UK and European Removals FAQs
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, please call us on 01608 730 500 or email [email protected].
Our office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Customs, Duty & Paperwork (Post-Brexit)
Do I have to pay import duties or VAT when moving my household items between the UK and France?
Moving your household belongings across the UK and EU border can generally be completed tax-free under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, provided you meet the eligibility criteria set by customs authorities, such as establishing your primary residence and having owned your belongings for the required period.
We understand that post-Brexit customs regulations can be daunting, so Cotswold Carriers has an export consultant on hand to guide you through the process.
To ensure a smooth, stress-free move, our team can assist you with all necessary paperwork, including preparing fully compliant inventory manifests if you opt for our full packing service.
What happens if my visa or residency paperwork isn't approved by moving day?
If your visa or residency approval is pending, customs authorities may reject duty-free entry, triggering a 20% import VAT charge.
In this case, we can store your items securely in our UK warehouse until your formal documentation clears, avoiding emergency customs delays or unexpected tax bills at the border.
How detailed does my inventory list actually need to be for customs?
European customs authorities require a line-item inventory manifest. Vague descriptions like "boxes of stuff" will lead to border holds.
You don’t need to list each individual fork, but items should be grouped accurately (e.g., "Box 12: Kitchenware").
If you choose our full packing service, our team handles the packing, export wrapping, and inventory manifest paperwork required for customs clearance for you. One less thing to worry about.
Access, Vehicles & Delivery Logistics
I’m moving to a rural European village with narrow lanes. Can your removal lorries fit?
What is the difference between a full load and a part load for European moves?
When planning a move across the Channel, the right transport option depends on the volume of your belongings and your timeframe.
Cotswold Carriers offer flexible solutions tailored to your journey:
Full Load (Dedicated Vehicle)
Your belongings occupy an entire vehicle selected to suit the amount of space required, ranging from smaller vehicles up to 44-tonne road trains.
This option gives you maximum flexibility over your collection and delivery dates, with your goods travelling directly from door to door.
Part Load (Shared Haulage / Groupage)
Your items share vehicle space along our regularly scheduled routes across Europe. This option is ideal for smaller moves, single items, or lower-volume shipments and is a cost-effective solution. Deliveries are scheduled around our established European runs, so there is less flexibility on delivery dates than with a dedicated vehicle.
Specialist Cargo, Packing & Storage
Can you transport my vehicle alongside my household goods?
Yes. We offer vehicle transportation throughout the UK and Europe.
Our closed trailer transport keeps your vehicle secure, hidden from public view, and protected from road debris and weather conditions, and our export team can advise on the customs procedures for moving vehicles cross-border..
How do you protect and insure my antiques, fine art, or piano during an international move?
Cotswold Carriers specialise in moving high-value antiques, fine art, and pianos throughout the UK and Europe.
Our team uses specialist packing materials and professional export wrapping to protect delicate items during long-distance transit.
As long-standing members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), we adhere to strict industry standards for handling and protecting your belongings, from initial collection right through to delivery at your new property. We can also advise on the necessary insurance options available for your move during your pre-move survey.
What Do Storage Services Include?
What Size are the Storage Containers?
Each of our secure storage containers is 5ft x 7ft x 8ft, or 250 cubic feet.
Timing Gaps & Property Completion
What happens if my UK house sale completes, but my property in Europe isn't ready yet?
Relocation delays and completion gaps are very common during cross-border moves.
We can collect your belongings on your UK completion date and transfer them directly into our secure, containerised storage facility in Oxfordshire.
We offer both short- and long-term storage options, holding your goods safely until you are ready for us to dispatch and deliver them to your new European home.
Cost & Pricing
How much does a removal service cost?
The cost of your removal service is based on the specific details of your journey, such as:
- Volume and Home Size: The total quantity of belongings and the size of your property determine the vehicle size and labour required.
- Distance and Travel: The overall mileage between properties, including fuel and route logistics for UK or European removals.
- Access and Logistics: Specific property conditions, such as narrow lanes, parking restrictions, or multiple flights of stairs.
- Additional Services: Such as our packing services, storage, or vehicle transportation
To secure your move with Cotswold Carriers, we require a deposit of £250 upon booking. The remaining balance is due 5 working days before the first day of your move (or 5 working days before collection for European moves and shipping services).
Our quotes cover all transport considerations, including distance-based fuel and any specific access requirements, ensuring total transparency with no hidden surprises.
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom house?
Every move varies in volume, distance, and access requirements. We provide bespoke pricing calculated during a pre-move survey, available through our online quote form or an in-person representative visit.
How Much Do Removal Companies Charge Per Hour?
Service Scope & Packing
Do removal companies pack for you?
Cotswold Carriers offers two main packing options, as well as materials for self-packers:
Full Packing Service
If you opt for our full packing service, our expert team packs all of your belongings prior to loading. This includes all necessary boxes and packing materials, as well as disassembly and reassembly of any furniture items.
Self-Packing Supplies
If you prefer to pack yourself, we are happy to provide all the packing materials you will need to keep your items safe and secure during their journey.
What time do movers arrive on moving day?
What Packing Materials Should I Buy?
Using the right packing materials is crucial to ensure your belongings arrive safely at their destination.
We provide a wide range of premium materials to keep your belongings in perfect condition.
Standard packing essentials include:
- Packing Cases: Sturdy, reliable boxes designed for everyday household items.
- Book Boxes: Smaller, robust boxes specifically intended for books and heavier items.
- Wrapping Paper: High-quality paper used to cushion and protect fragile items like glassware.
- Bubble Wrap: Extra protection for delicate or breakable pieces.
- Parcel Tape: Durable, heavy-duty tape to secure your boxes during transit.
- Garment Carriers: Keep your clothing clean and wrinkle-free during the journey.
- Mattress and Sofa Bags and Covers: To protect your soft furnishings and mattresses from scuffs, dust, dirt, and moisture.
If you have speciality items, like artwork and valuables, you may also want to consider:
- Bespoke Crates: Custom-made wooden containers built specifically for valuable items, including fine artwork.
- Bubble Blankets: Ideal for wrapping larger items of furniture to prevent surface scratches and knocks.
- Paper Blankets: Designed for protective cushioning of larger furnishings and surfaces.
- File and Archive Boxes: Perfect for keeping documents structured, organised, and secure.
- Shrink Wrap: Provides tight, secure protection for bundles and oversized items.
Accreditation & Quality
Who is the best removal company, and how do I choose one?
We recommend choosing a removal company that is properly licensed, insured, and backed by a recognised trade body.
Cotswold Carriers have over 40 years' experience in removals, and are a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR). Membership ensures adherence to a Trading Standards-approved Code of Practice, strict operational audits, and access to an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution Scheme.
You can be sure you and your belongings are in safe hands with us and that your move will be as smooth as possible.