European removals in Dorset
1st Choice Removals is a family-run removals company near Wimborne that surveys, plans and manages moves from Dorset to France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and across Europe, with the transport carried out by trusted partner removal firms. Our directors hold International Certificates of Professional Competence and customs training.
Moving to Europe from Dorset
Moving abroad is a bigger job than a local move, but the basics are the same: careful packing, a clear plan and people you can trust. 1st Choice Removals has been moving Dorset families since 1990.
1st Choice surveys, plans and manages your move, and the European transport is carried out with trusted partner removal firms. Fiona and Chris, who run our removals, hold International Certificates of Professional Competence, and Fiona also holds a BTEC in Customs Export and Import Procedures.
Where we move to in Europe
We move homes from Wimborne, Poole and Bournemouth to:
- France
- Spain
- Portugal
- Ireland
- Germany, Italy and the Netherlands
- Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Poland
Moving further afield? See our international removals page.
How a European move works
- Get a quote. If you live in a BH postcode or DT11, Book your free home visit. Everywhere else, Get an online quote by sending short room videos or photos from your phone, or call 01202 570970.
- Written quote. You get a clear quote for packing, transport and delivery.
- Paperwork. We help you prepare a full inventory and explain the documents you need for your destination.
- Packing and loading. Floors, banisters and door frames are protected and fragile items are properly wrapped. Antiques and artwork can travel in bespoke wooden crates.
- Transport and delivery. Trusted partner removal firms carry out the road transport, and we manage the move until your belongings arrive.
- Optional extras. Unpacking at your new home and furniture dismantling and reassembly are available, charged on top of your quote.
Paperwork after Brexit
Since the UK left the EU, household goods moving to an EU country need customs paperwork. Most moves need a detailed inventory and proof that you are transferring your residence, such as a rental contract, property deeds or registration at your new address.
Many EU countries let people moving their main home bring used personal belongings without paying import duty, provided the conditions are met. The exact rules vary by country, so we will talk you through them for your destination and point you to the right authority to check.
Insurance for European moves
Our moves are fully insured for goods in transit. European moves that travel by road do not need marine insurance, but we still recommend checking your own home contents policy to see what it covers during a move.
If any part of your move goes by sea in a container, marine insurance must be arranged by you, the customer. We will tell you clearly when this applies.
Money and storage
If you need to send money abroad for a deposit or rent, our partner Regency FX offers currency exchange.
If your new home is not ready, we can hold your belongings in our storage here in the UK until you need them. Read our moving abroad checklist to help plan the rest.
Your questions answered
Do you do European removals from Dorset?
Yes. 1st Choice Removals is based at Canford Business Park near Wimborne and moves homes from across Dorset to countries including France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. We survey, plan and manage every move, with trusted partner removal firms carrying out the transport, and our team includes staff with customs export and import training. Call 01202 570970, Book your free home visit in a BH postcode or DT11, or Get an online quote.
Who carries out a European removal?
1st Choice surveys, plans and manages your European move, and the transport is carried out with trusted partner removal firms. We prepare the inventory, help with the customs paperwork and stay involved until your belongings arrive. Unpacking at your new home and furniture dismantling and reassembly are optional extras, charged on top of your quote.
How much does a European removal cost?
Every European move is priced individually, because the cost depends on how much you are moving, where you are going, access at both homes and whether you want packing. We do not publish removal prices. Instead you can Book your free home visit if you live in a BH postcode or DT11, or Get an online quote by sending short room videos or photos from your phone. Either way you receive a written quote.
What paperwork do I need to move my belongings to the EU?
Since Brexit you will usually need a detailed inventory of everything you are moving and proof that you are transferring your residence, such as a rental agreement, property deeds or registration at your new address. Requirements differ between countries, so we explain what your destination asks for and recommend you confirm the details with the relevant customs authority before you move.
Do I need marine insurance for a move to Europe?
Not for moves that travel by road, as moves to mainland Europe normally do. Goods in transit are covered by our insurance, but it is worth checking your own contents policy too. If any part of a move goes by sea in a container, marine insurance must be arranged by the customer, and we will make it clear if that applies to you.
Can you store my furniture while I find a home abroad?
Yes. We run around 1,000 storage units across four local sites in the UK, with containerised storage for short or long periods. Many customers moving abroad store some or all of their belongings with us while they rent or house-hunt, then we deliver when they are ready. We do not offer storage outside the UK.