Removals to Italy from Dorset
1st Choice Removals surveys, plans and manages moves from Dorset to Italy, with the transport carried out by trusted partner removal firms. We are a family-run BAR member trading since 1990, and we help you prepare the paperwork Italian customs now needs after Brexit.
How a move to Italy works
Every move starts with 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. We then send a written quote covering packing, transport and delivery.
- Fragile items are properly packed, and floors, banisters and door frames are protected at your Dorset home.
- The European road transport is carried out with trusted partner removal firms, and we manage the move throughout.
- Your belongings are delivered to your new address in Italy, whether that is a city flat or a country house.
- Unpacking at your new home and furniture dismantling and reassembly are available as optional extras, charged on top of your quote.
Customs for Italy after Brexit
Household goods leaving the UK for Italy now need an export declaration and Italian customs clearance. If you are moving your main residence, you can normally import your belongings free of duty and VAT under EU transfer of residence relief.
The usual conditions are that you have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and have owned and used the items for at least six months. Goods should not be sold or lent for 12 months after import.
Have these ready:
- passport
- a detailed inventory of your belongings
- evidence of your new Italian residence, such as a rental contract or deeds
- evidence you are giving up your UK residence
Fiona holds a BTEC in Customs Export and Import Procedures, so we can explain what is likely to be needed. Always check the latest official guidance, as rules can change.
Settling in: practical points for Italy
- Residency and tax code: you will deal with the local comune to register your residence, and most practical tasks need a codice fiscale (Italian tax code).
- Historic centres: many old towns have narrow streets and restricted traffic zones. Tell us about access at your survey so we can plan how to reach your door.
- Upper-floor flats: let us know about lifts, stairs and parking at both addresses.
- Euros: our partner Regency FX can help with transfers for deposits and bills; see currency exchange.
Protecting furniture, antiques and art
A long road journey needs careful packing. We wrap fragile items properly and can make bespoke wooden crates for antiques, paintings and artwork, and our packing service can take the whole job off your hands.
Your move is fully insured for goods in transit. For shipping abroad, marine insurance must be arranged by you: 1st Choice does not provide it, so sort your cover before moving day.
A family firm you can talk to
We are a family-run company founded in 1990 by Alan and Richard Vaughan, with removals now run by Chris and Fiona. We have been members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) since 2011, and we manage every move from the first survey to delivery.
To start planning your move to Italy, call 01202 570970 or email admin@1stchoiceremovals.net. If you live in a BH postcode or DT11, Book your free home visit; everywhere else, Get an online quote. If you need time between homes, our storage service in Dorset can hold your belongings short or long term.
Your questions answered
What documents do I need to move household goods to Italy?
Expect to need your passport, a detailed inventory, proof of your new residence in Italy such as a rental contract or deeds, and proof that you are leaving your UK home. Goods also need an export declaration when they leave the UK. We help you prepare the paperwork, but check current Italian customs guidance as requirements can change.
Will I pay duty on my furniture moving to Italy?
Normally not, if you are transferring your main home. EU transfer of residence relief usually covers belongings you have owned and used for at least six months, as long as you have lived outside the EU for 12 months or more. New purchases, items for resale and some restricted goods may not qualify.
Can a removal lorry reach my home in an Italian old town?
Sometimes not directly. Many historic centres have narrow streets and restricted traffic zones. Tell us about access, parking and stairs when we survey your Dorset home, and send photos or a map link for the Italian address if you can, so we can plan the delivery properly before moving day.
Is my move to Italy insured?
Yes, your belongings are fully insured for goods in transit while we move them. For shipping abroad, marine insurance must be arranged by the customer, and 1st Choice Removals does not provide it. Arrange your cover before moving day and make sure the value reflects the cost of replacing your belongings in Italy.
Can you pack and crate antiques and artwork for Italy?
Yes. Fragile items are properly wrapped, and we can build bespoke wooden crates for antiques, paintings and other valuable pieces. Pianos are handled through our specialist removals service. Tell us about any high-value or delicate items at the survey so we can plan packing materials, crating and loading.
Can you help me buy euros for my move to Italy?
Yes. We work with Regency FX, our currency exchange partner, which can help you move money from pounds to euros for a property purchase, rental deposit or ongoing bills. Ask us for an introduction when you book, or visit our currency exchange page for more details.