A long-distance move between Berlin and Great Britain requires precise planning, reliable communication and experienced coordination. Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and handles the preparation, organisation and supervision of your move centrally from here. We guide you through all the necessary steps, coordinate dates and adapt our services to your personal needs.
Our services for long-distance moves between Berlin and the UK
Personal advice and needs analysis
In the first conversation we clarify your priorities: which items are particularly valuable or fragile, what are the access conditions at the collection and delivery addresses, and which additional services would you like? Based on this information, we draw up a clear moving overview.
Protective packing and special handling
For long distances we rely on precisely fitting protection. Furniture, lamps, pictures and fragile items are packed individually, secured with padding and clearly labelled so that everything remains identifiable during loading and on the long journey.
Transport organisation and central coordination
We coordinate all the logistics from Berlin: vehicle scheduling, load planning and liaising with you as our client. We organise the transport without claiming to have a local removal company in Great Britain as our own branch.
Our process
To keep your move predictable, we follow a clear, structured process:
- Initial consultation to determine your needs and prepare the quote
- Preparation: delivery of materials, scheduling, clarifying special requests
- Packing and labelling: protecting furniture and fragile items
- Loading and securing: professional stowing in the transport vehicle
- Unloading and handover: coordination at the destination, condition check with you
Additional services and individual arrangements
You choose whether we handle packing and unpacking, dismantle and reassemble furniture or arrange additional protective measures. All special services are discussed transparently and included in your moving overview.
Formalities and information
For moves to or from the United Kingdom, we inform you about the usual documents and possible procedures. For specific legal or customs-related questions, we refer you to the competent authorities and support you with general information, without giving binding legal advice.
Moving Berlin–UK since Brexit
Since Great Britain left the EU, a move there is a move to a third country. Household goods must be declared to British customs. If you are moving your residence to Great Britain, you can usually apply for relief from import duties (Transfer of Residence). You should submit this application before the move, because without approval there may be delays and costs at the border.
Documents you need
- Approval for the duty-free import of your household goods
- Complete inventory list with box numbers
- ID and proof of your residence status or visa
- Proof of your new residence, for example a tenancy agreement
- Deregistration at the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) in Berlin
Route and crossing
London is around 1,100 kilometres away, via the Netherlands or Belgium and France. The English Channel is crossed by ferry or through the tunnel; alternatively, there is a ferry from Hook of Holland to Harwich. Together with customs clearance and rest periods, the move is a project lasting several days. Destinations in Scotland or the north of England are considerably further away.
Living in London
Many London flats are in narrow terraced houses with steep stairs, often without a lift. Large furniture has to be dismantled. In many boroughs, parking the lorry requires a permit, with parking spaces reserved in advance. And do not forget: in Great Britain people drive on the left, which matters when unloading on the street side.
Electrical appliances
British sockets use a different system from German ones. Many appliances work with adapters; for others it is worth buying new ones locally. Consider whether the washing machine really needs to come along – British rental flats often already have one.
Costs
In addition to staff and vehicle, there are costs for the crossing, customs clearance, fuel and overnight stays. General information can be found under Moving Company Berlin Costs. For small volumes, a part load may make sense; you can read more about international moves under International Moves Berlin.
Moving to Scotland, Ireland or northern England
The further north the destination, the longer the drive on the British side. For Manchester or Edinburgh, many more hours are added to the roughly 1,100 kilometres to London. If you are moving to Ireland, you need an additional ferry connection; unlike Great Britain, Ireland is part of the EU, so different import rules apply there.
Driving on the left and stopping rules
Strict rules for stopping and parking apply in British cities. In many places a parking space for moving day must be reserved with the council. Clarify this early with your landlord or the property management.
Allow time
Because of the customs formalities, you should allow more lead time for a move to Great Britain than for a move within the EU. We start planning as soon as your documents are complete.
Moving to the UK after Brexit: customs, ferry and visa
Since the United Kingdom left the EU, moving to Great Britain has become considerably more complex. Household goods must be declared to customs, and for a permanent stay German nationals generally need a visa or a settled residence status. With the right preparation, a move to London, Manchester or Edinburgh is nevertheless very manageable.
Across the English Channel
From Berlin to London it is around 1,100 kilometres, including the crossing. The route goes via the Netherlands or Belgium to Calais or Dunkirk, then by ferry or through the Eurotunnel to Dover or Folkestone. Alternatively, there are ferry connections from Rotterdam or Hook of Holland to Hull or Harwich. For a lorry this means two to three days. Traffic drives on the left in Great Britain, and many streets in residential areas are narrow. We plan the delivery accordingly.
Transfer of Residence: duty-free import of household goods
If you move your residence to Great Britain, you can import personal belongings free of duty under certain conditions. To do this, an application for Transfer of Residence relief is submitted to the British customs authority, usually before entry. Among other things, you must have lived outside Great Britain for a certain period beforehand and the items must already have been used. After approval you receive a reference number, which must be stated on import. Without these documents, delays or duties may occur.
Export from the EU
On the German side, too, export clearance is required because the household goods are leaving the EU. For this we work with experienced customs agents who prepare the necessary documents. Your task is to provide a complete inventory list and your personal documents.
Visa and residence
In Berlin you deregister at the Bürgeramt. For a permanent stay in Great Britain, German nationals generally need a visa, for example a work visa. Clarify your residence status before planning the move. Without a settled status, customs relief for household goods is not possible either.
Living in London
London flats are often in Victorian terraced houses divided into flats. Stairs are narrow and lifts are rare. Parking in residential streets often requires a permit from the relevant borough. In central London there is also a congestion charge and a low emission zone with requirements for vehicles. For the last few metres, we often work with partners on site.
Costs
The costs depend on distance, crossing, customs clearance, volume and delivery. Because of the customs formalities, a move to Great Britain is more expensive than to an EU country. You will receive an individual quote after an on-site survey. More on this on our page International Moves Berlin.
Planning a move? We are happy to advise you.
Free on-site survey and a binding fixed-price quote – with no hidden costs.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lion Umzüge operate on site in Great Britain itself?
Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and organises your move centrally from here. For services at the destination we coordinate the procedure, without claiming to be a local removal company in Great Britain.
How do you handle particularly fragile or valuable items?
Fragile pieces receive tailored packaging and extra padding. We document their condition during loading and label them carefully so that these items can be loaded and delivered safely.
How much does a move from Berlin to the UK cost?
London is around 1,100 kilometres away including the ferry across the English Channel, Manchester or Edinburgh considerably further. In addition to volume and floors, there are the ferry, customs clearance and overnight stays. You receive a fixed price after the on-site survey. General cost factors under Moving Company Berlin Costs.
How long does a move from Berlin to the UK take?
For London we usually reckon with three days: loading in Berlin, the journey with ferry crossing and customs clearance, and delivery. For destinations in northern England or Scotland, add one day.
How much lead time do I need for a move from Berlin to the UK?
At least eight weeks in advance. Relief from import duties must be applied for before your household goods cross the border, and ferry places for lorries are scarce, especially in summer.
How are my belongings insured during a move from Berlin to the UK?
Until delivery in Great Britain, liability under Section 451e of the German Commercial Code (HGB) applies, i.e. 620 euros per cubic metre of loading space required. For a wine collection or a piano, we discuss additional insurance in advance.
Do I need customs documents for a move from Berlin to the UK?
Yes, since Brexit household goods have to be declared to British customs. With approved relief (Transfer of Residence), your household goods generally remain duty-free. You submit the application to the customs authority HMRC before the move – we will tell you which details from the inventory list are needed for it.
Moving to the UK: request a quote
London, Manchester or Edinburgh: send us your destination in the United Kingdom and your date, or call us on 030 612 964 73. After the free on-site survey you will receive a written quote. What we do for you within Berlin can be found at your moving company Berlin.
If you are planning a long-distance move between Berlin and Great Britain, Lion Umzüge in Berlin offers structured, personal support and clear processes. Contact us for a personal conversation — we will draw up a moving overview tailored to you and guide you step by step through the planning right up to the handover.
