Before you start
Check residence requirements, prepare evidence for any household-goods relief and tell the mover about restricted streets, stairs and the delivery floor.
Research your everyday location
Start with the routine you will live, rather than the holiday you enjoyed. Check the journey to work, schools, shops and healthcare from the actual neighbourhood. Compare an apartment in a city with a home outside it using the transport you expect to rely on.
On a property visit, measure rooms and ask about furniture already included. Older buildings may have narrow stairs or small lifts. A useful shortlist records the entrance, floor, vehicle access and likely space for large furniture, alongside rent and other household costs.
Confirm the residence route before booking the move
British citizens planning to live in Italy should check the permission relevant to their purpose and duration. Existing residents and new arrivals may have different circumstances. Use the official living in Italy guide as a starting point and consult the Italian authority dealing with your application.
Keep work, study, family and residence documents organised separately from the removal inventory. Avoid packing originals into freight: you may need them while your belongings are travelling or to complete local registration.
Prepare for Italian household-goods customs
Italian customs describes conditional transfer-of-residence relief for qualifying personal property. Evidence of residence outside the EU and previous possession and use of the goods matters. Importing ahead of your residence transfer can involve additional conditions or a guarantee.
Ask the destination agent which application and inventory format fit your position. Retain proof of your old address and new arrangements, and identify recently bought goods. Use the Italian customs relief information and forms rather than assuming a UK-to-EU load has no customs formalities.
Plan delivery into a historic centre
Tell the mover if the property is inside a restricted traffic zone, on a pedestrian street or beyond a narrow access road. Ask the owner or managing agent about loading permissions and permitted hours. Do not assume a full-size removal vehicle can reach the front door.
Check whether a smaller shuttle vehicle, longer carry or specialist lifting arrangement will be needed and how it will be priced. The Italy removals page helps frame a route discussion; photographs of the actual access are more valuable than a general description such as “central location”.
Choose what to move and what to leave
Compare the size and usefulness of your furniture with the destination rooms. A large wardrobe may not suit a compact apartment, while a well-made dining table may justify careful shipping. Ask who will dismantle and reassemble pieces, and record fittings so they stay with the correct item.
Talk through packing for the international journey and any goods needing separate checks. If you will rent temporarily first, compare shipping later with UK storage. The destination agent should confirm whether changing a delivery address would affect customs or transport arrangements.
Set up the first month independently of the shipment
Arrange bedding, basic cooking equipment and work essentials for the period before delivery. Confirm healthcare arrangements, school admissions and how local utility accounts will be opened. Check pet documentation early with the relevant vet and authorities, separately from the furniture load.
For a written quote, give Easy Moving your collection postcode, Italian town, destination floor, volume and preferred dates through the quote request. Mention any access restriction and whether your housing is confirmed.
Common questions
Can I move belongings to a holiday home under residence relief?
Do not assume so. A second-home shipment and a transfer of normal residence can receive different treatment. Explain the purpose to the destination customs agent.
What information helps with an Italian city delivery?
The full address, floor, lift dimensions, street restrictions, parking possibilities and a building contact. Photos and measurements help identify the right delivery arrangement.
Should I send everything at once?
That depends on housing readiness and your first-month needs. Compare a single load with holding some goods in the UK, including handling and storage costs.
Official information for your planning
Source links checked on 9 October 2026. Recheck destination requirements before you book or ship.
Make a plan for your move
Send your collection postcode, destination, inventory and likely dates so your quotation can reflect the actual move.
Request a moving quote