
UK to Italy Removals: Cost Breakdown
| Shipment Size | Groupage (Shared) | Dedicated Road | Sea Freight |
| Studio/1-bed (100–250 cu ft) | £1,200 – £1,800 | £1,800 – £2,400 | £1,600 – £2,200 |
| 2–3 bed house (350–600 cu ft) | £1,800 – £2,800 | £2,800 – £3,800 | £2,400 – £3,200 |
| 4+ bed house (700+ cu ft) | £2,800 – £3,500 | £3,800 – £5,500 | £3,200 – £4,500 |
Prices are indicative for central and northern Italy. Southern Italy and islands (Sicily, Sardinia) typically add £300–£600.
Key cost variables:
- Distance: Milan costs less than Palermo due to road distance and ferry requirements
- Access: Historic buildings without lifts, ZTL restrictions, or narrow streets may require additional handling
- Season: Peak summer months (June–August) see higher demand and prices
- Insurance level: Basic versus comprehensive coverage
- Packing service: Full professional pack versus owner-packed
For accurate pricing tailored to your specific move, request a detailed home survey from Simpsons Removals.
What Is the Best Removals Service for Relocating to Italy with Family and Furniture?
Relocating to Italy with family and furniture involves more moving parts than a single-person relocation. School start dates, property access restrictions, furniture compatibility, and delivery timing all affect how smoothly the move unfolds. A removals service that accounts for these factors from the outset is better placed to support a family move without disruption.
What families need from shipping household goods to Italy services:
- Flexible scheduling that accommodates school terms and work commitments
- Child-friendly packing that protects toys, books, and sentimental items
- Pet coordination guidance (though specialist pet transport is separate)
- Storage options for gap periods between UK departure and Italian property availability
- Clear communication throughout the move process
“Families relocating to Italy often underestimate the importance of timing. Italian schools start in September, so we see a surge of family moves in July–August. Booking early, ideally 8–10 weeks ahead, secures better dates and often better rates.” — Simpsons Move Coordinator
Family Move Checklist Considerations
| Aspect | Planning Requirement |
| School documentation | Academic records may need apostille certification |
| Medical records | Obtain copies before departure; translation helpful |
| Pet passports | EU pet passport no longer valid; AHC required |
| Children’s essentials | Keep comfort items in personal luggage, not shipment |
| Vehicle import | Consider selling UK car; Italian registration complex |
Which Removal Firms to Italy Handle Packing, Export Wrapping and Customs Clearance?
Post-Brexit rules mean that removals to Italy now involve formal customs procedures rather than simple cross-border transport. Packing, export wrapping, and customs clearance all need to work together, because gaps between these stages are a common cause of delays, rejections, or additional costs once a shipment reaches the Italian border.
Professional packing for Italy-bound shipments includes:
- Export-quality cartons and materials designed for road/sea transit
- Detailed inventory listing every item (required for customs)
- Specialist wrapping for antiques, artwork, and fragile items
- Proper labelling meeting Italian customs requirements
- Photographic documentation for insurance purposes
Post-Brexit Customs Documentation Essentials
| Document | Purpose | Who Provides |
| Detailed inventory | Customs declaration basis | Removals company |
| Proof of identity | Passport/ID copies | You |
| Proof of Italian residency | Establishes right to duty-free import | You (from Italian authorities) |
| Export declaration | UK customs requirement | Removals company |
| T1 transit document | Goods in transit through EU | Removals company |
| Import declaration | Italian customs clearance | Italian customs agent |
A comprehensive international removals to Italy service handles all documentation preparation, submission, and liaison with both UK and Italian customs authorities.
Contact our customs specialists →
Can I Get a Quote for a Shared Container or Groupage Shipment to Italy for a Small Move?
Groupage (shared load) shipping is a practical option for smaller overseas removals to Italy where a dedicated vehicle or container would be poor value. By sharing transport space with other shipments heading to Italy, costs are spread proportionally, which makes this approach suitable for partial household moves and lower volumes.
Groupage vs. Dedicated Vehicle: Comparison
| Factor | Groupage | Dedicated Vehicle |
| Best for | Under 400 cu ft | 500+ cu ft |
| Cost | £4–7 per cubic foot | Fixed rate |
| Transit time | 7–14 days | 5–8 days |
| Flexibility | Fixed departure schedule | Dates to suit you |
| Handling | Multiple load/unload points | Direct transport |
Groupage advantages:
- Substantially lower cost for smaller shipments
- Same professional packing and customs handling
- Full insurance coverage options
- Door-to-door delivery included
Groupage considerations:
- Less flexibility on collection and delivery dates
- Slightly longer transit times
- Your items travel with other shipments
For moves involving a few essential furniture pieces, personal items, or partial household contents, groupage represents the most economical approach to relocation services to Italy.
How Long Does Sea Freight Removals to Italy Usually Take from the UK?
Transit times for removals to Italy vary based on shipping method, destination region, and customs processing requirements. Door-to-door timelines include collection, transit, border clearance, and final delivery, which is why total timeframes are measured in days or weeks rather than just time in transit.
UK to Italy Transit Times
| Method | Transit Time | Best For |
| Road freight (dedicated) | 5–8 days | Time-sensitive moves; mainland Italy |
| Road freight (groupage) | 7–14 days | Budget-conscious; flexible timing |
| Sea freight (dedicated) | 10–14 days | Large volumes; southern Italy/islands |
| Sea freight (groupage) | 14–21 days | Cost savings; non-urgent shipments |
Factors affecting transit times:
- Destination: Milan takes 5–6 days while Sicily may require 10–14 days including ferry
- Season: Summer volumes and holiday periods can add 2–3 days
- Customs processing: Post-Brexit, allow 1–2 days for customs clearance
- Access restrictions: ZTL timing in historic cities may affect delivery scheduling
- Weather: Alpine routes occasionally face winter delays
Road vs. Sea: When to Choose Each
| Scenario | Recommended Method |
| Moving to northern/central Italy | Road freight |
| Large volume (40ft container+) | Sea freight |
| Sicily or Sardinia destination | Sea freight |
| Need specific delivery date | Dedicated road |
| Budget priority, flexible dates | Groupage (road or sea) |
Which International Removals Companies to Italy Offer Full Insurance and Storage Options?
Insurance and storage form part of a complete removals service, not optional extras. Moves to Italy often involve gaps between collection, border clearance, and property access, which makes adequate insurance cover and flexible storage arrangements essential for protecting belongings throughout the move.
Insurance Coverage Options
| Level | Coverage | Typical Cost | Recommended For |
| Basic liability | Weight-based (limited) | Often included | Low-value shipments |
| Full replacement | Current market value | 2–3% of value | Most household moves |
| All-risks | Comprehensive including accidental | 3–4% of value | Antiques, high-value items |
Storage solutions for Italy moves:
Many relocations require storage, whether bridging a gap between UK departure and Italian property completion, or temporarily holding items during renovations.
- UK storage: Secure warehouse facilities before departure
- Italian storage: Partner facilities in major cities
- Short-term: Weekly rates for bridging periods
- Long-term: Monthly rates for extended storage needs
All stored items should be professionally packed and inventoried for insurance purposes.
What Is the Process for Booking a Home Survey for a Move to Italy with a Removals Firm?
A home survey is the starting point for accurate pricing and realistic planning for a move to Italy. It allows the removals company to assess volume, packing requirements, access constraints, and customs considerations before confirming costs or schedules.
Survey options:
| Survey Type | Best For | Accuracy |
| In-home visit | Large moves; complex access | Highest |
| Video survey | Most relocations; convenient | High |
| Self-assessment | Small, straightforward moves | Moderate |
Survey process:
- Initial enquiry: Share approximate dates, Italian destination, and rough volume indication.
- Survey scheduling: Choose between an in-home visit (most accurate and recommended for larger moves), a video survey (convenient and suitable for most relocations), or a self-assessment (basic option using our guidance).
- Comprehensive assessment: Room-by-room inventory, special items identification (pianos, antiques, fragile pieces), access evaluation at UK property, and discussion of Italian destination access considerations.
- Consultation covering: Timeline and flexibility, insurance requirements, post-Brexit documentation needs, and service options with budget considerations.
- Written quotation: Detailed, itemised pricing within 48 hours.
What Customs Restrictions Should I Be Aware of When Moving Household Goods to Italy?
Since Brexit, moving household goods to Italy involves formal customs procedures that did not apply to UK movers before 2021. Understanding what documentation is required, which items qualify for relief, and what can trigger inspections or charges helps avoid delays and unexpected costs at the border.
Duty-free personal effects importation requires:
- Proof you’re establishing residence in Italy (codice fiscale, rental contract, property purchase)
- Items must be for personal use, not resale
- Certain items owned 12+ months recommended (though not strictly required for all)
- Declaration that items won’t be sold within 12 months of import
Restricted and Prohibited Items
| Category | Status | Notes |
| Alcohol | Restricted | Personal quantities reasonable; commercial volumes attract duty |
| Tobacco | Restricted | Personal allowance applies |
| Firearms | Prohibited | Require specific Italian permits |
| Certain foods | Restricted | Meat, dairy products face controls |
| Plants | Restricted | Phytosanitary rules apply |
| Medicines | Restricted | Personal supply with prescription documentation |
| Counterfeit goods | Prohibited | Designer copies seized |
Post-Brexit documentation tips:
- Apply for your Italian codice fiscale before moving
- Register for residency promptly upon arrival
- Keep customs documentation for minimum 4 years
- Declare high-value items (art, antiques) specifically
Are There Specialist Pet and Vehicle Relocation Services Included with Removals to Italy?
Pet and vehicle relocations sit outside standard household removals, but they often need to be planned alongside the main move. Coordinating these services through an experienced removals company helps align timelines, documentation, and delivery, rather than managing separate processes independently.
Pet relocation post-Brexit:
EU pet passports are no longer valid for UK pets. Requirements now include:
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
- Valid rabies vaccination (21+ days before travel)
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from UK-authorised vet (issued within 10 days of travel)
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs (24–120 hours before entry)
Simpsons works with specialist pet transport partners who handle documentation and comfortable transit arrangements.
Vehicle Relocation
| Option | Practicality | Cost Consideration |
| Drive to Italy | Feasible | Ferry/tunnel + fuel + time |
| Ship with household | Possible but complex | Registration/import duty issues |
| Sell UK, buy Italy | Often simplest | Italian cars better suited; LHD standard |
| Keep UK-registered | Short-term only | Insurance complications; registration required within 60 days |
Most expats find selling their UK vehicle and purchasing locally more practical than navigating Italian re-registration requirements.
Start Your Italy Move with Simpsons
Moving from the UK to Italy now involves formal customs procedures, residency-linked requirements, and delivery constraints that didn’t exist before Brexit. Decisions made early, around volume, packing, shipping method, and documentation, directly affect cost, timing, and how smoothly goods clear the border.
A professional removals service to Italy helps reduce risk by handling these steps as a single, coordinated process. When surveys, packing, customs paperwork, and delivery are managed together, there’s less room for delays, rejected documentation, or unexpected charges once your shipment is in transit.
Simpsons handles international removals worldwide, including regular moves from the UK to Italy. Our door-to-door service covers export packing, post-Brexit customs requirements, insurance options, and coordinated delivery to locations ranging from major cities like Milan and Rome to smaller towns and rural areas.
Ready to plan your move to Italy?
Removals to Italy FAQ Guide & Moving Checklist
Removals to Italy Cost
Determining the cost of your removal to Italy involves considering various factors, such as the specific locations involved. Where you are moving from in the UK and where you plan to move to Italy are significant in calculating the overall cost.
Another crucial factor in determining the cost is the volume of items you are planning to transport. The price per cubic foot tends to decrease as the volume increases, meaning larger moves often offer more cost-effective rates.
It’s worth noting that due to the substantial number of people moving from the UK to Italy each year, removal services may be surprisingly affordable. This is because removal companies like ours have developed efficient processes and established networks to handle such moves efficiently, resulting in competitive pricing.
We highly recommend booking a home or video survey with our experienced team for an accurate quotation tailored to your specific needs. During the survey, our experts will assess the volume of goods you plan to send to Italy and provide you with a detailed and personalised quote. This allows us to account for all the necessary factors and provide you with an accurate estimate, ensuring transparency and avoiding any unexpected costs along the way.
By taking advantage of our survey service, you can understand the costs involved in your removal to Italy and make an informed decision regarding your relocation plans. Our team will be more than happy to assist you throughout the process and address any questions or concerns, helping you confidently plan your move.
You can use our online cost calculator to get an initial price or for a more accurate estimate, we highly recommend booking a home or video survey to get a more formal quote for the cost of your move to Italy.
Remember our removal quotes are for a comprehensive door-to- door service including packing and standard customs clearance. Our quote does not include customs fees and duties which may be payable to local authorities on arrival.
When opting for road freight transportation to mainland destinations in Italy, it is essential to consider the estimated time it takes for your belongings to reach their destination. Typically, the duration of the transportation process can vary depending on the type of service you choose.
For a dedicated service, where your items are transported in a sole container, the estimated timeframe for delivery to your new home in Italy is around 2 to 4 weeks. This option offers a faster transit time as it is dedicated solely to your shipment, ensuring prompt delivery.
On the other hand, if you opt for a shared or part load service, where your belongings are combined with other shipments, the estimated delivery timeframe is generally longer. In this case, you can expect the transportation process to take approximately 4 to 8 weeks. While taking longer, shared services provide a more cost-effective option as the costs are shared among multiple customers.
Yes, a UK citizen can move to Italy after Brexit, but the process has changed. Before Brexit, UK citizens enjoyed freedom of movement within the EU, allowing them to live and work in Italy without special visas.
Since Brexit, UK citizens are treated as non-EU nationals. UK citizens can still buy property and stay 90 days in any 180 days, so can spend 6 months of the year in Italy, but they must apply for and obtain a visa for longer stays or residency.
The exact type of visa required depends on the purpose of the stay, such as work, retirement, or joining family members. Additionally, UK citizens must meet immigration requirements, which could include providing proof of income, healthcare coverage, and a clean criminal record. The process is more complex and requires more documentation than prior to Brexit, but it remains feasible for UK citizens to move to Italy.
Another change is that you need to undergo customs clearance for your household removal to Italy. However, the experienced team at Simpsons International Removals will be able to handle that for you.
We provide a range of storage services for your belongings if you moving to Italy. We have storage facilities across the UK and can also store your goods in Spain until you are ready to receive them.
We have highly secure warehouses and can offer a range of flexible storage solutions depending on your needs including short term and longer term storage.
When relocating your belongings to Italy, Simpsons’ comprehensive packing services have you covered. Our expert packing teams excel in export wrapping your furniture and efficiently packing boxes to ensure their safe arrival in flawless condition. Our highly trained packing crews specialise in packing for overseas moves and have years of experience.
We offer a range of export quality double-walled boxes of different sizes including tea cartons, book cartons and bike cartons. Other packing materials include blanket wrap, flow pack, bubble wrap and secure packing tape.
We can also provide bespoke custom wood cases and crates for delicate and special items that need additional protection. Our service also includes specialised antique packing, ensuring these valuable items are meticulously protected.
With our extensive experience in managing delicate and fragile items, we assure that every piece, from everyday furniture to precious antiques, receives the highest level of care and professional handling throughout the moving process.
We undertake household removals and shipping from every part of the UK and Ireland to anywhere in Italy.
Some of the popular Italian city destinations include:
- Rome
- Milan
- Naples
- Turin
- Palermo
- Genoa
- Florence
- Bari
- Catania
- Venice
- Verona
Some of the other popular destinations for expats and property buyers looking to move to Italy include:
- Abruzzo
- Aosta Valley
- Apulia
- Como
- Lazio
- Puglia
- Sardinia
- Sicily
- South Tyrol
- Tuscany
We have achieved a delicate balance where we are small enough to provide a comprehensive and efficient service yet maintain a friendly and personalized approach to our customers. Our size allows us to offer a range of benefits that set us apart from other removal companies.
One of our key advantages is our team’s expertise and experience. We have assembled a highly skilled and knowledgeable group of professionals specialising in international removals. Their years of experience handling logistics, customs regulations, and the specific requirements of moving to Italy ensure that our customers receive top-notch service. Our team’s expertise allows us to navigate any challenges, providing you with peace of mind and a smooth relocation experience.
Unlike companies that handle various types of moves, we have honed our expertise in helping individuals and families relocate internationally. This specialization allows us to provide a deeper level of knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of moving to Italy, ensuring we can handle every aspect of your relocation with precision and care.
We have a variety of house removal services depending on your relocation needs. So no matter whether you are just looking to move a couple of boxes to Italy or move your entire house contents, we have a cost-effective solution for you.
Dedicated removals service
If you are undertaking a large house removal to Italy then our dedicated removal service will suit you. You will be allocated your own dedicated removal van and packing team to take all your furniture and other goods from your home in the UK to your new home in Italy.
Small removals to Italy (part or shared load)
If you don’t have much stuff to take with you to Italy, then our shared load removal service is ideal.
We regularly transport people’s household belongings and furniture on a ‘European road train’. to all parts of Italy including Rome, Milan, Naples and Sicily.
This furniture removals service is our most popular as the cost is shared amongst other customers moving to the same area of Italy. In fact, it’s usually cheaper than ‘man and van’ type removals service and your belongings are certainly a lot safer!
Box service for cheap removals to Italy
All our shipping options are cost-effective but if you only have a few boxes to send to Italy then our box removal service will likely be your cheapest option.
Moving from Ireland to Italy
We are now also able to undertake removals from all parts of Ireland to Italy including both Belfast and Dublin. Please contact us for more details and a quote.
We not only do removals from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool to Italy, but from all parts of England.
We have teams serving Cardiff and Wales to Italy as well as from all over Scotland (not just Edinburgh and Glasgow) to Italy too.
Insurance for your Move to Italy
We would recommend taking out Shipment Protection Cover for peace of mind whilst your belongings are on their journey.
Whilst we have expert packers who specialise in international removals and use accredited shipping lines who take special care of your personal belongings, we cannot control every eventuality.
Just as you will likely have home contents insurance in the UK and travel insurance for your family, we recommend you discuss with your Move Manager the available options for protecting your belongings whist they are in transit.
Although Simpsons will take care of all the details they can for you, this convenient checklist will make preparing for the move as simple and worry free as possible.
Moving out: Before the removal men arrive, be clear in what they are contracted to do and what you are expected to do. If in doubt, ask the surveyor or a member of our staff. Ordinarily, both householder and the removal men have fairly defined responsibilities (though a measure of flexibility on both sides is of course desirable)
Children: Children, who are naturally curious and can easily get in the way, may potentially be injured. The younger ones are best left with a neighbour or friend until it is time to leave.
Swings/Climbing frames: Generally dismantling these is one job you will do yourself, but be careful not to lose the bolts. If wish us to arrange dismantling please discuss this with our surveyor
Garage/Shed: Tie together garden tools, and prepare items to be lifted straight onto the vehicle.
Self assembly furniture: If you have any furniture of the home assembly type particularly if made of chipboard, please note that we recommend dismantling units before the move, as the joints are seldom strong enough to survive even careful handling if the furniture is moved whilst still assembled.
Washing machines: Secure your washing machine drum, and disconnect from water supply and electric.
Books: Books are very heavy, use our book cartons as they are smaller and easier to manage.
China & glass: Wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, packing the heavier items first with lighter pieces on top. Remember that plates and dishes are packed vertically and not laid flat.
Moving in: Make sure that you (or some other responsible person) is on hand to admit the removal men. If no-one is there and a reasonable waiting time expires, you could find yourself landed with storage and re-delivery charges. Enquire how long the vehicle will wait should you be inadvertently delayed on the way. It can also save time and confusion if you stand at the entrance and specify the location of each item as it is carried in.
Helping the move along: If you follow the guidelines suggested on this page you will find the removal men themselves responding to your good sense with extra efficiency and relaxed good humour. You can also help the move along by remembering to pack the kettle last. A cup of tea all round is a gesture always much appreciated.
Tipping: There is, of course, no obligation to tip the men, but, as with all personal services, people like to reward extra attention, willing good humour or a job well done. If you feel that a reward has been earned, the driver or packer in charge will distribute any gratuity given amongst the crew.
Who to tell
Utility Bills: Gas, Electricity, Water & Telephone
Banks/Building Society: Credit cards, standing orders
Doctors: Dentist, Medical Care & Private health care
Insurance: House, Contents, Car & Life insurance
Your Landlord
Your Tenants
Professional Advisors: Solicitors, Accountant
Relatives/Friends
Sky/Cable: TV Licence
TV Rental
Your Employer
DVLA
National Insurance/DHSS
Premium Bonds
Libraries
Post Office: Mail Redirection
Local Authority: Removal from electoral register
Insurance Companies: Household insurance, vehicle insurance
Schools
Your Personal arrangements
Here are the issues that should be addressed well ahead of time to ensure smooth transition to your new life abroad.
Passports and visas: for yourself and your family
Work permit: if needed
Inoculations: for yourself, your family and your pets
Travel bookings completed
Tickets received
Overseas accommodation booked
International driver’s licence
Traveller’s cheques and currency
Charge cards issued
Power of Attorney
Income Tax refund arrangements
Personal accident and medical insurance: for yourself and your family
Insurance for your valuable possessions
Arrange care and transportation of your pets: They hate moving more than humans and so need special attention –
Currency transfers – FC Global Payments
UK to Italy removals typically cost between £1,200 and £5,500. The final price depends on shipment volume, destination region, and whether you choose groupage or dedicated transport. Northern Italian destinations generally cost less than southern regions or islands due to shorter distances and simpler logistics.
You need a detailed inventory, proof of identity, proof of Italian residency (or intent to reside), and customs declarations for both UK export and Italian import. Since Brexit, all international removals to Italy require formal customs processing that wasn’t necessary before 2021.
Road freight takes 5–14 days depending on destination and service type when shipping household goods to Italy. Sea freight takes 10–21 days with longer times for shared container shipments. Factor in additional time for customs clearance at both UK and Italian borders.
Reputable international movers prepare all customs documentation, coordinate with both UK and Italian authorities, and manage the clearance process on your behalf. This service is essential for post-Brexit moves and should be included in any comprehensive removals to Italy quote.
Restricted items include alcohol, tobacco, and plants (quantity limits apply). Prohibited items include firearms without permits, counterfeit goods, and certain food products. Your overseas removals to Italy specialist will advise on specific restrictions during the survey process.
Basic liability coverage is typically included in moving services to Italy quotes, but this offers limited protection based on weight rather than value. Comprehensive full replacement value insurance is strongly recommended and costs 2–4% of your declared shipment value.
The best provider for relocation services to Italy should hold a BAR Overseas membership, demonstrate post-Brexit customs expertise, maintain Italian partner networks across major cities, and offer transparent pricing with dedicated move coordination. Look for companies with specific Italy experience rather than general European coverage.
Call: 01322 949 557
Simpsons are a long established and quality approved company operating to British Standards across the UK, for all European, International and Commercial removals
WhatClients Say
Please browse our selection of testimonials from recent house moves, relocations and other services used.
