European Removals Service

Everything you must know about how to move to Europe

With full-service European removals and storage depots in London, Paris and the South of France and regular scheduled European services – Cadogan Tate is perfectly placed to manage your moving and storage requirements within Europe.

Looking after everything
Moving to Europe can appear daunting – but there is no need to worry as our Move Management Service will take care of everything. We will draw up a Move Plan to meet your needs and cost requirements. From there, we can take care of all practical arrangements including packing, transport, storage, shipping, Customs, insurance and anything else you need.

With you all the way
Your Move Co-ordinator will be on hand every step of the way, from specialist packing for antiques and valuables, to tracking and monitoring your shipment throughout its journey. It really is a seamless service that ends with your possessions being safely delivered to your new location.

Planning your European move

Packing and unpacking for European removals

The European removals staff at Cadogan Tate learn the art of packing for long distance removals at our training centre, so you can rest assured your valuables are in the most skilful of hands. We have several packing options to choose from, and if you would like help deciding, please do not hesitate to ask.

Packing options

Full pack – we take care of everything and pack all your belongings whatever they are, including dismantling furniture and reassembling it at the other end. Clothing and linen will be packed in special lay-flat cartons.

Part pack – we only pack your breakable and fragile items, and then carefully unpack them at your new home onto a flat surface.

Special requirements – this is for large, heavy or fragile items or simply items that need particular care. Whether it is a piano, a safe, paintings or something of great sentimental value, we will use our specialist packing techniques and experience to ensure it is safe and secure.

Unpacking options

Full unpack and put-away service – we will work out with you in advance where you want everything to go in your new home. On arrival, our team will carefully unpack and place every item exactly where it is supposed to go.

Full unpack onto flat surfaces – we unpack everything onto flat surfaces so you can then decide where you want it all to go. For example, kitchen items will be unpacked onto work surfaces, china on the dining room table, clothes onto beds etc.

Limited unpack – we will unpack only your fragile items and place them onto flat surfaces.

Self unpack – after unloading all your packed-up belongings into your new home; we leave it to you to unpack them.

European removal options

There are a variety of options to consider for your European move. Consignments are typically transported by road, with sea crossings where required.  Air freight is less common, but is of course an option if a consignment is very urgent.

Exclusive load

You will be assigned a dedicated vehicle and crew for your move , which is best if you have a large load and would like to be very specific about your move dates.

Shared and group consignments

Your European removals consignment will share space on the vehicle with other consignments moving at the same time. This option is suitable if you have a smaller consignment or more flexibility in your move date.

Air Freight

The benefit of air freight is that it is the fastest option. It is also more expensive and is charged by the kilo. So if you have a very urgent consignment, Air Freight could be an option.

Customs clearance

If you are moving between EU member states Customs clearance is not required. However, if you are moving to a non member state within Europe, Switzerland for example, Customs clearance will be required. Your Surveyor or Move Co-ordinator will advise you if Customs clearance is required.

Clearance may take between three and five days, and sometimes longer if Customs decide to carry out a random check. There may also be some duty to be paid on some items. Your Move Co-ordinator will keep you fully informed.

Once your consignment has cleared Customs it will be delivered to your destination residence by the delivery crew, to be unpacked according to your instructions, and the inventory checked with you to ensure everything has arrived in good condition.

European storage

With state-of-the-art storage facilities in London, the Home Counties, Paris and the South of France and a network of carefully vetted facilities throughout Europe – Cadogan Tate is perfectly placed to store your belongings safely and securely.

European coverage

Our own state-of-the-art facilities and a network of carefully vetted European storage facilities run by partner organisations – means your belongings can be safely stored virtually anywhere in Europe.

All of the storage facilities are protected by excellent physical security, intruder alarms, fire detection, digitally recorded CCTV and sound detection, which are monitored 24/7 at an offsite security control room.

In safe hands

You can rest assured that your possessions, no matter how valuable, either financially or sentimentally, are in good hands. We look after priceless paintings, rare wines, samurai swords, even Nureyev’s ballet shoes. All our European removals and storage staff are highly trained and security cleared, and can help with receiving, unpacking, condition reporting, specialist fine art handling, restoration and conservation. Supported by an exceptional operations system, we know the exact location and condition of over a million items in our possession.

Pet transport

Pets are part of the family and we give them the best of care throughout their journey. We can arrange everything from pet passports and paperwork to veterinary checks and ensuring their well-being.

Moving common pets such as dogs and cats within the EU is relative straightforward. Using the pet passport scheme (PET) your animal can travel without the need for quarantine. As the laws applying to animals vary between European countries, it is advisable to check on the specific requirements of the country you are moving to. If you are moving with Cadogan Tate your Move Co-ordinator will be able to help you with this.

All you need to do is let us know that you are planning on taking your pet with you when you make your enquiry and our European removals team will provide you with the information you need.

Specialist European Removals Services

Every move is special and there will always be individual requirements that need extra care and attention. Whatever yours are, we can accommodate them no matter how large or complex.

Specialist packing

Most European removal companies supply packing materials such as blankets, bubble wrap and boxes. But for those extra precious items we can also supply made-to-measure cases for mirrors, lampshades or anything else that needs more protection.

Fully managed European moves

We will take care of everything so you do not have to lift a finger. Right from the start, we will pack everything up safely and securely. This means you can leave a day early and relax while we handle everything, including unpacking it all at the other end and placing it in your new home. Nothing could be easier.

Difficult access

Do not worry if there is restricted or difficult access where you live or where you are going. We have the knowledge, experience and equipment to navigate our way around even the most difficult obstructions, safely and legally.

Pianos and large items

No object is too large for us to handle. From pianos to cumbersome awkward objects, we do what it takes to ensure they are moved safely and efficiently; including lifting equipment and custom-made packing where required.

Fine art, antiques and art installations

We are considered to be the experts in this field. Over the years our unique specialist knowledge, experience and attention to detail has been called on by major art galleries and private collectors around the world. Services include bespoke packing, custom crating, rigging, art installations and picture hanging.

Confidential moves

Sometimes you may not want everyone to know you are moving. In these instances, we are relied upon for our robust confidentiality. Our customers include everyone from the world’s biggest rock and film stars, to celebrities, politicians and VIPs. We also carry out high-level institutional, security or market-sensitive moves for governments and law enforcement agencies. All our staff have been CRB cleared and are bound by our Confidentiality Agreement.

Scheduled European removals

Having a large fleet of removals vehicles means we can offer regular weekly transport departures to key destinations all over Europe. These include France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal, Scandinavia and Switzerland.

This makes getting your belongings to or from the continent quick, easy and reliable. There is a choice of packing options and you can have your belongings delivered to a storage facility or straight to your new home, whichever suits you best.

Exclusive Shipment – you will have a vehicle at your exclusive disposal to transport your belongings at a departure date of your choosing.

Direct Shipment – You choose the departure date, and we will allocate a vehicle for your requirements that may be shared with other customers’ shipments. Your belongings will be delivered directly to your desired destination.

Shared Shipment – as it says, the space in your vehicle will be shared with other customers’ belongings. We will give you a date for delivery within a delivery window you are happy with. You can also opt for your belongings to be delivered straight into storage and then we can deliver them to you on exactly the date you want.