Before you move
Time
4 to 10 weeks lead time
Cost
€600 to 4,000+ depending on volume and distance
Difficulty
Medium
What to bring
An inventory list of what you're shipping
Quotes from at least two international movers
Passport and proof of your new address, for customs paperwork
Not needed: A full shipment, if you're moving light, excess baggage or a pallet service is usually cheaper
Your options
Door-to-door international mover
Full-service move, they pack, ship, and clear customs for you
€1,500 to 4,000+
The least hassle if you're shipping furniture or a full household. Get at least two quotes, prices vary hugely by volume and route.
Pallet or box shipping service
You pack, they ship a pallet or a few boxes
€300 to 900
A good middle ground for a partial move, a few boxes of belongings without paying for a full container.
Excess baggage or unaccompanied freight
Ship extra bags through your airline or a freight forwarder
€100 to 400
Cheapest option if you're moving light. Slower and less protected than a dedicated mover.
Prices checked August 2026
Do it
- 1
Get an inventory and at least two quotes
List what you're shipping by room and get quotes from two or three movers, prices vary by thousands of euros for the same job. Ask each quote whether it is a dedicated van or a shared load, since that single difference explains most of the price gap, and whether the quote includes insurance or only basic liability by weight.
- 2
Check your departure country's export rules
The paperwork differs sharply by where you're leaving from. UK movers need extra customs declarations post-Brexit, EU citizens moving within the EU/EEA usually need none, and US, Canadian, and Australian citizens typically just need an inventory and proof of your new address.
- 3
Check the import allowance at your destination
Most countries let returning residents and new arrivals import used household goods duty-free within a window of establishing residency, often 6 to 12 months. Keep your move date documented to claim it.
- 4
Book 6 to 10 weeks ahead
Sea freight from outside Europe can take 6 to 12 weeks; road freight within Europe is faster, often 1 to 3 weeks.
Common questions
Do I need a customs broker?
Most international movers handle customs clearance as part of the service. If you're shipping independently, a local customs broker can help, especially for anything outside a standard household move.
What if I'm moving from outside the EU?
You'll typically need proof you're establishing residency at your destination to qualify for duty-free import of used personal belongings, ask your mover or a customs broker to confirm your exact allowance.
Full checklist tracking and task completion live in the Ternli app for Dubai.