When your home moves between the UK and Europe, your belongings cross a customs border. The one document every customs officer, haulier and border check relies on is the inventory: the list of what is in the van. A clear inventory gets your load through quickly. A vague one (“boxes, misc.”) is the most common reason household goods are held up. Here is what to list, and how, for a removal in 2026.
Why the inventory matters
To bring household goods into the EU without import duty or VAT, you usually claim transfer of residence relief. German customs (Zoll), for example, says you generally need to have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, to have owned and used the goods for at least 6 months, and to clear them within 12 months of moving, with a written customs declaration. The UK has a similar relief, Transfer of Residence (ToR), for people moving to the UK. In both directions, customs check your declaration against the inventory, so it has to be complete and accurate.
1. Number every box and item
Give each box and each loose item (sofa, bed, bike, washing machine) its own number, and write the same number on the box. Customs can then pick any box and find it on the list in seconds.
2. Describe what is inside, not just the room
Write a short, specific description for each number: “kitchen: plates, glasses, pans” is fine; “kitchen stuff” is not. Group small things sensibly, but list valuable items on their own line.
3. Add quantities and an approximate value
Note how many items there are and a realistic value in pounds or euros. Use the second-hand value of used goods, not the price you paid. Values help customs and your insurer, and they are needed for some declarations.
4. Mark used and new goods
Relief normally covers goods you have owned and used. New items you bought for the move may be charged duty and VAT, so mark them clearly as “new” and keep the receipts. Do not hide new goods inside “used” boxes.
5. List valuables and electronics in detail
- TVs, laptops and cameras: make, model and serial number.
- Jewellery, watches and art: a short description, and photos or valuations if you have them.
- Tools and equipment: what they are for, especially if you are self-employed.
- Bikes, e-scooters and musical instruments: make, model and frame or serial number.
6. Flag restricted and controlled goods
Alcohol, tobacco, food, plants, medicines, weapons and some animal products have extra rules, limits or bans. List them on separate lines so they are easy to check, or leave them behind. Our guide to what you can and can’t take on a removals lorry to the EU explains the main restrictions.
7. Treat vehicles separately
Cars, motorbikes, caravans and trailers are not part of the household inventory. They need their own registration documents and are usually declared separately. Tell your removal company early if a vehicle is coming too.
8. Plan for more than one load
If your goods travel in more than one load, list everything you plan to bring on the first inventory and say which load each item travels in. France, for example, asks for this on the first declaration: see our step-by-step guide to UK to France customs paperwork.
9. Sign, date and make copies
Sign and date the inventory, keep a copy for yourself, give one to your removal company and keep one with your other moving documents. Some countries ask for two copies or a version in their own language, so check what your destination needs.
A simple inventory layout
- Number
- Room
- Description of contents
- Quantity
- Approximate value
- Used / new
- Notes (serial numbers, fragile, restricted)
Our free Moving Abroad Checklist shows when to start the inventory in your moving timeline.
Let us handle the customs paperwork
MoveDay Removals moves homes across the UK and Europe and prepares the customs side for you: export and import declarations, ENS, GMR and T1 transit documents, and customs barcodes from £130. We check your inventory before the vehicle reaches the port. See our customs for removals page, our international removals service, or get a free quote.
Website: https://movedayremovals.com
Phone: 07378 626882
Email: office@movedayremovals.co.uk
This article is general guidance, correct as of October 2026. Customs rules differ by country and can change, so always check GOV.UK, HMRC and the customs authority of your destination country before you move. Sources: German customs (Zoll): transferring residence.