Most of what is in your home can go on a removals lorry from the UK to Spain, France, Poland or anywhere else in the EU. A few things can’t, and a few more need paperwork first. Packing the wrong item can mean it is seized at the border, or holds up the whole load while it is checked. Here is a quick guide, sorted into three lists: fine to pack, check first, and leave behind.
Fine to pack
- Furniture, beds, sofas and wardrobes
- Clothes, shoes, books and toys
- Kitchenware, crockery and small appliances
- TVs, computers and other electronics you already own and use
- Bikes, garden furniture and tools (cleaned of soil)
- Tinned and dried food that contains no meat or milk (pasta, rice, tea, coffee, biscuits without dairy)
If you are moving your normal home to an EU country, your personal belongings can usually come in without import duty under transfer of residence relief. You generally need to have owned and used them for at least six months, and you need a full inventory. Our UK Customs Guide 2026 explains how it works.
Check first – these need paperwork or have limits
Plants and garden plants
Plants going from Great Britain to the EU need a phytosanitary (plant health) certificate. According to the UK Plant Health Portal, you must register with the plant health authority, and your plants and premises have to be inspected. Some plants can only be inspected at certain times of year, so start months before the move. For most people it is simpler to give pot plants away and buy new ones.
Alcohol and tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco are normally not covered by the duty-free relief for household goods. A wine collection or a few cases of spirits may need to be declared, and duty may have to be paid. Tell us about them before moving day so they are on the paperwork.
Pets
Pets cannot travel in the removals lorry. They need their own travel arrangements and an animal health certificate. Plan this separately, well before the move.
Firearms, ammunition and some knives
These need permits in both countries and cannot just be packed. Speak to the authorities in your destination country first.
Large amounts of cash
Cash of €10,000 or more must be declared when you enter or leave the EU. Don’t pack it in the boxes.
Leave behind
Meat and dairy products
The EU does not allow personal imports of meat or dairy products from outside the EU, and that includes the UK. The EU’s Your Europe guidance says undeclared meat or dairy will be confiscated and destroyed, and you may be fined. That means no bacon in the freezer, no cheese in the cool box and no sausages in the cupboard. There are small exceptions, for example up to 2 kg of infant milk or medical food in sealed, branded packaging.
Soil, compost and dirty garden equipment
Soil can carry pests and diseases. Empty plant pots, clean the lawnmower and wash the wheelbarrow before the crew arrives.
Dangerous goods
Paint, gas bottles, petrol, fireworks, aerosols in bulk, garden chemicals and batteries from e-bikes or scooters (unless properly packed and declared) are not allowed on a removals lorry. Use them up, give them away or dispose of them safely.
Moving back to the UK? The rules work the other way too
Great Britain has its own ban on bringing many meat and dairy products in from the EU for personal use, including cheese, butter, milk and products like chorizo or salami. GOV.UK says these items will be seized and destroyed, and serious cases can lead to fines or prosecution. See the GOV.UK announcement and our guide on bringing your belongings into the UK without paying import duty.
Not sure about something? Ask before you pack
MoveDay Removals moves families between the UK and Europe and prepares the customs paperwork for every load. Send us a list of anything you are unsure about and we will tell you before moving day. 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. Rules change, especially during animal or plant disease outbreaks, so always check GOV.UK, the UK Plant Health Portal and the authorities in your destination country before you move.