Moving from the UK: Packing Tips, Customs List and Practical Checklist

Intro – A good move starts before the truck arrives

Moving home is more than putting your belongings inside boxes. Good preparation can save you money, avoid delays and make the entire experience stress-free. Whether you’re moving within London or shipping your goods abroad, packing correctly, organising your documents and planning parking access can make a huge difference.

At Eurobr Transports, we’ve handled hundreds of removals in London, Portugal and Brazil — and we’ve put together a complete guide to help you prepare for your next move.

Packing Smart: How to Protect Your Belongings

Packing is one of the most important steps of any removal. Good materials and a little organisation go a long way.

Use proper packing materials

The right tools ensure your belongings arrive safely:

  • Double-wall cardboard boxes

  • Strong packing tape

  • Bubble wrap and protective foam

  • Stretch film

  • Labels and permanent markers

Sort your items by category

Keep fragile items, electronics and documents separate. Wrap each item individually and fill empty spaces to prevent movement inside the box.

Avoid oversized boxes

Large boxes may seem convenient, but they:

  • become too heavy to lift safely

  • increase the risk of items breaking

  • may be charged at a higher volumetric rate during transport

Ideal size: 60 × 40 × 40 cm — standard in Europe and easier to handle.

Label and number each box

This helps during:

  • loading and unloading

  • organising rooms in your new home

  • preparing your customs inventory list

  • resolving any issues in case of inspection

The Importance of a Packing List for Customs

If your move involves international shipping (Portugal, Brazil or elsewhere), a packing list is essential.

Why customs require an inventory

The list helps authorities confirm that:

  • items belong to you (personal effects)

  • goods are not commercial merchandise

  • values match what’s expected for personal relocation

What your list should include

A clear list avoids delays and extra fees. Include:

  • Description of items

  • Quantity

  • Approximate value

  • Condition (used/new)

  • Your full name and address

Tips to make it easier

  • Use numbered boxes linked to the inventory

  • Keep electronics and valuables separated

  • Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous”

  • Use simple descriptions such as “Kitchen – plates (x10)”

Size and Weight Guidelines: Avoid Extra Charges

Transport companies in Europe use two types of calculation:

  1. Real weight

  2. Volumetric weight (height × width × depth ÷ factor)

You’re charged the highest of the two.

Why this matters

A very large box filled with light items can cost more than two medium boxes.
A small but extremely heavy box can be refused or require special handling.

Best practices

  • Keep all boxes under 25 kg where possible

  • Use medium boxes for books and heavy items

  • Use large boxes only for light items (pillows, bedding, clothing)

  • Avoid irregular shapes that increase volume

Before You Move: Administrative and Practical Checklist

Your belongings aren’t the only things that need organisation. Here’s what people most often forget:

Update your address with:

  • Banks

  • NHS / GP

  • Council Tax

  • Insurance companies

  • Internet, gas and electricity providers

  • Driving licence (DVLA)

Mail redirection

Use the Royal Mail Redirection Service to avoid losing important correspondence.

Maintenance and cleaning (for rented homes)

Many landlords require:

  • deep cleaning

  • small repairs

  • garden maintenance

  • carpet washing

This can avoid end-of-tenancy fees.

Parking suspension request

In London and many councils, you must request a temporary parking suspension so the moving van can park legally for several hours.
This prevents:

  • fines

  • delays

  • long walking distances carrying boxes

👉 Link interno sugerido: Parking Guidance – Eurobr (já existente no site).

Parking Suspension and Access for the Moving Truck

This step is crucial if you live in central or controlled-parking areas.

Why you need a suspension permit

Councils protect residents’ parking spaces. For removals, they allow temporary exemptions — but you must request in advance.

How long it takes

  • Most councils require 3 to 10 days notice.

  • Fees vary by borough and duration.

Who should request it?

Both client and company can request, but clients often do it because the address belongs to them.

Eurobr can guide you with the steps and provide the information needed for the application.

Materials You Might Need Before Packing

To avoid last-minute stress, prepare your materials in advance:

  • Double-wall boxes

  • Bubble wrap

  • Stretch film

  • Packing tape

  • Labels

  • Mattress and sofa covers

  • Blankets for protection

  • Zip-lock bags for screws and small parts

Tip: buy 10–15% extra to avoid running out in the middle of packing.

Conclusion – Make Your Move Easier with Eurobr

A successful move is the result of good planning. With the right packing, a complete inventory, proper box sizes and all administrative tasks in order, your move becomes smoother and more economical.

At Eurobr Transports, we support you through every step — from packing to final delivery.

👉 Request your free quote today and move with confidence.

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    EUROBR

    Our goal is to make your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible. With a fleet of well-equipped vehicles, there’s no job too big or small for our man and van service. We also offer professional packing and unpacking to make your move even easier.

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