UK to Italy European Removals

Moving to Italy from the UK

Relocating from the United Kingdom to Italy involves more than loading a removals vehicle and driving across Europe. Since the UK left the European Union, household goods moving from Great Britain to Italy must complete UK export and Italian import customs procedures.

Easy Moving London provides coordinated UK-to-Italy relocation services for individuals, couples, families, returning residents and businesses moving employees. We can arrange anything from a few boxes and selected furniture to the contents of a fully furnished family home.

Our service can include a home or video survey, professional packing, UK collection, dedicated road transport, part-load or groupage removals, customs-document support, storage and delivery throughout mainland Italy, Sicily and Sardinia.

Eligible used household goods can normally be imported without customs duty and import VAT when the customer genuinely transfers their normal residence from outside the European Union to Italy. The exemption is conditional and must be supported by suitable evidence.

The customer generally needs to have lived outside the EU for at least twelve consecutive months and used the personal belongings in the previous residence for at least six months. The goods should remain for the same personal or family use after the move and should not be imported for commercial purposes.

New goods, alcohol, tobacco, commercial vehicles, commercially used equipment and goods outside the residence-transfer conditions can be subject to customs duty and Italian VAT.

Request a free UK-to-Italy moving quoteSee How It Works
  • Professional household packing
  • UK collection
  • Dedicated European removals
  • Part-load and groupage services
  • UK export and Italian import support
  • Storage
  • Door-to-door delivery across Italy
Venice canal and historic buildings in Italy
Italy removals planned around your shipment size, customs documents, access conditions and final delivery address.

A Moving Company for Relocation to Italy

Italy is a varied European-removal destination. A move to Milan or Turin follows a shorter route than a move to Rome, Naples, Calabria, Sicily or Sardinia. Historic centres, mountain roads, island ferries and restricted traffic zones can also affect the final delivery.

Rome skyline with historic domes and rooftops
Door-to-door moving support for Milan, Rome, Florence, Turin, Venice, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia and other Italian destinations.

Easy Moving London coordinates the survey, packing, collection, European transport, customs documentation and delivery as one planned service. We begin by identifying what needs to be moved and estimating the packed volume.

A dedicated vehicle can suit a larger move, fixed dates or customers who want the shortest practical route. A part-load or groupage service can be more economical for boxes, selected furniture and smaller homes where the dates are flexible.

Most UK-to-Italy household moves travel by road through France, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg or another European route selected by the carrier. The exact route depends on the collection point, Italian destination, vehicle schedule, customs plan and current road conditions.

Island moves require an additional ferry stage. Sicily is normally reached through the Strait of Messina or by an alternative ferry route, while Sardinia deliveries use a scheduled vehicle ferry from mainland Italy.

Delivery planning is especially important in Italian historic centres. Many cities use a Zona a Traffico Limitato, commonly shortened to ZTL, where access is restricted and monitored by cameras. The required vehicle registration, permit or delivery window should be confirmed before the crew enters the area.

This page focuses mainly on moves from Great Britain—England, Scotland and Wales—to Italy. Northern Ireland follows a different goods and customs framework in several areas and should be checked separately.

Who is this service suitable for?

  • UK residents relocating to Italy for employment
  • Families moving to Milan, Rome or another Italian city
  • Italian citizens returning after living in the UK
  • Couples moving the contents of a flat or small home
  • Students and researchers shipping personal effects
  • Businesses arranging employee relocations
  • Customers sending boxes or a part-load rather than a full household
  • People requiring storage before export or after customs clearance

On This Page

  1. UK-to-Italy relocation services
  2. The European moving process
  3. Dedicated, part-load and small-shipment options
  4. Professional packing
  5. Italian customs and residence-transfer exemption
  6. Documents commonly required
  7. Italian residence registration and Codice Fiscale
  8. Preparing the household-goods inventory
  9. Restricted and excluded goods
  10. Cost of moving from the UK to Italy
  11. Road-removal and delivery times
  12. Popular Italian destinations
  13. Storage during an Italy relocation
  14. Cars, pets and employee relocation
  15. Moving checklist
  16. Frequently asked questions

UK-to-Italy Relocation Services

The exact services included will be confirmed in your written quotation. Depending on the shipment and destination, Easy Moving London can coordinate the following.

Home or Video Survey

A survey is used to estimate the packed volume, review access at the UK property and identify goods that need specialist preparation. It gives us the information required to recommend a suitable vehicle and service.

Show the surveyor everything that may be included, including goods stored in a loft, garage, shed or external unit. Identify artwork, mirrors, musical instruments, antiques, televisions, exercise equipment, stone furniture, safes and unusually heavy items.

Professional Packing

Professional packing can reduce the chance of damage during lifting, vehicle loading, road transport, customs examination, ferry crossings and final delivery. The service can include cartons, furniture wrapping, picture and mirror protection and dismantling of appropriate furniture.

Fragile, high-value or unusually shaped items may need reinforced packing or custom cases. The packing crew also records numbered packages for the customs inventory.

UK Collection

Collection can be arranged from a house, apartment, storage facility or business premises. Provide parking, staircase, lift, narrow-road and loading restrictions before the date is confirmed.

Accurate access information helps ensure the correct vehicle, crew and equipment are planned. A smaller shuttle vehicle or additional labour may be required where the international vehicle cannot park close to the property.

Dedicated Road Removals

A dedicated service reserves the removals vehicle or agreed vehicle capacity for one customer. It is commonly used for larger households, fixed dates, corporate moves and customers who want the shortest practical transport schedule.

The goods are loaded in the UK and travel through the export and import process before continuing to the Italian address. Customs and road restrictions still need to be allowed for even when the vehicle is dedicated.

Part-Load and Groupage Removals

Part-load or groupage services combine separately inventoried consignments from several customers travelling in the same direction. Each customer pays for the vehicle space used.

This can be a cost-effective option for boxes, smaller flats and selected furniture. The main trade-off is flexibility because collection and delivery are planned around a shared European route.

Customs Documentation Support

Easy Moving London can coordinate the household-goods information needed for UK export and Italian import clearance. The file commonly includes a signed inventory, passport copy, residence-transfer declaration and supporting evidence of the previous and new residence.

Italian Customs makes the final decision on exemption, inspection, customs duty, VAT and release. The facts and documentation should be reviewed before collection.

Destination Delivery

After customs clearance, the crew continues to the Italian delivery address. Depending on the selected service, delivery may include unloading, basic reassembly of suitable furniture and removal of used packing materials.

Customers should check parking, ZTL access, lift and building requirements directly with the landlord, building manager or municipality. Historic streets can require a permit, smaller vehicle or external furniture lift.

Storage

Storage can be arranged when goods need to be held before export or after customs clearance. It can also support a phased move, a delayed property handover or a part-load collection that does not depart immediately.

Ask where the goods will be stored, how the rate is calculated, whether intake and release handling are separate, how much notice is required and whether customs clearance must be completed before destination storage.

Business and Employee Relocation

Easy Moving London can coordinate household-goods shipments for employers transferring staff from the UK to Italy. The service can be organised around a relocation allowance, approved volume, employee start date and internal authorisation process.

An Italian employment contract or employer statement can also help support the customs and residence-transfer file.

How Moving from the UK to Italy Works

An Italy relocation should be planned so that collection, customs documents, road transport and Italian residence evidence remain aligned.

  1. Initial Move Assessment

    Provide the UK collection postcode, intended Italian destination, approximate shipment size and preferred dates. Mention storage, specialist items, island delivery and any fixed employment or tenancy deadlines.

  2. Home or Video Survey

    The survey establishes the expected packed volume and identifies access, packing and handling requirements. It also helps determine whether a dedicated or part-load service is appropriate.

  3. Customs Eligibility Review

    The moving team reviews whether the move appears to satisfy the Italian residence-transfer conditions, including the previous residence period, ownership and use of the goods and the intended Italian residence.

  4. Written Quotation

    The quotation should explain the service type, packing scope, collection, customs support, delivery and exclusions. Review possible charges for customs waiting, ZTL permits, ferries, storage and difficult access.

  5. Document Preparation

    Provide the passport, signed inventory, evidence of residence outside the EU and documents supporting the move to Italy. A Codice Fiscale and Italian residence evidence may be requested according to the clearance route.

  6. Packing and Collection

    The moving crew prepares, numbers and inventories the agreed goods. Keep passports, original documents, medication, jewellery, cash, keys and immediate essentials with you.

  7. UK Export Clearance

    The removals company or appointed customs representative submits the required UK export information and prepares the vehicle for the selected Channel route.

  8. Italian or EU Import Clearance

    The customs representative submits the Italian import declaration and residence-transfer relief request with the supporting records.

  9. Customs Review

    Customs can review the evidence, request further documents or inspect the goods. Duty and VAT assessed outside the exemption conditions must be resolved before release.

  10. Delivery in Italy

    Once the goods are released, the vehicle continues to the Italian address. ZTL access, parking, stairs, lifts and island-ferry arrangements should be confirmed in advance.

Transporting Household Goods from the UK to Italy

Most household moves travel by road. The right service depends on volume, date flexibility, destination, island requirements and whether the vehicle space is shared.

Dedicated Removals Vehicle

A dedicated vehicle is used exclusively for one customer's move or carries only that customer's agreed shipment. It normally offers the greatest control over collection and delivery dates.

It is often selected for a larger home, time-sensitive move, direct corporate relocation or shipment containing high-value and fragile items. The service costs more than groupage because the vehicle and route are not shared.

Part-Load or Groupage Service

A part-load service combines several household consignments travelling on the same Italy-bound route. Each move remains separately packed, labelled and inventoried.

It can suit boxes, selected furniture, studio flats and one- or two-bedroom homes. Collection and delivery are planned around the shared route rather than one customer's dates alone.

Ask whether the estimate runs from collection to delivery or from departure of the consolidated vehicle.

Small Shipment and Box Service

A customer does not need enough goods to fill a vehicle. Cartons, books, clothes, bicycles, sports equipment and a small number of furniture items can often travel as part of a shared service.

Provide dimensions, weights where known and a clear item list. Customs procedures still apply even when the shipment is small.

Air Freight for Urgent Goods

Air freight is rarely the main method for a complete UK-to-Italy household move because road transport is already relatively fast. It may still suit a compact urgent shipment.

Compare the complete airport, customs and delivery cost with a dedicated road service before choosing air.

Transport Option Comparison

ServiceUsually suitable forMain benefitMain consideration
Dedicated vehicleLarger homes and fixed-date movesDirect and date-focused serviceHigher cost because the route is not shared
Part-load or groupageBoxes, flats and partial household movesPay for the space usedBroader collection and delivery window
Small-shipment serviceCartons and selected itemsNo need to book a complete vehicleMinimum charges and shared scheduling may apply
Air freightCompact urgent consignmentsFast international transportUsually unnecessary or expensive for this route

Professional Packing for a Move to Italy

The road journey is shorter than an intercontinental shipment, but belongings can still be handled several times and may be inspected by Customs. Correct packing and a clear inventory remain important.

Furniture can be wrapped, suitable cartons selected for different contents and fragile goods given additional protection. Custom cases may be recommended for artwork, antiques, mirrors, glass, stone or unusually shaped items.

Items that may need additional preparation

  • Pictures, mirrors and framed artwork
  • Glass tables and cabinets
  • Antiques and sculptures
  • Televisions, monitors and audio equipment
  • Musical instruments
  • Marble, stone and unusually heavy furniture
  • Large appliances
  • Bicycles and sports equipment
  • High-value collections
  • Goods requiring custom cases

Historic properties and narrow access

Rome, Florence, Venice, Genoa, Bologna, Naples and many smaller Italian towns contain historic properties with narrow staircases, small lifts and restricted vehicle access. Measure large furniture against the doorway, corridor, staircase and lift dimensions.

Some deliveries require an external furniture lift through a balcony or window. This requires suitable access, local permission and a separate quotation.

Heat and climate

Summer road transport and storage can expose goods to higher temperatures, especially in central and southern Italy. Discuss candles, artwork, musical instruments, cosmetics, electronics and temperature-sensitive items before packing.

Electrical goods

Italy uses a 230-volt, 50-hertz electricity supply. Many UK appliances are electrically compatible, but plugs, installation standards, warranties and local servicing differ. Built-in appliances may not suit the Italian kitchen or utility connection.

Owner-packed cartons may be possible for some services, but insurance or shipment-protection terms can differ. Ask how owner-packed goods must be described and which items should only be prepared professionally.

Italian Customs and Transfer-of-Residence Relief

Great Britain is outside the European Union customs territory. Household goods moving from England, Scotland or Wales to Italy therefore require a UK export declaration and Italian import declaration.

Italian and EU customs rules allow qualifying personal and household goods to be imported without customs duty and import VAT when a person transfers their normal residence from a non-EU country to Italy.

Residence outside the European Union

The customer must generally have lived outside the European Union for at least twelve consecutive months before transferring their normal residence.

Italian consular guidance confirms that the exemption is intended for people transferring their usual residence into the EU after living outside it for at least twelve months.

Ownership and use for at least six months

The personal belongings should generally have been owned and used in the previous residence for at least six months before the move.

Recently purchased furniture, new electronics and goods acquired specifically for the relocation can fall outside the exemption and may be assessed for customs duty and Italian VAT.

Continued use for the same purpose

The goods should be intended for the same personal or family purpose in the new Italian residence.

The exemption applies to non-commercial belongings. Goods imported for resale, commercial stock and non-qualifying business equipment do not receive the same treatment.

The import period

Under the general EU transfer-of-residence rules, household effects should normally be imported within twelve months of establishing the new residence. The goods can arrive in one or more consignments during the applicable period.

Where the shipment arrives before residence has been formally established, Customs can request an undertaking and additional security or documentation. The actual route should be confirmed before transport.

The non-disposal restriction

Goods admitted under transfer-of-residence relief cannot normally be lent, hired out, sold, given away or transferred during the first twelve months after customs acceptance.

Customs should be consulted before disposing of an exempt item during that period because customs duty and VAT can become payable.

Goods excluded from the exemption

Italian consular guidance excludes the following from the ordinary customs exemption:

  • Alcoholic products
  • Tobacco and tobacco products
  • Commercial vehicles
  • Items for professional use other than qualifying hand-held tools and normal professional instruments

Other controlled goods can require licences, health certificates, cultural-property authorisations or separate customs treatment.

Italian citizens returning from abroad

Italian citizens registered with AIRE who return permanently after at least twelve months abroad can qualify for customs exemption on used personal household goods.

Consular guidance states that household goods must be owned and used by the returning person and intended for exclusive personal use. The Italian municipality is responsible for updating the returning resident's address and cancelling the AIRE registration.

EU and non-EU citizens relocating to Italy

The customs relief is not limited to Italian citizens. EU and non-EU citizens who transfer their normal residence from outside the EU can qualify when the residence and goods conditions are met.

Italian Customs may request a residence certificate issued by the Italian municipality and other evidence such as a previous employer's certificate, rental agreement, tax record or proof of ownership.

Audio-visual and electronic goods

Italian consular guidance states that audio-visual goods without the required CE marking can face import restrictions, subject to limited historic exceptions supported by purchase documentation.

List televisions, computers, monitors, audio equipment and other valuable electronics clearly. Customs can request purchase evidence, serial numbers or proof that the goods are used household belongings.

Customs inspection

Italian Customs can review the documents and inspect the vehicle or selected packages. Customs can ask for additional evidence of residence, ownership, use and value.

Accurate records and early disclosure of new, restricted or unusual goods can support the process, but no moving company can guarantee that a shipment will not be examined.

This information is general guidance rather than legal or tax advice. The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli and other relevant authorities make all final decisions.

Documents Commonly Needed When Moving to Italy

The final checklist depends on the customer's nationality, goods, municipality and customs office. Commonly requested documents include:

  • Passport identity-page copy
  • Signed detailed inventory or packing list
  • Residence-transfer or repatriation self-declaration
  • Proof of at least twelve months' residence outside the European Union
  • Foreign deregistration, AIRE records or departure evidence where applicable
  • UK council-tax bills, utility bills, tenancy records or employment documents where requested
  • Italian residence certificate issued by the Comune where available
  • Italian rental agreement or property-purchase documents
  • Italian employment contract or employer statement where applicable
  • Codice Fiscale where requested by the clearance agent
  • Evidence that the goods belong to the customer
  • Invoices or purchase records for newer or high-value goods where requested
  • Power of attorney for the customs representative
  • Vehicle ownership and registration records where a vehicle is included
  • Licences, veterinary certificates or cultural-property documents for controlled goods

Proof of the residence transfer can be built from more than one record. Italian guidance lists municipal residence records, employer letters, rental agreements, tax records and ownership evidence as examples Customs may request.

Names should remain consistent across the passport, inventory, transport records and power of attorney. Tell Easy Moving London promptly if the passport is renewed or the consignee changes.

Keep electronic and paper copies available during the move. Newly issued Italian documents may be requested before final release.

Italian Residence Registration and Codice Fiscale

People establishing their residence in Italy normally register their address with the Anagrafe office of the local Comune. The exact procedure depends on nationality, immigration status and municipality.

Italian citizens returning from AIRE must declare the new Italian residential address to the municipality. The municipality is responsible for restoring the resident's registration and updating the AIRE status.

EU citizens staying beyond the initial period may be required to register their residence with the local authority. Non-EU citizens, including many British citizens, must follow the applicable visa, residence-permit and local registration procedures.

A municipal residence certificate can support the customs exemption. When it is not yet available, the customs representative may ask for alternative evidence such as a rental agreement, property record, employment contract or declaration of the intended residence.

Codice Fiscale

The Codice Fiscale is the Italian personal tax identification code. It is widely used for employment, leases, property transactions, banking, healthcare and government procedures.

A customs broker or destination agent may request the Codice Fiscale for the import declaration or local records. Confirm whether it must be obtained before the vehicle departs.

Plan the sequence carefully

  1. Confirm the Italian address or at least the municipality of residence.
  2. Ask the destination agent which residence evidence is required for customs.
  3. Obtain the Codice Fiscale where required.
  4. Arrange the relevant municipal and immigration appointments.
  5. Tell Easy Moving London when the required Italian documents are expected.
  6. Plan customs clearance and delivery around the available evidence.

Easy Moving London does not arrange accommodation, immigration status or municipal registration itself. The customer, employer, relocation adviser, landlord or qualified immigration professional remains responsible for those arrangements.

Preparing the Italian Customs Inventory

The inventory supports the customs declaration and helps Customs determine whether the goods appear consistent with a genuine transfer of residence.

Each carton or wrapped item should have a package number corresponding with the packing list. Clear descriptions are more useful than repeatedly using the word “miscellaneous”.

Useful inventory descriptions

  • Used adult clothing
  • Used children's clothing
  • Used kitchen utensils
  • Books and study materials
  • Bedding and household linen
  • Used ornaments and decorative goods
  • Children's toys
  • Used sports equipment
  • Small household electrical items
  • Used furniture by item type

New and recently purchased goods

Items owned and used for less than six months should be identified accurately. Customs may request an invoice and can assess customs duty and Italian VAT.

Removing the original packaging does not change the date of purchase or period of use. Do not describe a new item as used to obtain relief.

Electronics and audio-visual goods

List televisions, computers, monitors, audio equipment and other valuable electronics separately. Brand, model, serial number, age and value may be requested.

Private vehicles

A private car or motorcycle should be listed separately and supported by registration and ownership documents. The owner must satisfy the residence, ownership, use and non-disposal conditions for customs relief.

Professional equipment

Hand-held tools and normal portable professional instruments can qualify in suitable circumstances. Commercial vehicles, business stock and larger commercial equipment do not qualify in the same way.

Commercial quantities

Do not use a household removal to import stock, samples, merchandise or goods intended for sale. Several identical new items can appear commercial rather than personal.

Restricted, Excluded and Prohibited Goods

The residence-transfer exemption does not override Italian or EU rules on restricted goods. Controlled or unusual items should be checked before packing.

Goods excluded from the ordinary customs exemption

  • Alcoholic products
  • Tobacco and tobacco products
  • Commercial vehicles
  • Non-qualifying professional or commercial equipment
  • New goods that do not meet the six-month use condition
  • Goods imported for resale

Goods requiring particular attention

  • Weapons, ammunition and replica weapons
  • Medicines and controlled pharmaceutical products
  • Plants, seeds, soil and plant products
  • Meat, milk and other animal products
  • Animals and products from protected species
  • Hazardous chemicals and flammable goods
  • Antiques, artworks and culturally protected objects
  • Radio and specialist communications equipment
  • Commercial stock and professional machinery
  • Counterfeit goods

Food and animal products

Personal imports of meat, milk and products containing them from Great Britain into the European Union are restricted because of animal-health risks. Household shipments should generally exclude these products.

Other foods can also have import conditions. Discuss unusual or substantial food quantities before packing.

Plants and plant products

Imports of plants and many plant products from Great Britain are subject to EU phytosanitary requirements. A phytosanitary certificate and inspection may be required.

Do not place houseplants, soil, seeds or untreated plant products in the removals vehicle without written confirmation that they can be imported.

Antiques and cultural property

Antiques, archaeological items, paintings and other cultural objects can require evidence of lawful ownership, age and export status. Specialist cultural-property rules can apply even when the item is part of a household move.

Medicines

Keep essential medication with you in its original packaging, together with the prescription or supporting medical letter. Some medicines can be restricted or require additional documentation.

Items to keep with you

  • Passports and original immigration documents
  • Italian tenancy and residence documents
  • Prescription medication and medical records
  • Cash, jewellery and irreplaceable valuables
  • Keys and important employment paperwork
  • Phones, laptops and chargers needed immediately
  • Several days of clothing and essential toiletries
  • Children's immediate-use items
  • Important school and veterinary records

How Much Does It Cost to Move from the UK to Italy?

There is no single reliable price for a UK-to-Italy move. The total depends on shipment volume, service type, collection location, Italian destination, packing, access, customs, ferries, storage and specialist requirements.

Shipment Volume

Volume is one of the main cost factors. A survey is more accurate than an estimate based only on bedroom count because two homes with the same number of rooms can contain very different amounts of furniture and stored belongings.

Reducing the volume before the survey can lower packing, handling and vehicle costs. Compare the cost of moving low-value bulky furniture with replacing it after arrival.

Dedicated or Part-Load Service

A dedicated vehicle costs more because its route and capacity are reserved for one customer. Part-load services divide transport costs between several moves and are normally more economical for smaller consignments.

UK Collection Location

A collection in southern England has a shorter road journey to the Channel than a collection in Scotland, Wales or northern England. Distance, overnight planning, crew time and access affect the cost.

Italian Destination

Northern destinations such as Milan, Turin and Genoa are closer to the UK than Rome, Naples, Calabria, Sicily or Sardinia. The length of Italy means final distance can materially affect the quote.

Packing and Specialist Handling

A complete packing service requires more labour and materials than a collection of owner-packed cartons. Artwork, antiques, instruments, marble, safes and unusual items may require custom packing or specialist equipment.

ZTL Permits and Difficult Access

Historic centres can require ZTL registration, reserved parking, a smaller shuttle vehicle or an external furniture lift. Narrow streets, staircases and upper-floor delivery can add cost.

Island Ferry Costs

Sicily and Sardinia require an additional ferry stage. Ferry charges, vehicle reservations, sailing schedules and island delivery distance affect the final cost.

Storage

Storage charges may include intake handling, a weekly or monthly rate and a later release or delivery fee. Ask where the goods will be stored, the minimum period and how much notice is required.

Duty, VAT and Inspection

Qualifying transfer-of-residence goods are normally relieved from customs duty and import VAT. New goods, alcohol, tobacco, commercial items and goods outside the exemption conditions can create additional tax and customs charges.

Insurance or Shipment Protection

Ask what protection is included, what optional cover is available and how high-value and owner-packed goods must be declared. Keep invoices, photographs and valuations where appropriate.

Questions to ask when comparing quotations

  • Is this a dedicated or part-load service?
  • Does the quotation include professional packing?
  • Does it include UK export and Italian import customs handling?
  • Does it include delivery to the exact Italian address?
  • Are unpacking and furniture reassembly included?
  • What customs-waiting charges could apply?
  • Are Channel crossings, tolls, fuel and road charges included?
  • What ZTL, parking, shuttle or furniture-lift costs could be added?
  • Are Sicily or Sardinia ferry costs included?
  • What difficult-access charges could apply?
  • What storage charges could be added?
  • Which duty or Italian VAT costs are excluded?
  • What insurance or shipment-protection options are available?
  • How long is the quotation valid?

Request a tailored Italy removals quote

How Long Does a UK-to-Italy Removal Take?

Italy is a medium- to long-distance European road-removal destination. Published moving-company estimates commonly place dedicated full-load services at approximately three to five days for northern and central Italy, with longer routes for Naples, Calabria and the islands.

Part-load and groupage services are commonly estimated at approximately five to twelve days for mainland destinations because the vehicle follows a shared collection and delivery route.

Dedicated moves to Sicily can take approximately six to seven days, while part loads can take approximately nine to fourteen days. Sardinia routes also require ferry reservations and can have broader delivery windows.

Customs clearance can add time according to the documents, customs office, inspection and border route. These figures are planning ranges rather than guaranteed delivery dates.

Example planning ranges

  • Milan, Turin and Genoa: approximately 3–4 days dedicated or 5–9 days part load
  • Bologna and Florence: approximately 3–5 days dedicated or 6–10 days part load
  • Venice and Rome: approximately 4–5 days dedicated or 7–12 days part load
  • Naples: approximately 5–6 days dedicated or 8–13 days part load
  • Sicily: approximately 6–7 days dedicated or 9–14 days part load
  • Sardinia: approximately 5–7 days dedicated or 8–14 days part load

Factors that can affect the schedule

  • Dedicated or shared vehicle service
  • UK collection distance from the Channel
  • Italian destination distance
  • Groupage route and consolidation
  • Ferry or Channel Tunnel availability
  • UK export processing
  • Italian or EU import processing
  • Customs document review
  • Physical examination
  • Weather and European traffic
  • Weekend and public-holiday restrictions
  • ZTL permits and parking reservations
  • Sicily or Sardinia ferry schedules
  • Building delivery appointments
  • Storage instructions

Keep passports, medication, laptops and immediate essentials with you. Do not place anything required immediately after arrival inside a shared road shipment.

Relocation Services Across Italy

Moving to Milan

Milan is one of the most common destinations for UK-to-Italy corporate and family relocations. It is among the closest major Italian cities to the UK road route.

Central ZTL areas, apartment access, courtyards and parking restrictions should be reviewed before delivery.

Moving to Rome

Rome is a longer road route and contains extensive ZTL areas, historic streets and high-density apartment neighbourhoods. Delivery planning should include the district, floor, lift and parking information.

Moving to Florence and Tuscany

Florence has a heavily controlled historic centre, while Tuscany also includes rural villas, hill towns and properties reached by narrow roads. The route should be checked for vehicle size and access.

Part-load services are commonly used for smaller moves to rural or second-home destinations.

Moving to Turin

Turin is a major northern destination with a relatively direct road route from the UK. Central apartment access and restricted streets can still require local planning.

Moving to Bologna

Bologna is a common university, professional and corporate destination. The historic centre uses restricted-access zones and can require a permit or smaller delivery vehicle.

Moving to Venice and Veneto

Venice requires special planning because road vehicles cannot access the historic island in the normal way. Delivery may require transfer to a boat or local porter service.

Mainland Veneto destinations such as Mestre, Padua, Verona and Vicenza use standard road delivery subject to local access.

Moving to Genoa and Liguria

Genoa and the Ligurian coast have steep roads, compact streets and difficult parking. A smaller shuttle vehicle or additional carrying work may be needed.

Moving to Naples and Southern Italy

Naples, Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria require a longer route from the UK. Historic centres, dense urban streets and rural access should be reviewed individually.

Moving to Sicily

Sicily delivery requires a ferry crossing or another island transport stage. Palermo, Catania, Messina, Syracuse and rural destinations have different final-mile distances.

Confirm that the quotation includes the ferry, island road transport and any overnight route planning.

Moving to Sardinia

Sardinia moves require a vehicle ferry from mainland Italy. Routes can serve Cagliari, Olbia, Porto Torres and other island ports depending on the sailing schedule.

Part-load services may have a wider delivery window because the shared route must align with the ferry booking.

Cars, Pets and Employee Relocation to Italy

Moving a Car to Italy

A private passenger car or motorcycle can qualify for customs relief when it forms part of a genuine transfer of residence and meets the residence, ownership, use and non-disposal conditions.

Italian consular guidance states that returning Italian citizens importing a vehicle should generally have owned it for at least six months. Proof of ownership, registration and technical information can be required.

Customs relief does not complete Italian road registration. The vehicle must also meet registration, insurance, technical, tax and conformity requirements.

UK vehicles are right-hand drive and may require lighting or other modifications. Compare the complete registration and modification cost with selling the vehicle in the UK and purchasing another in Italy.

Moving Pets to Italy

Dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to Italy follow the EU pet-travel rules. They normally need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate issued by an official veterinarian.

At least twenty-one full days are normally required after the first rabies vaccination before travel. The animal health certificate is valid for entry into the EU for ten days from issue.

Pets must enter through an approved travellers' point of entry and travel under the correct non-commercial or commercial movement rules. Use a specialist provider for complex or unaccompanied pet transport.

Corporate and Employee Moves

Employers may need a defined shipment allowance, approval procedure and reporting structure. Easy Moving London can coordinate the physical move with the employee and nominated employer contact.

An Italian employment contract or employer statement can also support the customs and residence documentation.

Students and Temporary Moves

A student, temporary assignee or customer furnishing a secondary home may not meet the ordinary transfer-of-normal-residence conditions. Customs duty and Italian VAT can apply according to the circumstances.

Tell Easy Moving London whether Italy will become the main residence and how long the customer expects to remain before booking transport.

UK-to-Italy Relocation Checklist

Eight to Twelve Weeks Before Collection

  • Request detailed European-removal quotations.
  • Arrange a home or video survey.
  • Confirm the Italian destination and planned main residence.
  • Decide what will be moved, sold, donated or stored.
  • Identify goods owned or used for less than six months.
  • Discuss vehicles, pets, antiques and restricted goods separately.
  • Gather proof of at least twelve months' residence outside the EU.
  • Check the appropriate Italian visa or residence route independently.

Four to Eight Weeks Before Collection

  • Choose a dedicated or part-load service.
  • Review the written quotation and customs exclusions.
  • Complete insurance or shipment-protection documentation.
  • Prepare the signed household-goods inventory.
  • Gather the Italian rental agreement or property records.
  • Gather the employment contract or employer statement where applicable.
  • Obtain the Codice Fiscale where required.
  • Arrange storage where required.
  • Check ZTL, parking and furniture-lift requirements.
  • Confirm ferry arrangements for Sicily or Sardinia.

One to Four Weeks Before Collection

  • Confirm parking and access at the UK property.
  • Remove alcohol, tobacco and unapproved restricted goods.
  • Separate passports, medication, valuables and immediate essentials.
  • Back up computers and important files.
  • Photograph high-value items.
  • Check names across the passport, inventory and customs documents.
  • Provide the most accurate Italian address available.
  • Confirm when Italian residence evidence will be available.

After Arriving in Italy

  • Complete the relevant immigration and residence steps.
  • Register the address with the Comune where applicable.
  • Keep the residence certificate and Codice Fiscale records safely.
  • Provide the customs representative with requested Italian evidence.
  • Remain available during customs clearance.
  • Respond to requests concerning newer goods or proof of ownership.

Before Delivery in Italy

  • Confirm the complete address and local contact number.
  • Arrange ZTL access and reserved parking where required.
  • Check the floor, lift, staircase and street width.
  • Confirm whether a shuttle vehicle or external furniture lift is needed.
  • Confirm island ferry and local delivery details where applicable.
  • Ensure an authorised adult can receive the shipment.
  • Inspect goods as they are delivered.
  • Report visible loss or damage under the applicable procedure.

Why Use Easy Moving London for a Relocation to Italy?

A post-Brexit Italy move requires more than booking a vehicle. The survey, inventory, UK export, Italian import declaration, residence evidence, ZTL access and final delivery all need to work together.

Easy Moving London helps coordinate those stages from the UK. We assess the shipment, explain the practical difference between dedicated and part-load services and work with customs and delivery teams through to the Italian address.

We also encourage customers to compare complete quotations. A low transport-only figure may exclude packing, UK export work, Italian customs handling, waiting time, ZTL permits, ferries, storage and difficult-access delivery.

Add Easy Moving London's verified years of experience, accreditations, customer-review score, insurance arrangements, UK collection coverage and Italian delivery-network information to this section before publishing.

Moving to Italy from the UK: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from the UK to Italy?

The cost depends on shipment volume, dedicated or part-load service, collection location, Italian destination, packing, access, customs, ferries and storage. A survey followed by a written door-to-door quotation is the most reliable way to establish the price.

How long does a UK-to-Italy removal take?

Dedicated services are commonly estimated at approximately three to five days for northern and central Italy, with longer routes for southern Italy and the islands. Part loads commonly take approximately five to twelve days or longer according to the route.

What is the cheapest way to move belongings to Italy?

A part-load or groupage service is often the most economical option for a smaller shipment because the vehicle space and route costs are shared with other customers.

Can I move only boxes to Italy?

Yes. Boxes and smaller personal-effects consignments can often travel as part of a shared European route. Customs documentation still applies.

What is a dedicated Italy removal?

A dedicated service reserves the removals vehicle or agreed capacity for one customer. It generally offers more control over dates and a more direct route than groupage.

What is a part-load or groupage service?

A part-load service combines separately packed and inventoried moves travelling on the same Italy-bound route. Each customer pays for the vehicle space used.

Do I have to complete customs forms after Brexit?

Yes. Household goods moving from Great Britain to Italy cross a UK–EU customs border. UK export and Italian import declarations are required.

Are household goods duty free when moving to Italy?

Eligible used household goods can normally be imported without customs duty and import VAT when the customer and goods meet the transfer-of-residence conditions.

How long must I have lived outside the EU?

The general condition is at least twelve consecutive months outside the European Union before transferring the normal residence.

How long must I have owned and used my belongings?

The goods should generally have been owned and used in the previous residence for at least six months before the move.

How soon must I import my household goods?

Under the general transfer-of-residence rules, household goods should normally be imported within twelve months of establishing the new residence.

Can I sell my belongings after importing them duty free?

Goods admitted under residence-transfer relief cannot normally be lent, hired out, sold, given away or transferred during the first twelve months after customs acceptance.

What documents are needed for Italian customs clearance?

Common documents include the passport, signed inventory, residence-transfer declaration, proof of previous residence outside the EU and evidence of the intended or established Italian residence.

Do I need an Italian residence certificate?

Italian Customs can request a residence certificate issued by the municipality. Other supporting evidence may be accepted according to the customs office and stage of the move.

What is a Codice Fiscale?

The Codice Fiscale is Italy's personal tax identification code. It is widely used for employment, leases, banking and government procedures and may be requested for customs records.

Will Italian Customs inspect my belongings?

Italian Customs can review the documents and inspect the vehicle or selected packages. No moving company can guarantee that a shipment will not be inspected.

Can I include alcohol or tobacco?

Alcoholic products, tobacco and tobacco products are excluded from the ordinary transfer-of-residence customs exemption. Do not include them without specific customs advice.

Can I move food or plants to Italy?

Meat, milk, plants, seeds, soil and other agricultural goods can be prohibited or require certificates and inspection when entering the EU from Great Britain. These goods should generally be excluded unless written approval is obtained.

What is a ZTL?

A ZTL is a restricted traffic zone used in many Italian city centres. Vehicle access can be limited by time, vehicle type or permit and is often monitored by cameras.

Can a removals vehicle enter an Italian ZTL?

It may be possible with registration, a permit or a designated delivery period. The exact process depends on the municipality and should be confirmed before delivery.

Can you collect from anywhere in the UK?

Add Easy Moving London's confirmed UK collection coverage before publishing. Customers should provide the full postcode and property access details because distance and access affect the quotation.

Can you deliver anywhere in Italy?

Moving services can be discussed for Milan, Rome, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Venice, Genoa, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia and other Italian destinations.

Can my belongings be stored during the move?

Storage may be available before export or after customs clearance. Confirm the location, recurring rate, handling fees, minimum period, release notice and later delivery arrangements.

Can I move my car to Italy?

A qualifying private vehicle can receive customs relief when the conditions are met. Italian registration, insurance, technical, tax and conformity requirements remain separate.

Can you help move pets to Italy?

Dogs, cats and ferrets moving from Great Britain normally need a microchip, rabies vaccination and animal health certificate and must enter the EU through an approved point of entry.

Do I need insurance for a European removal?

Suitable cover should be considered because the goods are packed, loaded, transported across borders and delivered. Ask what protection is included and how high-value or owner-packed goods are treated.

When should I book a move to Italy?

Starting around eight to twelve weeks before collection gives time for a survey, customs documents, route planning, ZTL permits and ferry bookings. Begin earlier during summer or when moving to an island or historic centre.

Start Planning Your Move to Italy

Tell Easy Moving London what you need to move, where it is being collected and which part of Italy it needs to reach. We can assess the shipment, explain the available dedicated and part-load options and prepare a quotation for your UK-to-Italy relocation.

Request a free Italy relocation quote