Moving between the UK and Europe and not sure whether to book a part load or a full van? The choice comes down to how much you are moving, how fixed your dates are and your budget. This guide explains how each option works, what it costs you in time and money, and how to pick the right one for your European removal in 2026.
What is a part load?
With a part load (also called a shared load), your belongings travel in a vehicle with other customers’ items going the same way. Each move is wrapped, labelled and kept separate, but you only pay for the space you use. The van collects and delivers along a planned route, for example UK to France and Spain, so your dates fit around that route.
- Best for: a few boxes, a student or single-room move, a studio flat, or a few pieces of furniture.
- Typical size: up to about 500 kg of goods.
- Price: usually the lowest, because the cost of the trip is shared.
- Trade-off: flexible collection and delivery windows, and a longer journey because of the other stops.
What is a full van (dedicated vehicle)?
With a full van the vehicle is booked for your move only. It drives from your old address straight to your new one, on the dates you agree. Nothing else is loaded or unloaded on the way.
- Best for: a flat or a small to medium house, or any move with a fixed date.
- Typical size: up to about 1,000 kg in a large van. Bigger homes move in a van with a trailer (up to about 3,000 kg) or a lorry.
- Price: higher than a part load, as you pay for the whole vehicle and the driver’s time.
- Benefit: fixed dates, the fastest door-to-door time, and your goods are handled only at your two addresses.
Part load or full van: quick comparison
| Part load | Full van | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Small moves, up to about 500 kg | Flats and houses, about 1,000 kg and up |
| Dates | Flexible window | Fixed dates you choose |
| Transit time | Longer (several stops) | Direct |
| Handling | Loaded with other moves | Your goods only |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Customs | Same paperwork needed | Same paperwork needed |
5 questions to decide
- How much are you moving? List the big items and count boxes. If it fills more than half a large van, a full van is often better value than a large part load.
- Are your dates fixed? A new job, school start or end of a lease usually means a dedicated vehicle. If you can wait a few days, a part load saves money.
- Do you need storage? If your new home is not ready, a part load plus short-term storage can work well.
- How fragile is the load? Antiques, pianos or high-value items are safest when handled only at your two addresses.
- Where exactly are you going? Popular routes (France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland) have regular part load trips. Remote addresses may be quicker with a dedicated van.
Customs is the same for both
Since Brexit, household goods moving between Great Britain and the EU cross a customs border whichever vehicle you choose. You will normally need an inventory of your goods, an export declaration on the UK side, an import declaration in the destination country (often with transfer of residence relief, so no duty or VAT on used personal belongings), and safety and security data (ENS) and a GMR for the crossing. On a part load each customer’s goods are declared separately, so a clear inventory matters even more. Read our guide on what to list on a customs inventory, and GOV.UK guidance on moving personal belongings to the UK if you are coming back.
Tips to keep the cost down
- Sell or donate what you will not use abroad before you get a quote.
- Give accurate weights or a room-by-room list, so the right vehicle is quoted first time.
- Be flexible by a few days if you choose a part load.
- Pack books and small items in strong, numbered boxes; it speeds up loading and the customs inventory.
- Ask for two options on one quote (for example part load and full van) and compare.
Planning the whole move? Use our free Moving Abroad Checklist.
Get a part load and full van quote from MoveDay
MoveDay Removals moves homes across the UK and Europe by road, with part load, full van and van with trailer options, and handles the customs paperwork for you: export and import declarations, ENS, GMR and T1 transit documents. Tell us your dates, both addresses and what you are moving, and we will quote the options that fit. See our international removals service, customs for removals, 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. Vehicle sizes are approximate and every move is quoted individually. 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.